I spent the final days of 2022 in quiet reflection of the incredible year of travel I had. I spent the first week of the new year reconnecting with family and sharing our discoveries from our collective end-of-year reflections.
I’m in awe of the year I had.
Seriously, what was this past year?
It was nothing short of a whirlwind of red letters. This year I did exactly what I wanted. I went where I wanted. I got what I wanted.
Usually, I make do. Like…(metaphor time), “Here are the ingredients the universe has handed you; make the most of them.” And I do. The meal turns out good enough.
However, this past year was different. Good enough wasn’t the goal. This year, I knew what I wanted to whip up for myself. This past year, I went to the market. I sourced the exact ingredients I needed to make the meal I wanted to eat. And it was a buffet. And we’re not talking after church, Golden Corral buffet. We’re talking continental smorgasbord. It was everything and more (Charles Dickens reference).
And that’s what’s got me so pumped up. Endorphins flowing. Dopamine surging.
I kept trying to figure out why this particular year differed from the rest. After days of mental back-and-forth, it all boils down to this: This year was the best for me because I chose it. I didn’t settle for it.
The autonomy to make choices for yourself is really something. And I’m not talking about the freedom to settle for the good enough out of the limited options. The ability to choose your own path is so exciting and refreshing. I wish I had taken the helm sooner.
And maybe everyone has already figured it out, and I’m late to the party. I always saw those platitudes about going after what you want, and I was like…” Yeah, yeah, I’m doing it,” without assessing whether I was actually going after my dreams or just settling for good enough. Now the “ah-ha” light has gone off. This is what those motivational quotes have been talking about all along.
Charge For Next Year
I’m serious when I say I hope everyone can feel the way I’m feeling right now. I hope everyone can have a year where they choose what’s best for them and their life.
If you haven’t already, take time for your own end-of-year reflections. You could reflect on whether you are living the life you dreamed of. Maybe your reflection doesn’t involve travel. Maybe your dreams aren’t travel-based. Really assess if you have lost sight of your dreams. And remember that they are still possible. Is your life getting you closer to your dreams? Let me know what 2022 taught you in the comments.
There’s plenty to keep a tourist busy for three days in this UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming colonial town, surrounded by three volcanos, is full of quaint shops, restaurants, museums, and colonial ruins (although, you’ll have to take a long bus ride or short plane ride for older, Mayan ruins). Three days in Antigua, Guatemala is enough time to pack a lot of activities in this lively yet understated city that has maintained its colonial heritage. For those short on time, here are my high-priority must-do items when visiting Antigua in three days for first-timers.
DAY 1 in Antigua Guatemala
Santa Catalina Arch is Antigua, Guatemala’s most photographed tourist site.
Get your picture at Santa Catalina Arch with Volcano Fuego in the background before the crowds. The days in Antigua get started a little later (and end later) than what most Americans are accustomed to. Early morning, that is before 8 am, is the perfect time to take pictures in Central Park before the crowds. If you want a small bite or drink, stop at one of my favorite coffee shops (El Portal Café II… don’t forget the 2) and the Starbucks on the same street. While Starbucks opens at 6am. Most other coffee shops do not. Trust me, you do not want to leave Antigua without stopping at the Starbucks.
Then head up to Cerro de la Cruz. You’ll have the best views with the lowest chance of clouds first thing in the morning during the rainy season (June-Oct). But dry season sunsets are also magical here.
By the time you climb down from the hill, more cafes and shops will be open. Take some time just to poke around and appreciate the city’s architecture.
Head over to Caoba Farmsfor a farm-to-table brunch. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the heart of town. This vibe is especially great on Sundays with a live band. Even during the week, it’s great. Don’t forget to coat yourself with bug repellant. Be forewarned that bottled water here is $5 Norweigen Voss water.
Back in the town, visit The Chocolate Museum in the square with Central Park. Stroll the Mercado and Nim Pot Handicraft Market, with less chaos than the Mercado. Don’t leave without checking out the Starbucks (on the same street as Catalina Arch), McDonald’s, and Taco Bell.
Then have your siesta and relax, get washed up, and gussied up for the evening.
For dinner, head back toward Central Park. Eat traditional French cuisine overlooking ruins at sunset at Tartines. DO NOT MISS THE SUNSET here! This French Bistro claims to have the best terrace views in Antigua and that’s no cap. The golden hour glow over the ruins of the Cathedral de Santiago ruins with volcanos in the background is breathtaking.
Let your evening adventures lead you to drinks at Antigua Brewing Company (ABC). During the day, this place has terrific rooftop views perfect for burgers and beers. When night falls, a live band alters the chill vibe to a party place. There’s a random London telephone booth in the corner. For a memorable experience that you’ll speakeasy about to other travelers, you’ll want to check it out (wink, wink).
Dance the night away with salsa at Las Palmas. On Sunday nights, La Sala offers FREE Salsa lessons. New Sensation on 7 Avenida Norte #78 also offers free salsa classes on Monday and Thursday at 5 pm. Don’t let not having all the latest moves stop you from jumping on the dance floor.
DAY 2 in Antigua Guatemala
Hobbitenago was built with tourist photography in mind. It’s also a wonderful place for lunch.
The first stop of the morning is Hobbitenago & Altamira. You’ll want to be Instagram-ready for the picturesque views here. Be sure to linger at Hobbitenango for lunch.
You’ll need an Uber for this 20-minute drive. Every Uber will copy and paste the same message in Spanish about how gas is so expensive; instead of the rate Uber charges, they need 100Q instead. If you do not agree to this, they will cancel the request. This will happen over and over. You can try your luck in getting a driver from out of town who doesn’t know the conspiracy, but just accept that you’ll pay 100Q ($12) in cash for the ride.
