There are also a myriad of tours available from the majestic ruins of Tikal to the colorful marketplaces, lakeside villages of Atitlan and helicopter tours of the volcanoes. We will be more than happy to make reservations or provide you with any additional information you may desire. We highly recommend a visit to the beautiful old colonial capitol of Antigua. If interested in Jade – some of the finest examples are found here. If you want something made – the local artisans can do it for you. Try Jade S.A. and Casa de Jade
Casa Santo Domingo is a restored 17th-century monastery is in keeping with the city's cobbled streets and colorful colonial buildings. Offering understated luxury and comfort without compromising its original features, a stay at Casa Santa Domingo is a unique and fascinating experience.
Posada De Don Rodrigo is an authentic 315 year old property, renovated to offer you all the facilities expected of a first class hostelry, providing excellent quality, food and services for the discerning traveler. Posada De Don Rodrigo is not only colonial style inn but also has the most typical atmosphere in Antigua.
Hotel Las Farolas is across the street from the El Viejo Ruins and five blocks from the Cathedral. This is a most interesting little hotel with the excellent Café Lantana and beautiful gardens.
GUATEMALA CITY Has the largest urban population between Medellin, Colombia and Mexico City. The current population estimates for Guatemala City are about 4,500,000 in the greater metropolitan region. Guatemalans have a diversity of origins, with Spanish and Mestizo descent being the most common. Within the confines of the modern city is the ancient Maya city of Kaminaljuyu, which dates back some 9,000 years and is one of the Americas' most notable archaeological sites. The center of Kaminaljuyu was located a short distance from the oldest part of Guatemala City. In the late 20th century, the city grew around the ruins. Many of the several hundred temple mounds have been built over with freeways, shopping centers, commerce, luxury hotels and residential areas. The central ceremonial center of Kaminaljuyu was protected by the Guatemalan government and is now a park within the city.
In Spanish colonial times, Guatemala City had a monastery called 'El Carmen', founded in 1629. The capital of Spanish colonial Central America was moved here after a volcano destroyed Antigua in 1775. King Charles III of Spain authorized the moving of the capital shortly afterwards. This resulted in a great expansion of the city.
Today, Guatemala City is the economic, governmental and cultural capital of the Republic, and it functions as the main port of entry - the country's largest international airport – the brand new La Aurora. In addition to a wide variety of restaurants, hotels and shops, the city has a wide variety of art galleries and museums - including some fine collections of Pre-Columbian art and continually offers an increasing amount of cultural activities.
Westin Camino Real Hotel is about 15 minutes away from the airport, with 271 deluxe rooms with a European flair and two restaurants, and provides a free airport shuttle. Avenida la Reforma y 14 Calle.
The Intercontinental Hotel with 239 recently renovated rooms is located in downtown five miles from La Aurora International Airport. The hotel is conveniently situated to take advantage of banking and commercial interests.
The Clarion Suites with 172 rooms is located just two miles from La Aurora International Airport. This hotel is close to the Ixchel Museum , the National Palace of Culture and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology.
La Reunion Golf Resort is surrounded by four volcanoes on a 1300 acre former coffee plantation 11 miles south of Antigua . La Reunion Golf Resort is relatively new in a very old part of Guatemala . The Fuego Maya 18 hole course was designed by legendary architect Pete & Perry Dye and celebrates the similarities between the millenary Mayan calendar and the game of golf. A player stated: “The views here are incredible, but you have to be able to golf your ball. On a clear day you can see forever. Very hilly, too. You won't find many flat lies. If you can play here, you can play anywhere. Bent grass greens are firm and new
SOUVENIRS: For those wanting to purchase local handicrafts make sure to allow yourself some extra time to survey the multitude of souvenirs from vendors in the airport itself. There is a Ron Zacapa duty free store and Guatemalan coffee is always a welcome gift.