Antigua, Guatemala - UNESCO World Heritage Site

 Place: Antigua, Guatemala

Weather: Scattered thunderstorms, 58/76F.

Route: From Copan 268 km west on CA 11, CA 10, CA 9.

Population: 46,054 (2016)

Significance: Literally means "Old Guatemala" - this was the site of the capital of Guatemala from 1543 until 1773. The city is located in a very earthquake prone area - not to mention flood prone and has a nearby volcano.  After the Santa Marta earthquakes destroyed most of the town in 1773 the Spanish government decided to move the capital to a safer area and the current capital of Guatemala City was founded.  What is left behind is a relatively small urban center and ruins of the many of the original buildings.

Website: UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Images:

Santa Catalina arch (from whc.unesco.org)

Ruins of El Carmen church (from whc.unesco.org)