Antigua - The colonial capital

As the oldest city in Guatemala, Antigua is a city draped in historical buildings and ruins. In its heyday when the country was still under Spanish rule, Antigua was the capital city. You will see and recognise the similar design and architecture of other Spanish colonial cities the minute you arrive. In the centre you will find the Main Plaza surrounded by the key buildings of the city. Here you will find several cathedrals and the Government Palace. Parque Central is only a stones throw away and a splendid place to get a bit of rest and time to sit back and reflect. Right next to the park is one of the best museums in the city, the Convento de Santo Domingo. Visiting other sites like the ruins of the city can seem a bit steep compared to other cities but are well worth it. And when you finished walking around the city you can go hike up one of the nearby volcanoes that surround the city. Of the three volcanoes, Volcan Pacaya is the easiest climb and can be done in one afternoon. Volcan Acatenango is the most difficult and you will need to be prepared both for time and the right gear.

Cartagena - La ciudad colonia

This is city that is more than just beautiful, this city is fantastic. With a huge amount of exotic colonial buildings, Cartagena is a glorious city to see. Originally the trade port capital of the Spanish Main, huge amounts of wealth passed in and out of the city in its heyday. Because of this, you will find stunning buildings unlike any other colonial construction in the world. The city itself is listed as a UNESCO heritage site and the main parts to see are the walled colonial city “ciudad amurallada”, which also has loads of restaurants and cafes, and the main beachfront or “Bocagrande”. The walled city also has some fantastic old forts which usually charge a moderate price for admission, but are well worth it. The Bocagrande holds all the main hotels and condos stretched across the coast of the beach. The best beach in the region is the Playa Blanca. You can drop by this beach as part of a trip to the Islas del Rosario as well as lunch and a visit to the aquarium. The city holds a huge selection of food both traditional and modern so you stomach will enjoy the trip as much as you do.