I’d visited Guatemala in particular cause I wanted to climb the Pacaya Volcano and roast marshmallows in the volcanic rocks. I’d also wanted to explore the colonial history in Antigua, Guatemala.

I’d traveled solo to Guatemala and it resulted in an educational and inspiring traveling experience.

Here is my 2 days itinerary on how I spent my time in Guatemala that perhaps could be helpful with planning your visit as well!

Day 1: May 27, 2022

🔶Flew into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala at 6:00 AM.

🔷Cleared immigration which was a smooth process for me coming from the USA. Highly recommend checking what are the requirements when traveling as the rules changes constantly.

🔶Stayed 2 nights at Dai Nonni Hotel located about 5 minutes by cab from the airport. Loved this hotel. It’s very simple with a stunning garden in the backyard, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast. I totally loved the staff here. And the mall is located about a 2 minute walk. Lots of restaurants in the area as well.

🔷Booked a walking day tour through viator and toured Antigua Guatemala City for a day. This is a must do activity when in Guatemala.

This city is the most visited in Guatemala cause of its Spanish influence and colonial presence. 🥰

🔶My 1st stop was at the Iglesia San Francisco church. And I visited cause most of the locals go there and this is one of the largest/authentic church in the city.

I was able to see two locals praying and requesting help from their lord. So every time they put a request in they get on their knees and crawl towards the altar.

FYI, the Iglesia San Francisco church was damaged badly by three different earthquakes. If you didn’t know Guatemala sits on top of three plates. So when these plates in the earth gets antsy they cause unpleasant earthquakes. 😡

🔷My 2nd stop was at the University of San Carlos, which is the largest and oldest university in Guatemala.

🔶My 3rd stop was at Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. You’ll find great history, excellent designers and architects who’d beautifully retained the ruins and built a hotel around it. The museums located in the hotel will literally blow your mind. If you are a history buff, this is your place. If you are staying in Antigua Guatemala, I’d definitely recommend checking this place out.

🔷My 4th stop was at La Posada de Don Rodrigo hotel. Wow! This place is so glamorous and filled with Antigua’s ancient history. It used to be a colonial and antique home in Guatemala as I was told during my tour.

Had an authentic Guatemalan meal for lunch. It’s called Pepián served with chicken stew with ground nuts and seeds in it. It was served with corn and rice. So yummy and tasty!

Had a few Guatemalan National beer called Gallo lager. Pretty tasty.

Saw a LIVE Guatemalan band playing some authentic music.

🔶My 5th stop was at the Arch of Santa Catalina. It’s the most photographed spot when in Antigua Guatemala.

The Arch of Santa Catalina was built as a bridge to allow the cloistered nuns to cross the street without being seen. They were traveling from the convent to the school.

A cloistered nun dedicates her life to the lord by isolating herself from the world and her family. Her relationship is only with the lord and the other cloistered nuns. They pray for all of us all over the world.

What’s interesting is that these women are very educated but choose a life of isolation. They have a spiritually network connection…if you missed praying one day or don’t pray at all…just remembered a cloistered nun is praying for you…just a thought if you believe this kinda stuff..

🔷My final stop was at a local market in Antigua Guatemala.

The streets in Antigua Guatemala is made up of cobbles stones and so are the streets in my neighborhood in Queens, NYC. And that was how I would become part of the Guatemalan story as I searched for my next piece of local artwork.

Day 2: May 28, 2022

🔶Guatemala has about 34 volcanos & 3 are active. Active meaning it erupts & stuff & spits out luscious red lava! 🥹 Eruption is caused by when a rock melts in the earth and that liquid/lava from the melted rock starts flowing/pouring out of the 🌋…

🔷Guess what this #wanderlust climbed active volcano Pacaya and roasted marshmallows in the hot volcanic rocks. My marshmallows tasted like rum and coke without ice. Lol!

🔶Like seriously the hike was not that bad if you have a walking stick…it was super exciting cause I was walking in volcanic ashes and rocks…darn! We all were denied access to the crater/top of the volcano cause we were not geologist (they are rock subject matter experts)!!!

🔷It’s mandatory to go with a tour guide. I’d booked my tour with @viatortravel and my tour guide was @guiavolcanpacaya1; David was superb. Gracias! He lives in the area and had saw Pacaya in action when it erupted in 2018. Check out his instagram page or connect with him to learn more.

🔶😋So I did a food vlog on the local food in Guatemala City!

My budget was $20 USD and I did not exceed it. 😃

I was so surprised that the Guatemalans eat in small portion. Coming from NYC, I’d usually eat like there is no tomorrow! 😂

And their national beer 🍺 is Gallo lager. It tasted like cold coffee without ice and sugar.

Hopeful this blog gives you a taste of how beautiful part of this country – Guatemala is all about.

Thank you for your taking the time to read my blog.

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⁃ Instagram Account: @whereisgatangalie

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Thank you!