We recommend heading directly to Antigua, only a short drive from Guatemala City.
Though badly damaged by earthquakes, this is one of the most attractive of all Latin American cities and has been painstakingly preserved.
You can spend a day exploring the cobblestone streets, tranquil central squares and enjoy stylish hotels, interesting shops and superb cuisine.
The city is at its most vibrant during Semana Santa (Easter), when the streets are carpeted with elaborate decorations, coloured sawdust and flower petals. These mark out the routes of day long religious processions that occur throughout Holy week.
Antigua is a great place to relax and people watch but for the more active we can arrange off road bike tours and walking in the countryside. The three volcanoes that surround the city are well worth exploring and best climbed at full moon or very early in the morning.
A cultural gem
When to go: All year round