Allgemein EN

The market in Antigua, i.e. the one where most of the locals go to buy certain things, is located around the chicken bus terminal. It basically consists of a few streets and alleys lined with stalls selling clothes, stuff and food etc. The market is nothing spectacular and you just kind of walk into it, but I found it interesting, especially in comparison to the Mercado Artesanal, because you can clearly see the difference between a tourist market and a local market. Go or not? I would just stroll through it if I was in the area anyway. After all, the Mercado Artesanal is very close by, and the bus terminal from which you can travel to Guate City for example for a day, is right there.

I know it's rather unusual to write a post about a bus terminal, but... chicken buses are just so incredibly characteristic for Guatemala (actually for entire Central America) and the flair and vibe that they have... And that's exactly why, after numerous arrivals and departures at this terminal, I took my camera and made such great photos that I couldn't help but share them. 😊 To justify this post a little: Chicken buses are the main thing of transportation in Guatemala. You can get anywhere with them. They look like old American school buses, but most of them are individually numbered, designed and labelled. They transport absolutely everything: people, luggage, animals, food – whatever it is. Like microbuses, they are mostly hopelessly overcrowded and simply crammed until they burst. Meaning, sometimes three people sit on benches that normally fit two, and those sitting in the middle end up with one buttock in the aisle, shoulder to shoulder with the person on the edge of the other bench. Oh and at the back, where the doors open to form double doors, excess luggage or even people are stowed away if necessary. Just as luggage is secured in the luggage compartment above or on the roof of the bus. Or people as well just stand right up to the door at the front. And if there is even a person hanging onto the bus outside, with one foot on the bottom step of the stairs of the bus, then it is actually full and no more people can get on :D Last but not least: a chicken bus ride can be a bit like a roller coaster ride. Those who get seasick easily should really prepare themselves. Because anyone who has ever travelled from Antigua to Guate City, or any other winding route – where you are literally thrown from right to left the entire time – knows that chicken buses are exciting, but also truly a thing of their own. Nevertheless, there is no more authentic way to travel through Guatemala. And I am probably the biggest chicken bus fan on earth. Travelling by chicken bus is just brilliant and a loooot of fun :D Go or not? Unless you take a shuttle from place to place, there's no way you won't end up at this ‘terminal’ or have been on a chicken bus :D But if you're up for some great photos and this vibe, go for it. I was surprised about how great the photos from my little trip turned out. Chicken buses are photogenic if you catch them right :D

The viewpoint of Antigua! 😊 Very cute, with a really beautiful view of Antigua and, of course, with something that cannot be missing: a cross 😉 It's very easy to get to the top. Outside the centre, a really flat path with very wide steps in large curves leads up the small mountain. At the top, there are sometimes a few stalls set up, usually a few people chill around at the front and you have a great view of Antigua. And if you're travelling by car, there's also a car park. Go or not? Yes, one hundred per cent. It's super easy to get to, the view is really nice and who doesn't like viewpoints? :D

The hike up Volcano Acatenango is a truly unique and incredible experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Why? Well it’s quite simply because you get to see a volcano relatively close up and live, spewing lava. I myself have hiked up Volcano Acatenango twice. The first time was as part of a tour with a fairly large group. If you go up with a tour – which is the norm – you are provided with a tent, sleeping bag and food (dinner and breakfast for the next morning). You have to bring your own proper shoes, food for the journey, snacks, warm clothes and water etc. Like they did offer us warm jackets etc. before we set off. Nevertheless, it is neither guaranteed that everyone will get one, nor that you get what you need. Once everyone was set up, we set off in a minibus and drove to the ‘foot’ of Volcano Acatenango. From there, the hike up the volcano begins. The hike is challenging, relatively strenuous and really long, but it also takes you through all kinds of vegetation and is really beautiful! Admittedly, it is mostly relatively steep with a few flatter parts in between and, depending on the vegetation, it also is more or less tough :D But! Of course, you make a few breaks in between where you can eat and drink something. At some point the path straightens out and you pass some truly fantastic views 😊 The last part of the hike basically takes you towards Volcano Fuego, where you can already see the volcano spewing lava from a distance. Very, very impressive 😊 Once there, you have to set up your tent and get settled in. And then there's dinner by the campfire. Probably with something like hot chocolate and marshmallows – at least in my case. The rest of the time you spent enjoying the place itself and the view, taking in the fact that you have a volcano right in front of you that spews lava at regular intervals. I mean, Hello?! It's not something you see every day :D The next morning, if the weather permits it, you’ll tackle the last part of the climb. I can't say what it's like to go up there or being up there, because my group decided against the ascent due to the cloudy sky. For a brief explanation: when it's cloudy you can't see anything and the climb has a reputation for being really tough. Meaning: two steps forward, three steps back. At least that's how it’s said to feel. I'll be honest: today I do regret not going up, because a) the weather would have been good and b) how often do you get to be up there and have the chance to look directly at a volcano spewing lava? So even if it doesn't look good, screw the weather, go up there and give it a chance – at least that's my opinion :D And when descending from Acatenango: especially on the steeper parts it of course is a little easier than the ascent. However, at some point you will start to feel your knees, because it is really quite steep downhill for a long time. A quick note on my second ‘attempt’ to climb Acatenango: I went with friends and one of them lives in Guatemala and therefore had tents etc. However, you should a) not attempt this without the appropriate gear and b) be sure that you can make a fire at the top for food etc. There is no electricity or anything like that. Unfortunately, I got really sick overnight on my second attempt and was just glad that I managed the bloody descent thanks to an aspirin – we didn't have anything stronger. Back in the hostel I literally fell into bed completely exhausted and was really sick and knocked out for a couple of days. Meaning I sadly never made it to the top. Now, the question of all questions: go up Acatenango or not? It's one of THE things that everyone wants to do, does and should do in Guatemala. Simply because it's really crazy when you think about seeing a volcano spewing lava live from a safe distance. The climb is exhausting – yes – but it's also 100% worth it.

