By far the most charming and pristine city in Guatemala, Antigua is a result of the Spanish occupation of the country and was once the capital city. Full of beautifully- restored colonial architecture, this city is the most popular tourist attraction outside the Mayan ruins of Tikal.

Antigua was abandoned from the late 18th through the early 20th century, after a 1773 earthquake destroyed much of the city, and it wasn’t until the 1940s that it was recognized for the gem that it is. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, the tourist infrastructure here is excellent and includes quality hotels and restaurants and plenty of places to shop.