The colonial city of Antigua Guatemala

Called by many "The city sleeping in time", the old Spanish capital of Guatemala is a favorite of visitors, since it maintains the architecture and flavor of the 16th and 17th centuries. Three volcanoes, Agua, Fuego and Acatenango surround the city, that is settled in the Panchoy Valley. Our tours take place during Lent when Antigua becomes even more interesting because of its strong Catholic beliefs and practices. The city has a temperate climate which makes for a very pleasant stay. All of this, plus a big variety of tourist services--such as international restaurants, hotels, transportation and different kinds of shopping places-- makes the city the perfect place to start a trip in Guatemala.

"Calle del Arco, " the street named after the arch of Santa Catalina, is one of the principal symbols of Antigua. One can see the dormant Agua Volcano in the background, one of the three that surround the city.

The convent of La Merced. On the back, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes.

Nocturnal view of the Cathedral on the central park

During Lent there are opportunities to see the world famous "carpets" on the streets, which are made during the night for processions to walk over during the day.

The materials used are composed of flowers, colored sawdust, and many other materials.

During lent in Antigua you can also see their spectacular processions. This one is carried by 80 men called "cucuruchos".

For most of the cucuruchos, carrying the processions is not only a tradition, it's a demonstration of  faith. Note the reverence on the faces of these carriers.

The archeological site of Iximché

Iximché was the capital of the Kaqchikel kingdom, one of the strongest Mayan groups during the Spanish conquest. This small city shows the architectural style of the post-classic Mayan period (900-1500 A.D., characterized by the building of fortress-cities. This place was chosen by the Spanish conquerors to be the capital of their new lands, but because of the constant battles with the Kaqchikels they had to leave the city. The ruins are located on the Ratzamut Hill, whose elevation is 7,412 feet over sea level, which makes for nice, cool weather.

View of two main plazas in Iximché

This shows one of the temples used in the past for religious purposes. Note the tree growing on top of the temple..

Some of our tour participants climbing up one of the temples.

This is a current Mayan cult shrine in the back of the restored plazas. Some of the biggest ceremonies take place here, like the begining of the Mayan calendar year.