Antigua, Guatemala, is Wanderlust's top city for travel

Readers of the U.K. travel magazine Wanderlust voted the Guatemalan city of Antigua tops for travel in the magazine's annual awards. The Central American city bested Luang Prabang in Laos, winner for the previous two years, to the title.

The decision by U.K. readers and voters was noted with pride by the Guatemala Times in this report, in which Barbara Schieber wrote that it "is a great pride for Guatemala that La Antigua has been chosen as number one city in the world to visit. Number two is Kyoto in Japan, that is a tough one to beat. Paris and New York did not make it to the top ten."

Latin America has been doing well in travel awards of late. Mexico City was declared the world's top religious tourist destination in January, and Peru and Mexico's Michoacan were named two of the top ten cultural destination in the world by Forbes magazine.

Latin American countries dominated the Ethical Traveler's top 10 travel destinations and Conde Nast Traveler's readers' choice awards voted Mexico's San Miguel de Allende and Oaxaca among hemisphere's top 10 cities to visit.

-- Deborah Bonello in Mexico City

Comments

[Lauren]

My thirteen year old is on a field trip to Antigua/Tikal right now. He has travelled extensively and he thinks Antigua is one of the loveliest cities he's seen (according to his texts). He's not at after hours clubs, so he's not really exposed to the common crime in Antigua. He's a blue eyed strawberry blond, obviously foreign, and so far absolutely no problems. I think my husband and I will pop down there with the kids this fall.

[Carlos Alberto]

Tell me a country or place where there is no crime if you find yourself (stupidly in the wrong area)?

Tell me the last time you read that a tourist was murdered, mugged or kidnapped in Guatemala or Central-America?

Do a little reading and research before making assumptions.

A few points that if you prove any of them false, I'll send you a check for $500 but if you are proven false in your alarmist, off the hip and unsubstantiated comments you will guarantee you will pay me the same amount.

I apologize to the rest of the folks who are responding in a more conscientious and responsible manner but the idiot that posted about kidnappings does not know what he is talking about. Nor the one that commented that Antigua has become just like another American City.

First, a little about me - I was born in Guatemala but grew up in New York City (Queens and Manhattan) and to this day I know what areas to avoid or get stabbed. I have also lived in London for a year (Hell East End and Hounslow), Munich (Hello Schiller Strasse and surrounding area) and now I live in Silicon Valley where we have some of the murder capitals of the world close by (Hello East Palo Alto, Richmond and Oakland).

Do I know my way around? of course! children are victims of drive by shootings here and these cities are not only rampant with murder at random, kidnappings, drugs, abductions, etc. Right now we have an "Ambert Alert" over a 5 year old girl that was kidnapped yesterday.

The fact is that Guatemala is as safe or as dangerous as any of these places but also as safe if you follow some simple guidelines.

About Antigua Guatemala - former Capital of all of Central America and one of the most important cities for the Spaniards during Colonial Times, together with others like Mexico City and Lima Peru. All of this circa 1500s. Antigua Guatemala is full of ancient convents, churches monasteries, cobble stone streets and colonial structures now worth in the millions. Museums and art of the time too. The Hotel Santo Domingo is a museum in itself where you will stay in a uniquely preserved room with colonial furniture and art work all around. Only, be prepared to pay $300/night to stay there. However, you can lunch or dine and visit the extensive surroundings and much of the art work. However, you can also comfortably stay at a fraction of the cost in former convents or monasteries full of Boungavillas, roses and beautifully preserved surrounding at a fractions of the cost.

During the day you must visit the beautiful Central Plaza, the former "Captain's Palace" (Palacio de los Capitanes) and the many other places I have described. You can also climb a Volcano but NOT without a guided tour (see what I mean about common sense?)

Now wise guy, what US City does this resemble?

You can safely hang out late near the central plaza where you will find fonderias (fondue) and restaurants open late. It is a shame that is has been somewhat americanized by a few American hotels but that provides some nightlife and entertainment for those who seek such.

The people are humble and friendly. One last note, Antigua was highly damaged by 2 earthquakes and a water inundation as a result of the Volcano's explosion. This is why the historic "Capital de la Ciudadania de Capitanes de America" was moved to what is today's Guatemala City - a moderrn and vibrant city, much like any other large Monopolis but dangerous if you hang around the wrong place at the wrong time.

