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Colonial town of Antigua at the foot of ‘Agua’ Volcano. Photo/© Knut Eisermann. |
Antigua Guatemala. Anybody who has visited Antigua will tell you that it is the best place for simply stretching your legs in Guatemala. Antigua, a colonial city declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979, earned its international fame for the very panorama you will take in: a harmony of arquitecture lost in time since the XVI century set down in the cradle between three volcanoes. In this quaint colonial town you will peruse the cobbled streets, take in the warm air and jovial scene in the central park, communicate with indigenous people from all over the country, and stare in awe as the sun sets behind the facade of colorful adobe house fronts.
Antigua is also a well-known cultural center. It boasts numerous art and history museums, is a favored place for viewing art performances and exhibitions, and also has several cozy bookstores where you can find an extensive array of current books about Guatemala and Latin America. The culinary diversity in Antigua is also unique. You will find a wide variety of national and world cooking styles to choose from, with a vibrant nightlife as well.
During the day you can look for deals in the local handicraft market, where you will be attended by artisans from all over Guatemala. Local guides will recount Antigua's history to you, giving you a deeper view into the past of this colonial Guatemalan Capital.
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| Cypress-Pine-Oak forest near Antigua Guatemala. Photo/© Knut Eisermann. |
Birding around Antigua. Conifer-oak forest ist the natural vegetation on the relatively dry mountain slopes around Antigua. These forests in an altitude of approximately 2000 m are easily accessible from Antigua within a 45 min drive. Typical bird species are the endemic Rufous-collared Thrush (Turdus rufitorques) and Bushy-crested Jay (Cyanocorax melanocyaneus), Black-headed Siskin (Carduelis notata), Painted Redstart (Myioborus pictus), Greater Pewee (Contopus pertinax), Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), White-eared Hummingbird (Hylocharis leucotis).
Accommodation: Antigua Guatemala is located just 40 minutes away from Guatemala city and has all of the conveniences you might need: from typical textiles to recycled paper notebooks, exquisite meals to fast and comfortable internet cafes; with the help of your guide, a map or any local passer- by, you will be able to easily navigate through Antigua and to your points of interest. The best means of transportation in Antigua is walking. Distances are short and the town is safe, even late at night. All of the hotels where you may stay have private bathrooms, breakfast service and the peace and tranquility of a colonial feel, many with a comfortable courtyard for relaxing in the middle of the hotel. Restaurant recommendations will be made by your tour guide based on your personal taste.
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When is the best time for a vist in Antigua? Any time of year. The view to the surrounding volcano landscape can be affected by the smoke of fires for preparing the corn fields from February to April. But in these months bird activity is tremendous, because it is nesting season.
How do you support conservation and development around Antigua? Some of the mountain slopes around Antigua are still covered with forest. With your birding visit you will put a value to these habitats, which is an important motivation for conservation. 
