Antigua is one of the best examples of colonial architecture in the Americas, with many of the buildings dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. However, there is a twist in the tale of this historic city; built on a region prone to earthquakes, the buildings stand fully erect in some areas, while other sections of the city are comprised of partial ruins.

The Spanish centre of government until the 1773 earthquakes, City Hall on the Plaza de Armas was one of the few buildings to survive the earthquakes virtually intact and is well worth a visit. If you are looking for somewhere to escape the chaos of Guatemala City, this is a popular and picturesque base from which to explore the rest of the country, including the nearby Pacaya Volcano.