It is a long 6-7 hour journey from Rio Dulce but with very scenic mountain views before reaching Guatemala City which took about an hour to cross because of the traffic. Upon entering the city of Antigua, you’ll notice all the roads are cobbled and the colonial building designs remain from the Spanish occupation of the city. The city has a lively plaza with many shops and restaurants. A block or two from the plaza, you can find more restaurants and bars. Another touristic attraction is the iconic Santa Catalina Arch which is 2 blocks from the plaza. There is also a great central market that sells a range of products at ridiculously cheap prices. Whilst in Rio Dulce, a fellow traveler recommended a visit to the McDonald’s stating that it was very unique. He didn’t mention what made it unique but I was intrigued and decided to check it out. I was pleasantly surprised since it was not like any other McDonald’s. This specific one has a huge beautifully decorated garden with an unobstructed view of the volcano. It may be an odd stop to visit a McDonald’s in a city but this one was definitely worth it. Finally, there is a viewpoint at Cerro de la Cruz about a 30-minute walk from the city center. This hilltop has a terrific panoramic view of the city with a volcano in the background typical of a postcard.
