Fun things to do in Antigua Guatemala

ChocoMuseo is the new cacao and chocolate museum in Antigua, Guatemala.
I took the 2 hours chocolate making class which was great fun and where I learnt everything about cacao and chocolate. In the end I could take my chocolate creations with me. The museum is free and pretty interesting but the workshop is definetely the thing to do in Antigua Guatemala.

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The best time to visit Antigua is during Cuaresma (Lent) and Semana Santa (Holy Week). Roman Catholic and ancient Mayan traditions have mixed to create an incredible spectacle during these times. Thousands of people dress in purple robes and process through the streets over long elaborately designed rugs made out of colored sawdust or flowers, called alfombras. Leading the processions are scores of men swinging smoky silver bowls on chains that fill the streets with a shocking amount of scented smoke. Behind them follows a hundred heavily burdened devotees carrying a massive cross that is as long as a city bus and weights over 7,000lbs. They rock back and forth slowly moving forward like an immense and bizarre centipede to the beat of the band that plays funerary marches behind. A biblical scene of Christ’s Crucifixion is laid out above on the cross for all to see and is even lit at night to display Jesus with an array of dazzling special effects. The processions begin after the completion of mass and last about 12 hours. During our two weeks in Antigua we must have seen at least ten processions. Occasionally there are two going on at the same time making traffic a serious problem. On Good Friday, or Viernes Santos (en Español), the streets were completely mobbed with people. The atmosphere felt more like the party and celebration of Carnival instead the somber mood of those absorbed in quiet self-reflection over the death of their god. Vendors of balloons, cotton candy, ice-cream, and toys followed the processions through the streets. Restaurants were making a killing with their tables packed and people overflowing into the street. The beer and liquor flowed profusely.

If you're spending a few hours, a day or just going through Antigua ... don't miss the main square, and especially the Palacio de los Capitanes (across the street).

There are some more ruins around town, but that palace is beautiful!

Even though is nothing that great, the Arco de Santa Catalina (on 5a Av Norte) is worth a picture!

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.

While not charming like Antigua, Guatemala City has interesting landmarks befitting acapital city.

The nightlife in Guate is pretty rocking, lots of clubs and restaurants.

if you are staying in antigua, it is worth one public bus ride (at least) into guate and it is an experience seeing the city bus terminal.

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!).

Take a salsa lesson at La Salsa Academia de Baile. They have 4 great instructors and offer free group classes on Mondays and Tuesdays. I reccommend private lessons.

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This church is a tribute to Friar Pedro who was canonized in 2002. People with disabilities come here to be blessed.