Traveling on Tuesday: Guatemala

After 20 years, I have finally gone back to my Motherland, the Everlasting Spring of Guatemala. Just the word Guatemala is very unknown to most people unless they talked about coffee or the mayan ruins. For me, I have learned that there is so much more to this beautiful country. So below I have listed 4 great spots to visit while traveling to Guatemala.

1: Antigua

For the people in Guatemala this is one of the most well known hangout spots near Guatemala City. This place connects the old with the new of Guatemala with buildings still intact from many many years ago to urban modern restaurants and hotels opened in this town. One of the most famous parades happens here called "La Semana Santa" where people decorate the entire street in petals and colored sawdust.

The best souvenirs can be bought here for cheaper prices. (of course through bargaining) There are also Guatemalan candy that must be bought here that are amazing gifts to give if you cant think of other options.

2: Paseo Cayala

This next place I only saw at night, but was still such a fun place. This outdoor mall includes clothing stores, cafes, night clubs and a beautiful hotel that will be opening soon. The architecture is very minimalist with a touch of Spanish details. Since the holidays were coming soon, the streets were also filled with christmas lights.

One restaurant I can recommend is Saul Bistro that has a mix of all different kinds of foods. Pizza, crepes, steaks, sandwiches and even a brunch menu. The decor inside is very much unique. With bright textiles hung on the ceiling a zebra statue waiting for you outside. Defiantly one-of-a-kind.

3: Parque Central de Guatemala

On the 6th street of Guatemala, a specific place where you can get a great view of some of Guatemala's most important buildings. The first is the National place, also known as the Palacio Verde". This museum houses Guatemalan artwork, culture and history.

In that same corner you can also see the Cathedral of Guatemala City which is the main church of the city. This cathedral also includes a civil war memorial.

The central area itself is also a very beautiful area with a large water fountain and vendors selling around the square.

4: Hotel Santa Domingo

Although this place within Antigua, this hotel itself should have a place in the top 5. This hotel is set in a colonial style of rooms with rustic details and plants all around. Inside this gated hotel are also 7 museums that can is open to the public for about $7. Museums of archeology, pre-columbian art, local artist halls, pharmacy museum, a silver museum a colonial museum.

Inside the hotel is also an outdoor ceremony room for weddings to be held, and banquet halls with lit verandas. This place is probably the best place to host your wedding to be honest!

This place is not just a great place to stay, but also to visit.

Since the timing I went was there most rainy season, there weren't a lot of outdoor places that were available, but the country in itself is still amazing with the rain. Iv'e met some of the most warmest people while I was visiting, and everyone were more then happy to suggest new places to make your trip more exciting.