how
To Get There
Aurora International Airport is located on the south side of Guatemala City in zone 13. A taxi ride should take about 10 minutes, and cost around $10. US citizens do not need a business visa. There is a $30 departure tax.
To Get Around
When visiting the city pay attention to zones, since street numbers can be repeated in different zones. Commercial areas are concentrated in zones 1, 4 and 9. Taxis are unmetered so agree on a fare in advance.
where
To Stay
President Bill Clinton stayed at Posada del Angel (4a. Ave. Sur #24A Antigua, Tel:502-832-5303, www.posadadelangel.com), a luxurious boutique hotel 30 miles from Guatemala City. Another elegant choice in Antigua is Lion’s Inn Antigua (Las Gravileas No. 1, Calle de los Duelos, Tel: 502-832-7371, www.lionsinnantigua.com). If you prefer to stay in the city, Quinta Real Guatemala (Prolongacion Boulevard Los Proceres, Km 9, Zona 15, Tel: 502-365-5050, www.quintareal.com.gt has private gardens and a panoramic view of distant volcanoes.
To Eat
Jake’s (17 calle 10-40, Zona 10, Tel: 368-0351) features contemporary cuisine and a first-rate wine list. Tamarindos (11 Calle 2-19A, Zona 10, 360-2815) serves Thai and Italian food with a Guatemalan twist. Great Guatemalan cuisine is served at La Hacienda Real (13 Calle 1-10 Zona 10, Tel: 335-5409).
To Drink
Giuseppe Verdi in Camino Real Hotel (14 Calle at Avenida La Reforma) is a happening place. For a drink plus live music, try Sesto Senso (2 Av. 12-81, Zona 10).
To Unwind
Popol Vuh Museum (6a. calle Francisco Marroquín University Campus, zone 10, Tel: 361-2301) has a trove of Mayan and colonial art. The National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology (Finca Nacional La Aurora, zone 13, Tel: 472-0489) houses a comprehensive collection of Guatelamalan Mayan archeological pieces.
what
To Buy
Jade masks and jewelry, and Indian textiles are available at Mercado Central (9A Av. between Calles 6A and 8A) and the National Handicraft Market (Aurora Park near the Airport in Zone 13).