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If you’re planning a vacation this coming winter but another all-inclusive hotel in Cancun doesn’t quite spark your wanderlust, it might be time to head to an unexpected place, home to both a fascinating culture and unique experiences await you.
Antigua Guatemala, a colonial city so well preserved that it was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites, was recently named one of the best destinations in the world by the travel experts of National Geographicand we tend to agree:
Between the beautiful architecture, hospitable locals and flavorful cuisine, there are many reasons why Antigua should be on your radar, especially since the nearby international airport hosts flights from 11 US cities:
Why is Antigua Guatemala one of the 25 best places in the world to visit?
Before we look at those flights, let’s first understand what makes Antigua Guatemala so special.
National Geographic included it in its select list of ’25 Places in the World to Travel to in 2025′.
As we have already noted, it is one of the most intact historical zones of the colonial era, with its former status as the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, one of the subdivisions of the once vast Spanish Empire.
Thanks to its prominent status as a regional administrative center, Antigua has amassed architectural wealth like no otherwith Baroque monuments in abundance, and richly decorated churches that still serve as testament to the now faded grandeur of the former empire.
A beautiful colonial cityscape
Unlike most cities in Central America, including Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala, which is just 24 miles away, Antigua hasn’t forfeited its Old World charm in favor of a 21st-century makeover: the most of the houses and public buildings you see date back at least three centuries.
Some notable examples include the Cathedral of San José, with its ornate facade completed in 1680the Santa Clara Monastery, with its European-style gardens and intact cloisters, the Palace of the Captain General, a relic of the Captaincy period, and the icon of the Antiguan cityscape:
Santa Catalina’s Arch, an arch that connected the monastery of the same name to a school that allowed nuns in convents a safe passage away from the gaze of men: backed by views of the surrounding mountains, it is by far the most photogenic spot in the city .
Tasty Latin food
With its rich colonial history, Antigua is not just a gateway to the past, but an entire gastronomic journey:
Of the delicious arepas sold at Mercado de Comida, usually for less than a dollarto the spicy gringas on display at Mercado Central (don’t worry, that’s what the locals call quesadillas), you’re in for a treat if Latin American food is your takeaway of choice.
By the way, if you’re thinking of something more elevated than street markets, where you can taste traditional Guatemalan food and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and its volcanoes, make sure you reserve a table at El Tenedor Del Cerropreferably during sunset hours.
Watched for days
Antigua isn’t just about colonial sights and food, either: it’s the jumping-off point for many travelers exploring the towering volcanoes and lush nature of southern Guatemala.
The most popular hike is Volcán de Fuego, an active volcano with breathtaking views over the landscape – a bestseller on Receive your guidethis 2-day walking tour includes the summit of Volcán de Fuego and neighboring Acatenango.
You can benefit from it from just €45 return bus transferthe help of a local guide with an intermediate level of English, access to the base camp, hats, jackets and gloves to adapt to the sudden temperature change, a dormitory-style accommodation and even three meals a day.
Where can you fly directly to Guatemala from?
There’s no doubt that Antigua Guatemala is a world-class cultural getaway, but which US cities offer nonstop flights there?
The nearest international airport is La Aurora (GUA), which serves both Guatemala City and Antigua, 6 and 25 kilometers away respectively.
The complete list of US airports with non-stop connections to Guatemala can be seen below:
From California
3-9 flights per day with United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Volaris Costa Rica, Avianca or Delta Air Lines
From Texas
6 flights per day with United Airlines or Spirit Airlines
Every Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 1 flight with American Airlines
From Florida
3-4 flights per day with American Airlines or Frontier Airlines
1 flight per day Spirit Airlines
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 flight with Spirit Airlines
From New York
1-3 flights per day with Avianca or JetBlue
From Virginia
3 flights every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday with United Airlines or Avianca
From Georgia
1 flight per day with Delta Air Lines or Frontier Airlines
From New Jersey
Every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 1 flight with United Airlines
From Illinois
2 flights every Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday with American Airlines, Avianca or United Airlines
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
