Antigua - The Old Town
(Old Capital of Guatemala)
Antigua is the first town I visited in Guatemala. It is very Spanish, with a very strong colonial-era flavor (stucco houses, cobble stone streets, and a lot of catholic churches). The tour guide said: "Antigua is not really Guatemalan. Compared to other parts of Guatemala, Antigua is much wealthier, developed, and touristy. You don't see much of the indigenous (Mayan) culture here. It is too colonial to have an authentic taste of Guatemala." Well, still, I think I like it more than other parts of Guatemala...(Now my No. 9 favorite destination in the world, which makes it ranked higher than New York, London, and Rome)

By the way, this town really reminds me of Cuzco, Peru, in South America (Now ranked my No. 7).

Check out a recent article about Antigua in New York Times' Travel Section.

Please click the thumbnail on the pictures to see enlarged images
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Arco de Santa Catalina and Volcan Agua
View from the northside of the Arch of Santa Catalina (One of the few structure in town that withstood 1773 earthquake). On the back ground it is the Volcan Agua "The Water Volcano." View from the southside of the Arch, with the Church "La Merced" in the background (just "under" the Arch in this picture)
The Main Cathedral of Antigua
Facade of Antigua's main cathedral.
People still wash their clothes at the sinks in one of the town square
Archaeological site at Santo Domingo. Much of the structure was destroyed by earthquake through the year. The Site is just behind the Hotel of Santo Domingo.
Reception of Iglesia y Convento de Santo Domingo (Church and Convent of Santo Domingo). Yes, it is a luxury hotel now, but its reception still looks like an altar.
It was a few days before Christmas, so there are Christmas lightings everywhere. This is just one of the angels hanging around town.
Great view of the volcano (shrouded by clouds) at dusk on a rooftop bar "Cafe Sky."