Antigua Guatemala
Photos from a journey to a vibrant, culture-rich city in Guatemala with nearly 500 years of history.
BY NICK SCHMIDT
View of Volcán de Agua overlooking Antigua Guatemala from the city’s panoramic vista of Cerro de la Cruz.
The first bit of balmy, morning sunlight appears from behind the vast array of onlooking mountains, illumining the city of colonial origin. Cobblestone streets pass by old ruins and standing structures alike. Surrounded by the aura of ancient volcanoes, Antigua Guatemala comes to life. With the rise of the sun comes gatherings of people. The aroma of fresh-made coffee and street food fills the markets in the central plaza. The bustle lasts into the evening before settling late in the night and returning with the next morning.
Tiendas surround a fountain in the beautiful Mercado de Artesanías in Antigua Guatemala.
At this artisan market, I had had the opportunity to see masterful craftsmanship from gifted artists, including those with specialties in textiles, ceramics, paintings, jewelry, and more. The only experience more wondrous than being among the remarkable handicrafts was having conversations and getting to know the people crafting the artworks.
Volcán de Fuego erupts in the early morning alongside Volcán de Acatenango - as seen from the rooftop of Hotel Posada San Pedro.
Each morning, I had breakfast on the rooftop terrace of Hotel Posada San Pedro. The hotel was only a 5-minute walk from Parque Central, and had an incredible viewpoint of the volcanoes surrounding the city. Most often, my time sitting here was met with experiencing the sight of plumes of ash erupting from Volcán de Fuego, the most active volcano in Guatemala.
The back wall behind the counter of one of the shops at Finca La Azotea, a 150-year-old coffee farm that celebrates coffee, culture, and cuisine.
Visiting La Finca Azotea allowed me to be immersed in Guatemala’s rich coffee heritage. Walking around the Museo del Café, through the Patio de Secado, and into the surrounding garden with restaurants.
Coffee drying patio, or patio de secado, at La Finca Azotea - where freshly harvested and washed coffee beans dry in the sun before being roasted.