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Interesting sites near Antigua Guatemala Surrounding the colonial city there are different interesting sites, which with their variety will enrich the experience of those visiting the region. From cultural centers up to volcano adventures, the atmosphere can change abruptly without moving too far away.
Handcrafts' market It is found over the Alameda de Santa Lucía, between 3rd and 4th Calle Poniente. In this place you can acquire handcraft articles, tissues, clothes, shoes, tablecloths, accessories and ornaments such as necklaces and bracelets.
Ciudad Vieja At only four kilometers going south from Antigua Guatemala , you will find this place, rich in history. This used to be the capital of the kingdom for 14 years, between 1527 and 1541. It suffered damages due to floodings proceeding from the Agua Volcano. In order to get here you must take the road at the end of the Alameda de Santa Lucía or go to the end of 9a. Calle Poniente.
San Juan el Obispo This town is valued for its history, since it played an important role in Christendom. Its construction dates from 1547 and it is presently under the care of the Carmelite Order. It shelters beautiful religious pieces and baroque style altarpieces. It also has a peaceful plaza with a refreshing fountain.
San Pedro las Huertas This is a peaceful and quiet place, with a plaza where they usually install sales of popular typical foods. Its church is the main architectonic attraction. It possesses columns with fine Salomonic details and constitutes a real show for the visitors. It has only one belfry located on its left tower and the restoration works help to show complete images of its façade. To arrive here you must take the Calle de los Pasos up to the end, then follow the road to Santa María de Jesús, taking a detour in a right crossroad.
San Felipe de Jesús It is one of the most visited sites around Antigua Guatemala . With a family environment, it provides a variety of restaurants with typical repast, which are most recommended. It also has handcrafts' sales, the church and plaza where you can find many different kinds of articles. The church of San Felipe is the central point in the place. Under its roof, the image of El Señor Sepultado is found, which is believed to be a masterpiece of sculptor Quirio Cataño, the author of the Black Christ of Esquipulas. In order to get here take the Calle de los Carpinteros and then take the road towards San Felipe , when you arrive to the Calle de la Inquisición , which is 6ª Avenida Norte.
Centro Cultural la Azotea Close to Antigua Guatemala , in Jocotenango, this special cultural center was built in an ancient coffee estate and it includes three museums, a restaurant and a horseback riding area. It is recognized for its flamboyant gardens, which constitute a magnificent colorful show.
The museums are:
Jocotenango In this place, on the weekend afternoons you can be able to taste popular typical repast in the plaza, in front of the church. Its main distinction is precisely its church, which possesses vivid colors, two towers which escort the façade and ornate Salomonic columns; with a combination of colors, that seems as if they were made out of candy.
Pastores Taking the road towards Jocotenango and crossing it completely you arrive to this famous region, recognized for its footwear and jackets. All of the articles produced in here are the work of artisan masters. Every example is unique. In here you can acquire the style which pleases you the most or ask them to manufacture your own.
Cerro de Mirandía It possesses a refreshing river which breaks through the place; the climate in here is mostly very warm. The difficulty in climbing is middle class and it has a characteristic rock on its top which seems to be in balance. When arriving to the highest part, you will see that the rock is actually very big and it is solidly secured to the rest of the volcanic rock. On front you will find an astonishing view of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango Volcanoes and a nice landscape of the agricultural areas of Escuintla.
Agua Volcano For the most adventurous, hikers and sportsmen in general, there is a challenge rewarded with an astonishing view of the entire valley and the surrounding towns. This is located at an approximate altitude of 3,765 meters over seal level. Its difficulty in climbing is above middle class. It requires five hours to get to its crater, and there you can find an improvised chapel with rocks and a crucified Christ. Along the way you will find the traditional Via Crucis stations. It is advisable to be accompanied by a guide, since those who push out into its wandering paths usually run the risk of getting lost. The climbing begins in Santa María de Jesús, where you can get following the Calle de los Pasos.
Acatenango and Fuego Volcanoes These two giants are united by a channel called “ La Horqueta ”. Acatenango is the third highest volcano of Guatemala and Fuego is one of the three most active volcanoes in the country. They are not suitable for those who do not practice a hiking sport. Acatenango offers an impressive view which allows up to the coast lines and a good part of the ocean, the capital city and even the Atitlan Lake and its volcanoes. The Fuego Volcano delights with its explosions, which can be seen without too much danger from the top of the Acatenango. It is possible to climb both of them. The Fuego Volcano is commonly climbed using the middle connection with its Acatenango brother, although it is not possible to climb all the way to the summit due to its volcanic activity. This activity usually arises, curiously, in December and January of every year. It is advisable to go with a guide, since the new visitors have a greater risk of getting lost, specially when climbing the Fuego Volcano.
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