Antigua

Antigua is Guatemala's quaint and colonial former capital city, located not too far away to the west of Guatemala City. The streets are cobbled and the buildings are old and colorful.

More so than any other city in Guatemala, Antigua is full of English-speaking tourists. You're guaranteed to meet a gringo. In fact, several organizations dedicated to helping poor Guatemalans are based here. The residents must be smothered in first world generosity.

The city is much smaller and much quieter in contrast to Guatemala City. It's in a prime location at the foot of two volcanoes: Acatenango and Volcan de Agua. The streets are laid out in a grid pattern (like any other Spanish colonial city) and are easily walkable. Although Antigua is the most touristy city in Guatemala, you'll find it very Guatemalan in character.