 | Antigua Guatemala Things To Do Reviews | 1 - 10 of 56 |  |
Casa Popenoe, Popenoe house, is a restored colonial mansion which we visited on the Elizabeth Bell tour. Here you can get a look into domestic life in the colonial era. The house was built in 1634 by a supreme court judge originally from Spain. Over the years it was abandoned and fell into disrepair, until finally in 1932, it was bought and restored by Doctor Wilson Popenoe, a United Fruit Company scientist.
The house was restored to its former glory and filled with antique furniture and art. Every detail has been restored.
It is occupied by two of Dr. Popenoe's daughters but open for tours. Leave a Comment Address: 1 Avenue SurDirections: open Monday through Saturday 2-4pm admission about US $1.00
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Museo de Arte Colonial houses some impressive sculptures of saints and painting by leading artists of the colonial era.
Just off the parque Central is this museum of the art treasures of Antigua. Sadly, the lovely but poorly equiped building is home to many beautiful examples of Antigua's past. It rained heavily on the day we visited and the humidity was high. There is no climate control here and the artwork is suffering.
To our dismay, a roof leak was falling directly onto a lovely wooden statue! Leave a Comment Address: 5a Calle Oriente 5Phone: 832-0429Directions: half a block east of the Parque Central
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This building on the Parque Central is to the right when facing the Cathedral. It was once the governmental center of all of Central America. Walk along the stately double arcaded facade for a lovely view of the plaza and the cathedral. Today the building houses the local government agencies. Leave a Comment
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These are the women that you see all over the place. They're selling all kind of arts and crafts like beautiful coloured blankets, wooden bracelets, coconut rings, tiny puppets and all more. And they carry it all around on their heads!
It's kind of difficult to shoot their picture as they all want money for it! I even have one picture where a girl has her hands on her eyes because I didn't pay her any money. Once you buy somehting from them they probably will approve... Leave a Comment
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When American schoolbuses reach their expiration date, they are driven to Guatemala. There, they enter heaven: they get painted with fantastic designs and drive through gorgeous landscapes. When I showed someone a picture, he said "This bus is bad*$$."
You encounter the buses throughout the country, but especially around Guatemala City and Antigua. I never got to ride on the buses, however. I always ended up on the slightly upscale minibuses. Leave a Comment Directions: Around the market area and the Calzada Santa Lucia (Western end of town).
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This shop has been producing typical Antiguan sweets since 1872, offering a variety of goods made from milk, condensed milk, coconut, almonds, marzapan, guyava, sesame seeds and more, packaging your selections in boxes. Experiencing these tastes is a must do. If you have no idea what to order, do as I did: give the lady your price and have her make the selections for you. Leave a Comment Address: 4a Calle a block east of the Central Park
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Casa Popenoe is a beautiful example of a 17th century Antigueno home. It has been restored and many of the items owned by Don Luis de las Infantas Mendoza, who built it in 1636, have been placed in the rooms. Damaged badly by the earthquake of 1773, restoration efforts were not undertaken until 1929 after it was purchased by Americans William and Dorothy Popenoe who spared no expense or patience to restore the home to its orginal splendor. The home is still owned by the family and members still come here to live during parts of the year.
Of special interest are the music room with many antique instruments, the kitchen which includes antique Antiguan ceramics, and the pigeon house on the roof. They also have their own laundry sinks, similar to the ones in the Plaza de la Union outside the Iglesia de Santa Clara. The grounds are well maintained and beautifully landscaped. Be sure to ask for a guide who can better explain the significance of some of the items in the home and the history of the families. Leave a Comment Address: 1a Avenida SurPhone: 502.7832.3087Directions: On the west side of the street between 5a and 6a Calle Oriente
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Gorgeous view of Antigua and Volcan Agua. Tourist police escort tourists up every day at 10 am and 3 pm I believe, free of charge (though I'm sure they'd take a tip!).
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Elizabeth Bell or Roberto Spillari take you on a walking English tour of certain parts of the city. She is american but has lived in Antigua for a very long time. She knows all about the culture, social changes that have happened in the last 20 years. She's a fascinating women, very blunt and to the point. I kinda wanted to sit down with her and pick her brain over beers. Try to get E. Bell, I don't know how the other person is. Her office is right next to Hotel Santo Domingo in the North East part of town. The office has funky hours so go in the middle of the day and book your reservation. $18 per person, but she does say that she donates to certain social causes.
The day we went was one of the most beautiful days I've ever seen, completely and uterly magnificant. Address: 3a Calle Oreinte #28Phone: 832-5821Directions: Starts off in Parque Central.Website: antiguatours.net Other Contact: elizbell@gold.guate.net.gt
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This striking baroque building houses the ongoing work of Santo Hermano Pedro which is to provide medical attention to the poor. Their mission statement (from their website) reads:
"To offer with love and charity, a high level of attention to the people of low income, patients needing surgery, those needing basic preventive service and health specialization, food, clothing, education, both moral and spiritual, in coordination with volunteers from both national and foreign organization."
As it is still a functioning facility there isn't much to see although you might ask if you can explore the inside grounds. Otherwise you can just admire the exterior architecture which is quite stunning. Leave a Comment Address: 6a Calle Oriente No. 20Phone: 502.7832.0883Directions: On the southwest corner of 6a Calle Oriente and 3a Avenida SurWebsite: http://www.obrashermanopedro.org/
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