Antigua Guatemala holidays

What can you find in Antigua Guatemala that you won't find anywhere else?

Following the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, Antigua Guatemala became the capital of Central America. During many years of wealthy Spanish rule, palaces, churches, parks, fountains and the cathedral were built. Painstakingly restored, this colonial city looks much as it did 200 years ago, competing with Cusco and Cartagena as Latin America's most beautiful colonial city.

Walking the cobblestone streets, through colourful squares and past whitewashed churches, there is plenty to discover - art galleries, fascinating museums, and traditional markets packed with bright, locally made textiles and other craftwork. When changing money, ask for smaller quetzal notes as market shopkeepers often don't have change so having some improves your haggling power.

While you could easily spend days on end wandering the cobbled streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua Guatemala, it also worth venturing outside of the city to explore the surrounding area. Our top picks for what to do outside of the city itself include a visit to Chichicastenango, or 'Chichi' as it's known by the locals, which is a mountain village that has a brilliant traditional market twice a week; and Iximche archaeological site which is best seen on a helicopter trip from the city to admire these pre-Columbian ruins in all their glory.