The long ride to Flores.

Before we left for Guatemala, I had booked a tour to Tikal for the four of us through a local company called Turansa. 

Last night, someone from Turansa stopped by the hotel and dropped off our vouchers and tour itinerary for us.

According to the schedule, a driver would be by our hotel to pick us up at 7:30am. So, to make sure we got up in time, we set our alarms for 6:30am.

As night falls in Antigua.

Iwas  laying on my bed in the hotel room, completely exhausted from a long day travel and walking about the town. The sun was starting to set and thoughts of dinner came to mind.  According to the hotel receptionist, walking outside after dark is not advisable so we were all thinking we should head out to grab a bite before the sun set. But, I was way too tired to go out and my brother was napping in the room.

Antigua. A first look.

Me standing in front of Parque Central. 

Bellies full from a big lunch, we hit the streets – walking towards Parque Central which is ringed by buildings on three sides and by the beautiful Catedral de San José on the fourth. Most of the buildings housed banks and commercial establishments.  With the buildings all draped with purple banners, it seemed appropriate for the trees in the park to also be awashed in purple.  The purple blooms of the jacaranda trees added just the right touch.

First things first, lunch!!

We've settled into our rooms (spartan but comfortable) and gotten a street map. With a restaurant recommendation from the hotel receptionist, we hit the streets in search of lunch.

As we walked towards the restaurant, we passed under Arco Santa Catalina. The brightly colored archway is a symbol of this little town – you see it just about every write up there is on Antigua.