Cerro Quemado (volcán)
Cerro Quemado (volcán)
Cerro Quemado (volcano) — Cerro Quemado (whose name means “Burned Peak” in
Spanish), is an active volcano that may erupt again in the near future. It’s located 30
minutes (7 km.) south of the regional city, Quezaltenango (Xela), or 3 ½ hours (203 km.)
west of Guatemala City. About 1200 years ago, part of Cerro Quemado's dome
collapsed, producing a debris avalanche and an associated lateral explosion that swept
across the valley to the west as far as the flanks of Siete Orejas volcano. The latest
eruption in 1818 produced a blocky 2.5-km-long lava flow. Hot springs are located on
the northern and eastern flanks of Cerro Quemado, and the Zuníl geothermal field, the
site of a geothermal exploration project, lies on the southeast flank of Cerro Quemado.
Antigua (ciudad)
Antigua (ciudad)
Antigua (city) — Founded in 1543 by the Spanish, Antigua was the capital of colonial
Central America until a series of earthquakes forced the inhabitants to evacuate the city.
During its heyday, Antigua was one of the wealthiest cities in the New World. That
legacy shines through today amid the languid colonial charm.
The cobbled streets, old churches, and painted homes make Antigua a charming place
to wander around, taking photos and imagining what’s happening on the other side of
those ancient walls. The city’s Parque Central is a wonderful spot to hang out while
enjoying an ice cream. Antigua is full of great boutique hotels and restaurants to check
out.
Acatenango (volcán)
Acatenango (volcán)
Acatenango (volcano) – located an hour southwest of the regional city of Antigua,
Acatenango is a stratovolcano with two peaks (Pico Mayor and Yepocapa, a.k.a. Tres
Hermanas). With a height of almost 4,000 meters, Acatenango is joined with Volcán de
Fuego and collectively the volcano complex is known as La Horqueta. Since occasional
minor eruptions occur here, Acatenango has become a popular destination with eco-
tourists and pro hikers.
Plaza Fontabella
Plaza Fontabella
Plaza Fontabella (4ta Avenida y 12 Calle, Zone 10, Ciudad de Guatemala) – this is
another upscale mall in the capital, with 40 international & regional retailers. They
range from fashion brands like Bebe and Carolina Herrera, to L’Occitane (French
beauty products), La Casa del Habano (Cuban cigars) and even the luxury car maker
Maserati. There’s also a three-screen movie theater, and occasional events for the
shoppers.
Oakland Mall
Oakland Mall
Oakland Mall (Diagonal 6, 13-01 Zona 10, Ciudad de Guatemala) — this is perhaps
the largest shopping mall anywhere in Guatemala (with over 200 retailers and eateries).
Many of the retailers are American and international brands (for shoppers of various
income levels), while eateries found here range from American fast food brands like
Starbucks, McDonald’s, KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, to local & regional ones like
Pollo Campero. Various upper and middle income shoppers frequent this mall.
La Noria
La Noria
La Noria (10 Avenida 12-30, Zona 14, Ciudad de Guatemala) – this is an upscale
shopping mall with 32 local & regional retailers, and 25 eateries (including Starbucks, a
sushi restaurant, and other types of eateries – from Belgian French Fries, to
Venezuelan fast food, and Lebanese cuisine). Various events are also held here (from
wine tastings, to live music).
Centro Comercial El Panorama
Centro Comercial El Panorama
Centro Comercial El Panorama (RN 14 e/Calle del Emperador, Antigua) – this is a
strip mall with a limited number of local retailers, along with a gas station. Tourists
passing through Antigua on their way to far-flung eco-tourist destinations are likely to
use this place as a pit stop.
Arkadia Shopping
Arkadia Shopping
Arkadia Shopping (Boulevard Los Próceres, 18 Calle 26-21, Ciudad de Guatemala)
– Este es uno de los principales centros comerciales de la capital. Hay 47 minoristas (incluidos
Forever 21, Quiksilver, Johnston & amp; Murphy, Aéropostale, Perry Ellis y Guess, junto
con minoristas locales y regionales). También hay 20 restaurantes de comida rápida (como Tía
Anne’s, Dairy Queen, McDonald’s, Pollo Campero, Subway y Taco Bell, junto con
local & amp; restaurantes regionales).
The Box Lounge Groove
The Box Lounge Groove
The Box Lounge Groove (15 calle 2-53, Zona 10, Ciudad de Guatemala) — this is a
popular nightspot for electronic dance fans. In existence since 2004 (when electronic
music first started getting popular in Latin America, this venue frequently books local
electronic music DJs. Bajofondo bar (next door) is also worth visiting while you’re in
town.
Tabacos y Vinos
Tabacos y Vinos
Tabacos y Vinos (5a Avenida Norte 288, Sacatepéquez, Antigua) – for those visiting
the Santa Catalina arch in Antigua, wine-drinking visitors will be please to hear about
this wine bar close by. This is considered one of the city’s hidden gems, since they
have the best wine selection (from Spain, France, Italy, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay).
This wine bar also has a decent selection of Cuban cigars (ranging from Cohiba, to H.
Upmann, Montecristo and Partagás. That as well as cigars from Dominican Republic,
Honduras and elsewhere.
