Adventures of a Gringa in Guate...: Alittle About Antigua... where I will be living for the next six months...

Nestled between three dramatic volcanoes, Antigua, Guatemala is a charming colonial city in Central America. With cobblestone streets, impressive Baroque architecture, and a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches, this 15th-century town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Established in 1543, La Antigua is one of the best preserved and charming of colonial cities in Spanish America. The Spanish Colonial style permeates every part of the town: its houses, churches, squares, parks and ruins, as well as its traditions and folklore. Antigua is a city of charm and vibrant color where you can see and buy an overwhelming variety of attractive, handmade products that honor the traditions of generations of artisans.

Known as the "land of the eternal spring", Antigua has pleasant weather throughout the year. The city lies at an altitude of just over 5,000 feet - days are warm (75ºF / 23ºC) and nights are pleasantly cool (56ºF / 13ºC).
Three large volcanoes dominate the horizon around Antigua. The most commanding, to the south of the city, is the Volcán de Agua or "Volcano of Water" (12,356 ft). To the west of the city is a pair of peaks, Acatenango (13,045 ft), and the Volcán de Fuego or "Volcano of Fire" (12,346 ft). "Fuego" is almost constantly active at a low level, with smoke visible from its top almost daily.

Antigua’s kitchen offers a palate-pleasing combination of traditional flavors, aromas and condiments that produce a delicious, nutritious and varied menu, something you no one should miss! Antigua is also noted for its crafts: terracotta, ceramics, wrought iron, silver and jade jewelry, wooden sculptures, carved colonial-style furniture, a great variety of traditional costumes and weavings, figured stone, brass, jarcia, traditional toys and much more.

Guatemala has also long been recognized for growing some of the highest quality coffees in the world, and the coffee farms surrounding Antigua make for an excellent day trip. The surrounding hillsides provide wonderful views of the valley and the volcanoes, and are excellent terrain for recreational pursuits such as hiking, mountain biking, and zip-lining.

The festival of the town’s saint (Santiago or St James: Patron saint of the conquistadors) is celebrated July 25th. After the conquest of the Maya by the Spanish, the races intermingled and their customs and traditions gave rise to a singular form of life, art and culture that is today reflected in every aspect of Antigua.

Today, Antigua is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Central America’s most enchanting and picturesque cities. Visitors can explore the ruins, museums, art galleries, boutique inns, restaurants, and shops that are dotted throughout the famous cobblestone streets of this former capital of Guatemala. Inspiring the world's artists, writers and wanderers for centuries, Antigua continues to attract international visitors with an interest in art, language, culture, and history.