The beauty and peace of the Central American Country of Guatemala
What started out as a friend wanting a passport stamp and me needing to complete my global entry application turned into a memorable journey for the ages. After being in the country for less than twenty-four hours, I quickly realized that Guatemala is a vastly underrated travel destination. I immediately pondered, “Why don’t people explore here more often?” But before delving into my experiences, let’s discuss what essentials to pack. In April, the weather is warm during the day but moderately cool at night. So much so that most hotels don’t offer in-room A/C (however, most provide a fan upon request). I opted to pack “Day to Night” brightly colored sets and roomy jumpers. Antigua, Guatemala, boasts cobblestone streets that are uneven and unpredictable, so I primarily packed flats and sneakers.
The Accommodations
My stay at The Good Hotel was truly exceptional. I sought a serene retreat amidst nature, craving an immersive indoor/outdoor ambiance. I also wanted a hotel that was conveniently located in proximity to the city centre. Though The Good Hotel doesn’t offer A/C, the cool nights and refreshing breeze drifting through the open window provided a delightful departure from my typical urban setting. The restaurant next door Saul came in handy offering a convenient dining option without venturing far from the comfort of the hotel.
The Food Scene in Guatemala
All I have to say is that I would buy a plane ticket to Guatemala just to eat. The culinary delights are unmatched. Freshly squeezed juices and smoothies every day. The ceviche I savored was unparalleled, each bite a revelation of flavor and freshness. The breakfast plates were samples of 6-8 foods on a single plate. As a dedicated food enthusiast, I found immense satisfaction in the abundance of fresh seafood and healthful options. I align travel experiences with cuisine so I enjoyed the food scene. Some of the restaurants include Maxan for seafood, Angie Angie for great Italian, and Cafe in the Sky for breakfast with the best view of Antigua. Last but certainly not least, we had brunch on an organic farm, Caoba Farms. This experience was amazing. This extraordinary experience unfolded amidst 40 acres of lush farmland, complemented by live music and a bustling local vendor market.
Tours and Experiences in Guatemala
We all know that everyone travels differently. I am somewhere between eco-tourism, adventure, food and culture enthusiast and shopping connoisseur. Nevertheless, I only had time for two experiences on this short trip. Firstly hiking Volcano Pacaya, one of the five active volcanos that is 3,000km. Let me just say, I should’ve taken the horse when it was offered to me. I chose this tour because it was the shortest volcano hike however, it was challenging. I am known for being overly ambitious, especially with physical activity. From roasting marshmallows on the hotspots to trying pizza that was cooked on the actual volcano itself, this is an experience that I will never forget. I am not even upset about my Schultz hiking boots that were brand new but now have a melted sole.
The De La Gente Coffee Tour was awesome. We had the best experience learning how coffee is made from seed to sip. Being a part of the tourism community, I can attest that this tour is meticulously planned, offering a seamless journey from the scenic ride up to the coffee fields to the immersive experience of hand-roasting and grinding coffee beans, with the added option of enjoying a delicious home-cooked meal. The De La Gente organization not only enriches the community but also serves as a vital lifeline for the farmers it supports, making it an invaluable asset to the region.
Unique Shopping in Antigua, Guatemala
So you know I had to do some shopping. And if you don’t know, there are three kinds of shopping that I like to do when visiting a new country, local markets for handmade goods, unique boutiques, and grocery stores. So yes, the markets here are great. You have to use your third eye and look hard for unique finds because most of the items are similar as this is a business and a way to make a living for most. Fortunately on the first day we encountered a shop owner who literally made all of her apothecary items as well as organic beauty products, The Tea & Chocolate Place. She actually grows all of her veggies and herbs used to make the products. I picked up a Soursop tea blend and a delicious herbal honey.
Join us for the next experience in Guatemala
This is just a bit of our experience. Follow @the.chic.nomad on Instagram for videos, photos and more from this experience. I was so inspired by this trip that I have added it to our annual experiences. I have added two dates for this experience for 2023 and I would love to host eight (8) travelers as a part of our Chic Retreats Launch. Click here to RSVP for your dates. Also, check out our other experiences coming up this year.
Don’t forget to follow on social media and subscribe to the blog for updates! Until the next time, keep moving with confidence, faith and style!