Very large, full of all kinds of handmade items from Guatemala and absolutely beautiful! 😊 The Mercado Artesanal in Antigua, a market where you can buy handmade items, is, in my opinion, the second largest and second most extensive market for Guatemalan clothing (including for men!), shoes, bags, scarves, jewellery, figurines, paintings and much more. The largest is undoubtedly Chichicastenango. But more on that in another post 😊 The Mercado Artesanal in Antigua is located near the bus terminal, from where the chicken buses depart, relatively far outside the centre. There is actually one in the centre, but it is much smaller, more expensive and doesn't even come close to offering the same selection. The Mercado Artesanal is not the cheapest either – you have to haggle – but it's okay and there's a lot to choose from! And in all colours, shapes and versions. Really just beautiful 😊 And if you need a little break, there is also an open-air courtyard with a fountain in the middle. Oh, and another special feature: the stalls all have fixed locations here. So the whole thing is in a building with an official entrance, etc. Go in or not? Yes you should definitely go. Even if it's not your favourite style or thing to do, you'll get a very good impression of Guatemala, its culture and everything that is made by hand in this country! Really impressive to be honest.

Uh The Parque Central (Spanish name) of Antigua! A very lively, colourful and at the same time relaxed place. Children are always playing somewhere, women sell handmade Guatemalan items or snacks etc., others just relax and let themselves be lulled by the atmosphere or hypnotised by the fountain. I personally liked the park very much and constantly strolled through it on my way through Antigua or sat down for a while and even met up with people here a few times. For me, Antigua's Parque Central is a bit like the heart of Antigua, because this is where you can feel the local charm and lively vibe of Antigua the most. Go or not? Definitely! The Parque Central is simply a place of life and, for me, the heart of the city. 😊

The Tanque la Unión in Antigua is a kind of yellow colonnade lying horizontally to the adjacent park with a fountain in the middle of a square outside the colonnade, where there are a few benches and an adjoining walkway lined with palm trees. Very beautiful, very different from anything else in Antigua and located roughly on the border of Antigua's centre. Go or not? Well, I would go :D It's nothing spectacular, and a few photos and a quick chill-out is all it takes, but I liked the Tanque la Unión 😊

Antigua is a truly beautiful city in Guatemala. That is not only evident in the streets and markets of Antigua, but especially in the numerous ancient buildings, cathedrals and churches. One of the main attractions actually is a yellow stone arch that spans over one of Antigua's streets. All of Antigua's beautiful buildings are scattered throughout the city centre. You'll find them pretty much everywhere as you stroll through the streets of Antigua. Below is a small selection of the coolest spots 😊 Go or not? Antigua is and remains a city where you can discover most things wonderfully by just going with the flow. And for my part, I simply walked past almost every one of the churches and cathedrals. So you can hardly miss them :D 😊

I love Antigua! It's really beautiful, very cute and, alongside Lago Atitlán, the place where you'll find the most backpackers in Guatemala. Antigua is a bit like Guatemala's San Cristóbal in the south or Guanajuato in the north of Mexico. It has this incredibly charming and local vibe despite all the tourists you encounter everywhere and is simply very authentic and full of beautiful and ancient buildings, cathedrals, markets and an incredibly lively but relaxed vibe. So, it's no surprise that Antigua, apart from Lago Atitlán, is the place where you instantly feel at home. :D And apart from that there also is also a lot to do in and around Antigua: Acatenango, a huge Mercado Artesanal, Volcán Pacaya, all the ancient churches and cathedrals, the park, Chichicastenango (day trip) and so on. Plus, Antigua is also the perfect place to arrive to a city-like-vibe Guatemala, party a little, just relax and unwind, have a bit of action or simply stroll along the cute, mostly cobbled streets of Antigua and just enjoy Antigua itself 😊 Go or not? Definitely YES! There are two reasons why Antigua cannot be left out: location – who travelling through Guatemala doesn’t want to hike Volcán Acatenango to see Volcán Fuego spewing lava live right in front? And secondly, Antigua and the life of this medium-sized city itself. I mean, it's not for nothing that it's the main destination for all tourists (including backpackers) :D So... 😉