Fun things to do in Antigua Guatemala

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If you only have time to see one ruin , make it this one. It's so beautiful. Crumbling walls , red orange and purple flwers cascade over ancient walls . The narrow pathways give a hint of the quiet way of life that was once lived here!
This convent was Antiguas largest and dates back to 1736 .It was destroyed by the massive earthquake in 1773.

Open 9-5
Q30

If you want some exercise and fun, try the salsa and merengue classes from Jorge Mario and Mily, offered through the Escuela de Espanol "Cooperacion". They offer both group and individual lessons.

I never would have considered taking my two left feet out on the dance floor, but Mily and Jorge Mario are well known dance experts. Even more important for me, they both have a great sense of humor and lots of patience.

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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.

Here are some of the places that we visited:

Sky cafe- great views of the city, awesome nachos, a pain to get to, but worth treaking there. Great service!

Mono loco- we always ended up here if nothing else worked out. Owner is a sox fans, if you're into that. In parque central. Its huge with lots of tourists.

Fridas- good drink specials on certain nights

Riki's bar- was stuffy and hot and not a lot of places to sit in the bar area.

No se- good food, but I think it got my friend sick. Indoor/outside restaurant. Slow service from not-so-nice waitress.

Riellys- some say its cool, I didn't go.

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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.

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!

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.

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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.