Tourism is one one of Guatemala's major sources of income and people who obstruct the safety of tourists are well aware of the dangers of interfering.

Lastly, this is not the first honor of this kind that Antigua has received. It has also being granted the status of Historic Monument of the Americas by the United Nations.

[cb]

ajax, has obviously never been to this country or anywhere near it. Antigua is an old city filled with culture and rich in Guatemalan life, past and present, hence the name Antigua. I really wish individuals would do some research on Antigua and what it has to offer travelers before blurting out such rudimentary and stereotypical comments. We are talking about Antigua, Guatemala and not Mexico city or Tijuana. It was chosen as the top city for travel for a reason and if you are lucky to have traveled there, this award comes as a no-brainer. Honestly, who should we believe here, a magazine rich in travel experience or someone named after a household cleaner?

[Eric R]

Maybe Ajax has never been to Antigua, Guatemala. I lived very near there for two years, and went there every single chance I had, and I'm of European descent. The place is fascinating.

[Richard Myrick]

I am American, married to a Guatemalan, and I live in Guatemala City. And Rex is correct - crime here is rampant and the odds of the authorities solving a crime are close to zero.

My in-laws own 3 houses in Antigua and we visit there often. It is simply one of the most fascinating and beautiful places imaginable. Kudos to the magazine for recognizing Antigua. However, be warned that Antigua also has a crime problem that is progressively getting worse because the tourists are easy targets. So please do visit Antigua, and please do take proper precautions. Any responsible local can tell you what to avoid in order to stay safe.

[Jeimy Figueros]

Hi. I am from Guatemala and I am very proud of it!! I am living in New Zealand at the moment, and all I can say is that every single country in the world are experiencing different types of delinquency. So, I can assure you (ajax) that this choice wasn't paid for anybody, as Guatemala has been named in the past as #1 World's most Cultural and Historic country, so this is no cheatting. If you go and have the experience of spending a few days over in La Antigua, you wouldn't say that. you have my word. Hey, I am living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world right now and I can tell you I am very proud of the beautiful things and places we have in Guatemala as it is very unique!
So people and voters from U.K., thanks for making this city the top choice!!! :o)
Regards,

[han]

How is San Miguel de Allende top 10? It's a sleepy little town for American retirees with very little to see. There're at least 10 cities in Mexico that beats San Miguel de Allende easily.

[Carol]

Antigua? It's practically indistinguishable from an American city. Maybe that's why it was rated so high, no need to feel like you might be out of your element, taking a big of a risk.

I've been to Antigua twice. In 2000, I felt like I was someplace foreign, but there were definitely too many English speaking tourists for my taste.

I returned in 2004 and just used it as a base for travel to neighboring towns. Antigua had become so Americanized by then, I saw some jars of Trader Joe's products in a store. That's too much!

Guatemala is a fabulous country and I'll definitely go back someday, but I will skip Antigua.

(I've never had any trouble with crime in Guatemala or Mexico, following normal precautions one would in LA. Don't be flashy: if a street feels dark and dangerous, it probably is and take a busier one.)

[j2tharome]

Viva Guatemala! I'm proud my country's being recognized for this honor.

[Rex]

I have lived in Antigua Guatemala for the past 12 years and can attest to the fact that a vacation here presents an experience like none other. Guatemala is culturally, historically and visually fascinating. It also functions as a great jumping off point for adventures to Lake Atitlan, Volcan Pacaya (you can hike up this live volcano and see lava up close), Tikal, Rio Dulce & the mostly indigenous Highlands. Antigua has great food & even better coffee... lots of colonial ruins and near perfect weather.

While there is crime in Guatemala and reasonable precautions should be taken by visitors (don't wear flashy jewelry, don't flash cash & try not to stumble home drunk at 3am), do not be discouraged from visiting here. Much of the crime in the country is based around the seedier areas of Guatemala City (45 minutes away) and turf wars between gangs and those involved in the drug trade. The same could be said of Los Angeles, right? My wife and I got married here last year, had over 140 guests down from the US and no one had any issues with crime and just about everyone had the time of their lives.

[ajax]

wait.. but what about all the people of european descent that get kidnapped and ransomed.. be careful believing this choice. obviously paid for by someone's corporate dollars