Antigua Guatemala - The Colonial Era Capital

The next day we made it in to our next new favorite city Antigua, Guatemala which was surrounded by volcanoes. The road to Antigua was under construction but motos get preference. We were expected to go to the front of the stopped traffic and in some cases sent on through the construction site. The bus and truck drivers would frantically wave you ahead if you didn’t move to the front. Interesting how close you can get to a big front loader as it is digging in to the mountain side. And of course the views were spectacular. We thought sporting riding would be over once we left Mexico. Guatemala was just as much fun in the mountains. On the way to Antigua we passed the turn off for Xela (aka Quetzaltenago) where my wife, oldest daughter and I spent several weeks learning Spanish. Brought back memories of a 6 hour bus ride to Guate City. I think that will be my wife's last bus trip through mountains.

We reached Antigua early enough to walk around the city. Antigua was the colonial era capital of Guatemala. Its no surprise the Europeans chose the spot. The surrounding volcanoes and the mountain climate made it a perfect location. That is until they discovered those pesky earthquakes required a continuous urban renewal program. Some of the half destroyed Cathedrals build in the 1500s, make the city …like eye candy for history buffs.

She is not scratching her ear she is talking on her mobile.

The hotel where we satyed the night was inexpensive for a tourist town and very comfortable.

Next stop...El Salvadore.