If you are only thinking about taking a single day between fishing in Guatemala, our best recommendation is for you to take an easy day trip to the old capital of Guatemala – Antigua.

It is about an hour away from the Marina Pez Vela on good roads. Our company van will take your group of up to eight persons directly from your villa, resort or lodge to the town square of Antigua. From here you are free to wander the old cobblestone roads and ways of the town – populated by internet cafes, travel agencies, bars and cafes.

La Antigua Guatemala means the "Old Guatemala" and was the third capital of Guatemala. Established in 1543 by the Spanish Conquistadors, it was originally named Santiago de los Caballeros (Knights of St James) from the original Capital of Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemalan.  It served as the centre of governance for the “Spanish Colony of Guatemala” for almost 200 years -which at the time consisted of almost all of present day Central America as well as the southern part of Mexico.

A series of earthquakes that started in 1717, but culminated in a set of large earthquakes in 1773 caused the Spanish Crown to mandate the move of the capital to a safer location (present day Guatemala City) in 1776.

The badly damaged city of Santiago de los Caballeros was ordered abandoned, although not everyone left, and was referred to as la Antigua Guatemala, or Old Guatemala. The population had peaked in the 1770’s at around 60,000 – but today’s residents number about half that.

La Antigua is noted for its very elaborate religious celebrations during Lent (Cuaresma), leading up to Holy Week (Semana Santa) and Easter (Pascua). Each Sunday in Lent, one on the local churches and parishes sponsor a series of processions through the streets of Antigua.

This is by far the most popular week of the year to visit Antigua, and travelers can expect an extreme shortage of good accommodation – as well as restrictions in the town for parking and access – given the crowds.

Antigua is also well known for its Spanish Schools (over 100 at last count), and for its “cosmopolitan” ambience – with restaurants and bars that serve the tourist population, and are rarely seen in other towns and villages outside the Capital.

There is a reasonably large market in the town, which on Thursdays and Sundays is expanded with more fresh food, clothing and local “delicacies”. Next to the market is a purpose built “craft market” which is obviously targeted to tourists, but the quality is good and there is a good showing of handiworks, better t-shirts etc (although you will pay substantially more).

Expect to haggle no matter which market you end up in! If time is short, and you need decent things to take home – we would recommend the craft market as a “quick fix” that won’t break the bank.

The trip can include a bilingual guide on request, who will accompany you on a walking tour of the old town, as well as planned visits to coffee plantations and jade factories – even help you negotiate a deal!