Both photographable sites are located beside each other. You’ll take another little truck, and need to hike a bit to get to the location. Once on the hill linger for lunch. Try the swing. Make half a day of it.
Back in town consider strolling the cathedrals and ruins. Do not pass over:
San Francisco Church
The Remains Of Cathedral De Santiago
Centro de Formacion de la Cooperacian Espanol (free)
Biblioteka (free)
DAY 3 in Antigua Guatemala
Fuego from Cerro de la Cruz
Roast Marshemelos on Pacaya Volcano. You must hike with a guide and they’re all going to run you about $60 but feel free to shop around. Two sessions leave at6:00 AM or 2:00 PM. The morning is the better option for visibility. You’ll take a 1-hour drive to the base of the volcano, then hike an easy 1.5 hours. The tour provides marshmallows. it does not provide graham crackers or chocolate. If you’d rather ride than hike, you have the option of doing Volcan Pacaya on horseback. This costs around Q100 ($ 12 USD) and is paid directly to the riding guide.
Other Options
Back in town, you may want to just relax or aimlessly wander the cobblestoned calles of the colonial village. Or perhaps, if you have time take an uber to Santo Domingo del Cerro.
Take A Coffee Tour at De La Gente Coffee Farm in La Azotea. The most economical way is to take a chicken bus for $1USD (the terminal is behind the mercado) and then pay $7 for the tour. If you go with a private tour company, you’ll pay $25. Another coffee tour option is Tour Rural de Café/ Coffee Touror Take a uber to Finca Filadelfia for bird-watching and coffee tour and lunch at a restaurant in gorgeous surroundings. You have options here.
Try a cooking class with La Tortilla Cooking School Learn how to make tortillas from scratch along with Guatemalan traditional foods like Pepian, Jocon, Kak’ik, and Rellenitos de Platano.
You have so many options to spend three days in Antigua, Guatemala. For some activities, I’d just leave the day open and consider going with the flow and filling the day as you see fit. You can schedule tours with the countless tour agencies once you get to Antigua or have your hotel help with the arrangements. If you’re planning a Baecation, be sure to check out this post for hotel recommendations.
Let me plan your next Beacation for you! Nothing sets the mood right for a romantic rendezvous like a luxurious, hotel with all the amenities and few distractions. This isn’t a sponsored post. When I visited these hotels, the light bulb went off. I thought...Oh, this is where I’d stay on a romantic holiday. For help building the perfect itinerary, check out this post for a long weekend. If you’re in Guatemala for a whole week, check this itinerary out. With no further ado, here are the four absolute most romantic hotels in Antigua, Guatemala.
This is my absolute top choice of romantic hotels in Antigua, Guatemala. The exclusivity of a boutique hotel with limited guestrooms will always reign ideal for romance. The Convento offers that exclusivity with only 27, uniquely designed suites. Each has intricately hand-carved doors depicting an image from Antigua’s rich history. The contemporary colonial architecture and laid-back elegance of each room provide the perfect setting to focus on each other. Select a suite with a private, outdoor jacuzzi and fireplace. You’re going to want a whole day just hanging out at the hotel with each other. Fortunately, the dining menu kitchen and in-room services prevent you from having to stray too far. The boutique hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the city but offers a quiet and serene environment.
Another excellent choice is….
I walked through and was like, “Are you serious?! this hotel is amazing!”
Located in a quiet, more remote, residential part of town, this adults-only hotel will make you feel like part of the Spanish Colonial aristocracy. With its Spanish-Moorish architectural and design elements The Pensativo makes a choice location for hosting grand soirées and easy-going brunches. This 26-room boutique hotel offers an intimate hospitality experience. The hotel offers in-room spa and massage services. I can’t choose what I love more, the rooftop dining views or the food itself. Both are exquisite. Plus, it’s a sustainable property for you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence.
Right next door to Pensativo and tying for the second position is Posada del Angel This boutique only has 7 well-appointed suites providing guests with a personalized experience and first-class service. It’s almost as if you are personally invited to the home of a stylish dignitary. Each room is equipped with a fireplace. The Rose Suite is fit for a president — Bill Clinton once stayed here. The private terrace, extra large jacuzzi, and views make it baecation approved. I must point out that the doorframes were not carved out with tall people in mind. They’re 5’10” instead of the standard American door height of 80 inches (6’8”). The lap pool in the garden courtyard is pretty to use or just to view. This is the best place for private seclusion.
Rounding out the list of top romantic hotels in Antigua, Guatemala is Casa Santo Domingo. This hotel and spa were built on an archeological site. The hotel is now the restoration project of the earthquake-ruined Convent of Santo Domingo, one of the largest convents in the world at one point. History nerds like me will appreciate the attention to detail in the historic preservation of this archeological site. Art and nature enthusiasts may welcome the art, terraces, panoramic views, pool, and spa. Everyone will love the dining experience. It’s first-class all the way. It welcomes more guests than boutique hotels so it’s a little less intimate. However, with it being a former holy place, there’s a centuries-old built-in chapel perfect for hosting weddings and it’s popular for wedding receptions and grand quinceanera fetes. The staff knows how to throw a party.
Since writing this article, I’ve become aware of an absolutely exquisite boutique hotel just a short walk outside of Antigua. Villa Bokah prides itself in creating romantic moments for its guest. With a charming row boat so you can channel your own lake scene like the uber-romantic scene from the Notebook. Th designers really had a field day with this space. It’s only been open a year and is part of a small luxury family of hotels in Guatemala. Although it is super continental, it maintains local, cultural touches.
With each of these hotels, be sure to have a phone call directly with the hotel to discuss the occasion and specific needs of the room. Perhaps a private balcony, panoramic views, in-room massage appointment pre-scheduled, or wine chilling when you arrive floats your boat. These hotels will make it happen for you.
