Occupying a valley in central Guatemala and surrounded by green-clad mountains and majestic volcanoes, Antigua is a compact city that can pleasantly be explored on foot. Perhaps the best place to discover the charm and character of this interesting city is at Parque Central (Central Plaza). This plaza with its mermaid fountain is a popular gathering place perfect for people-watching. Surrounding the plaza is the Cathedral of San Jose, City Hall, the Palace of the Captains General and a number of interesting restaurants and shops. While the entire city is filled with historic buildings, monuments, fountains and ruins, some of the other impressive colonial structures you will want to tour are the Church La Merced, Las Capuchinas Convent, the church of El Carmen, Casa Popenoe, La Recoleccion, and the Church of San Francisco. Take a horse carriage and ride along the cobblestone streets and explore Antigua's bustling markets filled with excellent bargains on handicrafts, handmade textiles and jade jewelry. Antigua offers an outstanding variety of international and local cuisine and restaurants to suit anyone's taste. Antigua nights are made for strolls and the music of mariachi and marimba bands.

If you are fortunate to be in Antigua during Holy Week (Semana Santa), you will find a citywide celebration that attracts visitors from around the world. The residents of Antigua participate in a solemn procession winding through the streets carpeted with elaborate and spectacular designs of colored sawdust and flower petals.

Antigua is an excellent home base for exploring the capital of Guatemala, Guatemala City, just an hour away. From Antigua you can also get a tour to one of South Americas most impressive sites - Tikal National Park. Here you can tour one of the major sites of Mayan civilization and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With more than 3,000 structures extending over six square miles in the heart of the jungle, this archaeological sites includes palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, and plazas.

Antigua is filled with pleasant surprises, combining style with a laid-back attitude and friendly people that makes this a top vacation destination.