Antigua is a remarkable city! When I moved here in 1969, we had three hotels and four restaurants. It seemed very much abandoned much like after the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1773. Not at all the case today! Through our restoration effects over the years, everyone has created a magical city. Many of its ruined churches and convents have been restored and are now venues for weddings and events. We have a full array of restaurants, hotels, B&Bs, art galleries and cultural centers. The number of local committees have played a fabulous role in creating the city today – including recent aid efforts for different projects.

I have enjoyed researching the city to bring it to life. Receiving the Gold “Diego de Porres” Award – the highest award offered in Antigua by the Guatemala government/National Council for the Protection of Antigua Guatemala for “more than 42 years of tireless efforts in preserving the city and promoting more understanding of its heritage” (2010) was extremely special for me. We know so much more about its culture and can bring it to life today! My background in Cultural History and Historic Preservation are fine-tuned for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Antigua Tours – through our wedding team led by Julio Aceituno – was instrumental in placing Guatemala as #1 in the Top Ten Destination Wedding locations in the World in December 2017 at https://www.brides.com/story/best-destination-wedding-location-ideas We are delighted to have weddings/events bring so many jobs to talented locals in so many areas! Guatemalans are truly creative in their crafts whether its decorations, food, flowers, textiles, rum, jade carving or music. We all offer sincere hospitality!

Learning more about this incredible city is also my passion. My Cultural Walking Tours are full of new information from my research and hands-on projects that enrich us today. There is always something new to experience in town and we look forward to seeing you in Antigua soon! I will be bringing new information to you through this blog as we unearth more details through lectures, excavations, books and experiences.