So I feel I should write a review of the the mighty they call Antigua of Guatemala, after living there for nearly 4 months I relised why it is considered to be one of the jewels of Central America.

On first glance Antigua can seem like a beautiful but sleepy location as this is the impression I got on my initial visit passing through for just 1 day, but you see Antigua is the type of place you need a little more time to appreciate the fruits which it has to offer, and so my 1 day experience was not really a good indication of what Antigua has to offer the traveller/tourist/culture vultures! But on my more extended visit a few weeks later I saw that with a little time, research and 'getting to know the locals' mission, it can be an amazing stop for people of all ages weather you are there for 4 days or 4 months.
Bascially you need to get stuck in to see the truley stunning and charming qualities Antigua can expose.

Now as Antigua is surrounded by a number of mountains and volcanos there are numerous treks which can be done and sorted at any one of the many travel agent based around the main square (Parque Central). There is the wonder of the active volcano Pacaya which you can take a trip up to and come right up close and personel to flowing lava! now I dont know about you guys but thats not something I see everyday! Other inactive beasts are volcan Agua, Acatenango and Fuego. A definate activity on the itinerary for anyone looking for that extra experience. Plus its a relatively cheap tour, as are most of the treks on offer. Other such activities include cycling tours, white-water rafting and horse-back riding. If your feeling like a brisk walk and spectacular view waiting for you at the end of it, head to Cerro De La Cruz which is on a hill north east of the city. Once you've reached here sipping your bottled mineral water you'lle find a spectaular view overlooking Antigua with Volcan Agua as the back
drop....amazing. Around the main square a.k.a Parque Central you can get involved in realxing doing the 'hang with your mates in funky cafe thing' sipping tastey coffees and reading your latest novel, all museums and arty type place are all within short distance along with endless shopping opputunities at reasonable prices. This is accompanied with a wide range of excellent dinning establishments all ranging in price offering local and foregin foods. If you want true tradional guatemalan food, which will outstand your taste buds and make your wallet or purse smile as its cheap as chips, then head to the market where you can find all sorts of weird and wonderful foods just waiting for you. This is located just a few blocks west of the Parque Central. Whilst your there you can pick up some top bargins on the many stalls around, dont forget to barter like mad! Also around the square you can check out the Palacio De Los Capitanes and Catedral De Santiago. And bascially all your tourist needs banks, tourist office, the lot!

Do you dance? see I did'nt really have a clue, but since my time in central and south america, I'm lets say more proffiecient on the dance floor. Salsa is the one everyone bopping to and lessons are available at many of the bars and clubs. Private or group classes are on offer which you can book in advance, or you can just turn up to certain bars, around 8 or 9pm and get involved in the free group lessons. The 2 big ones for this are La sala and Latinos. As for nighlife well if you want Antigua can be party central, head to Riki's bar, Monoloco, Reilly's, Onis, Estudio 35, La Sala or La Casbah and a few more. There is a
schedule for party nights in that each bar holds party nights with cheap drinks and happy hour etc on specific nights of the week, that way your always in the 'happening' bar each night, just pick the right bar! There is the issue of early closing in Antigua i.e clubs close around 1am, but there are numerous 'after parties' if you did want to continue the fun, normally run on the quite till the early hours ofthe morning. Very easy to locate, you just need to ask your new local friends, bar staff or there are normally promotors outside the usual clubs handing out flyers with little maps, they are normally just 1 block away.