ANTIGUA

Former capital of Central America and then of Guatemala, Antigua was founded in 1542 under the name Santiago de los Caballeros. Many times destroyed by strong earthquakes, Antigua lost its status of capital in 1773.

After this, the town stayed almost abandoned which helped to conserve its colonial style that you'll be able to appreciate walking throughout its paved streets. Antigua has a peculiar atmosphere and you will discover it if you stay for a few days.

In 1979 Antigua was declared a cultural heritage site by UNESCO and started a new "life". It is the most visited town in all of Central America, for the simple reason that it is full of charm and surrounded by three volcanoes. The legend pretends that it is here that Antoine de Saint Exupery wrote the book "The little Prince". Filled with beautiful private residences, churches, convents, ruins, craftsman shops, superb hotels and excellent restaurants, this town really deserves a stop for a few days. Antigua's coffee is also the 1st one of Guatemala and is classified among the best of the world.
Market days are Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
July 14th: patron day.

CHICHICASTENAGO

It was built on the site of a 15th century Kakchikel city. This village is the "headquarter" of the biggest and the most colorful market of Mesoamerica. Besides the traditional market you will find all the craftsmanship produced in Guatemala. In the Santo Tomas church religious ceremonies are held by catholic priest as well as Mayan shamans.
Patron festivities are from December 17th to the 21st.

TODOS SANTOS

This is one of the most authentic places in Guatemala. Located in the mountains of the Cuchumatanes, the road to get there sometimes takes you over 3,000m high through sumptuous landscape.
The Saturday market takes you back one century ago.

SAN FRANCISCO EL ALTO

From its 2630m you'll be able to witness a magnificent panorama.

The Friday market is one of the most important of the country and is a very picturesque attraction.

SAN ANTONIO AGUAS CALIENTES

Kakchiquel village situated at 10 minutes from Antigua. Well known for its good quality textile. Here we can organize a lunch in a house of a Kaqchikel family where Gloria, the hostess will talk about the customs of her ethnic group and her daughters will teach you how to make tortillas. The house is very simple but the welcome is very warm and authentic.

QUETZALTENANGO

Second most important town in Guatemala, better known as Xela, attributes itself a cultural vocation.
Excellent stop to visit the area: the Santa Maria and Santiaguito volcanoes and the villages of Zunil, Almolonga, San Andres Xecul, Fuentes Georgina.

MAXIMON or SAN SIMON

"Infidel" saint of the Mayan, he is mostly worshiped in Santiago Atitlan, San Andres Itzapa and Zunil.

SANTIAGO ATITLAN

This is the biggest village on the lakeshore of Atitlan, famous for its embroidery and naive paintings.

SANTA CATARINA PALOPO

Small Kakchiquel village on the lakeshore of Atitlan. Remarkable for its textiles and the costumes of its inhabitants.

SAN ANTONIO PALOPO

Small kakchiquel village on the lakshore of Atitlan, essentially agricultural. Its terraced onion cultivated fields overhanging the lake are quite impressive.

SOLOLA

It is the capital city of the department of the same name. This city is well known for its market which is held on Tuesdays and Fridays, the traditional costume is pretty unusual.

COMALAPA

Indigenous village at less than one hour from Antigua. It is the cradle of the naïve art in Guatemala. Andres Curuchich (1891-1969) had the idea to represent on canvas the scenes drawn from the everyday life of the Indians of Comalapa. There are many "Picture galleries" in town, one of them held by the granddaughter of Andres Curuchich as she continues the family tradition.

LIVINGSTON

Garifuna village (Afro-Caribbean population) situated at the river mouth of Rio Dulce and the Caribbean sea. Caribbean atmosphere.