Antigua, GUATEMALA

Nestled between three volcanoes (two of which are active ...of which one I will climb to the crater) Antigua is a quaint colonial town with cobbled streets and pastel coloured houses. Founded in 1543, it was almost entirely destroyed in 1773 by a catastrophic earthquake. Rebuilt from the ruins and ashes, it is now one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Latin America. I still think Cartagena in Colombia is superior...probably because its not nearly as touristy as Antigua...as most travelers are afraid to do Colombia.

The next few days will be hectic. My current plan is to travel to the Mayan ruins of Copan (Honduras), for two days, leaving at 4am tomorrow morning. Then back to Antigua and then to the picturesque lake of Atitlan and the surrounding Mayan villages. Sunday will be to the town of Chichicastenango for the big market. Then likely up north by bus and by boat along the Caribbean coast to southern Belize. Back to Antigua and on May 4th or 5th I should cross into southern Chiapas, Mexico.

Adios!