Antigua, Guatemala (CNN) — Cobbled streets, colonial Spanish architecture, nearby volcanoes and perfect weather all year round make Antigua, Guatemala, a jewel in Central America's crown.
With streets lined with vivid purple blooming jacaranda trees, plaza corners commandeered by marimba-strumming musicians and alleyways dotted with colorful parasols shading street food stalls, Antigua is crying out to be explored.
What to do
But the crowning glory is the Mercado, a fruit, veg, fish, meat and everything-you-could-possibly-need market. Half indoors, half outside, the winding walkways will have you marveling at the vibrant stalls for hours.
It's where the locals go to shop, and it does not disappoint. The maze can take all day to navigate, but when you can stop for nourishment at the hot food sections, that's not a bad thing.
The most iconic spot in Antigua is the Santa Catalina Arch. Built in 1694 as a walkway for nuns, the cloisters are now private property, owned by a local family. Get up extra early to snap a picture of the bright yellow clock tower, with the Agua Volcano in the background, before the crowds descend.
For expansive views over the city, the hike up to Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) is a winner. It also offers a glimpse of the three volcanoes that stand guard over Antigua. The entrance is easily accessible via 1a Avenida.
The city has numerous churches worth exploring, particularly Antigua's oldest, San Francisco Church, which dates from 1542. La Merced Church, with its yellow facade, is also worth a look, although tourists have to pay around Q15 (just under $2) to enter.
Antigua is known for its colonial architecture.
Lucy Sherriff
Side trips
As Antigua is known for its volcanic activity, it would be a mistake not to climb one. Pacaya is the easiest, and you'll still get the excitement of seeing lava spew from the volcano's mouth, as well as getting the opportunity to buy lava jewelry from the isolated gift shop near the summit.
An overnight trip to the magical, mysterious Lake Atitlán may seem like a long way, but the enchanting beauty of the water, which sits in a volcanic crater, is well worth it. It's about 2½ hours by shuttle bus or you can catch the local "chicken bus" from the bus station at Calle Principal.
There are more than a dozen Mayan villages to stay in, but your best bet is Panajachel, a bohemian haven. It's big enough to provide everything a visitor needs, but not so big that you can't experience local culture.
Hiking, kayaking, swimming and sampling local art, chocolate and Mayan wool weaving is all part of the fun.
Where to eat and drink
Breakfast is a big deal in Guatemala. Samsara, a vegetarian and vegan cafe in Antigua with a hippie vibe and gluten-free options, is a great spot for making the most of your morning meal.
Scrambled eggs tossed with kale, spirulina and turmeric and served up with guacamole and plantain is one of the standout dishes, or try the black corn tortilla with organic eggs and jocón -- a traditional Guatemalan green salsa.
Guatemala is known for its outstanding coffee, and an excellent start to the morning awaits at Cafe Condesa -- sipping your coffee on the beautiful patio out back.
Want some culture with your midday cerveza? Rainbow Cafe is a bookshop serving up traditional sopas (soups), organic salads and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. They also hold regular lectures by NGOs to encourage visitors to get involved in volunteering.
Rincon Tipico is one of the best known lunch spots in the city. It's cheap, cheerful and traditional, and you can watch as your food is roasted on the wood fire right before your eyes. Plus, all the meals are served on traditional Mayan pottery.
For something more upscale, Saberico is an organic deli delivering comfort food with a healthy twist and Guatemalan takes on international dishes. The shakshuka and chile rellenos are superb.
If you're after more traditional fare, Los Tres Tiempos is a fun, relaxed restaurant with ceviche, pepián (a meaty stew) and chuchitos (Guatemala's take on tamales) on the menu. It also has a beautiful rooftop brimming with bougainvillea.
La Fonda de la Calle Real serves up traditional home cooking in a colonial setting, offering a variety of specialities from regions across Guatemala. Order the plato típico, a medley of local delicacies, including chile relleno -- roasted stuffed bell peppers -- plantain, refried beans, farmer's cheese and pupusa.
For a special dinner, Mesón Panza Verde is one of Guatemala's most acclaimed restaurants. Here, the chefs are challenged to come up with weekly food specials using only local and seasonal produce. Ask for a seat in the picturesque garden to dine under the stars.
Where to drink
For pre-dinner cocktails, Cafe Sky boasts a gorgeous terrace and an incredible view of the city -- the perfect place to watch an Antigua sunset.
if you're a wine connoisseur, the tiny, easily missed Tabacos y Vinos tucked under the Santa Catalina arch has an impressive selection of wine at great prices.
For a nightcap, the Whisky Den is a dark, cozy lounge with a world-class selection of whiskeys. Like the decor? Everything is locally made, and available to buy.
Where to stay
Mesón Panza Verde is an upmarket, boutique hotel with 12 rooms.
Courtesy Mesón Panza Verde
Guests on a budget can choose to stay in dorms, or those looking for privacy can opt for the beautiful, airy rooms that are decorated and furnished by local artists and craftspeople. The focus is around activities and exploration, and it's a great option for those looking to meet other like-minded travelers.
Featuring a jade factory, an art gallery, a gym and museums, you'll be hard-pressed to find a reason to step outside the hotel's stone walls. But there are many reasons to explore the rest of the city, rest assured.
Lucy Sherriff is a freelance multimedia journalist based in Bogotá who covers environment, travel and gender issues.
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