OPEN AIR PLACES in ENCHANTING ANTIGUA Guatemala

If you’re looking for a bucket list location to add to your list of travel destinations, you must add ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA to your list!

Last month, Jenna Erickson our OPEN AIR PLACES Founder, & Lead Travel Ambassador toured three gorgeous properties that literally have it all - Art, Ambiance, Elegance and stunning volcano views! Read on for Jenna’s OPEN AIR PLACES trip highlights and recommendations…..


GETTING TO GUATEMALA is EASY!

American Airlines offers great flights from Minneapolis International Airport (MSP) to Miami Florida (MIA), with an easy 2 hour connecting flight to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City (GUA). Try to get a window seat because the descent into Guatemala City curves over gorgeous green hills, with volcano views.

Open Air Places - First Look at Guatemala City.JPG

ENROUTE TO ANTIGUA

After landing in Guatemala City, we grabbed our luggage and were met just outside the terminal by Manuel, or world-class driver who made us feel instantly at ease with his friendly smile, and engaging personality. We practiced our Spanish with Manuel enroute to Antigua which was so great! He expertly drove us on busy roads peppered by colorful buses he called “Chicken Buses” the colloquial name for a popular transport for goods and people between communities.

I snapped a photo as we whizzed by!

Open Air Places - Chicken Bus in Guatemala City.jpg

From the moment you arrive in Antigua you will fall in love with the city’s old-world charm. The cobblestone streets are lined with Spanish Colonial buildings in shades of red, yellow, blue, orange and white. Flowers are blooming everywhere, and often spill over walls and gates in an incredibly picturesque fashion. Here are 32 Photos that will make you fall in love with Antigua!

Open Air Places - Arriving at Meson Panza Verde in Antigua.JPG

ARRIVING at MESON PANZA VERDE HOTEL

MESON PANZA VERDE HOTEL & RESTAURANT is located on the quiet end of the famous Fifth Avenue in Antigua, a pleasant five minute walk from Antigua's main Plaza and Cathedral. Stepping inside these doors is like entering a painting! Each detail has been finely curated to create an atmosphere of romance and elegance.

Each of the 12 uniquely decorated rooms (9 Suites and 3 Double Rooms) at Panza Verde are furnished with gorgeous handwoven Guatemalan textiles, and original art. Private terraces open up to beautiful private gardens, and stunning volcano views. Each room is exquisite! If you’re interested in booking a room, you can browse each offering HERE.

Open Air Places - Rooftop Terrace At Meson Panza Verde.JPG

By following the curving spiral staircases adjacent to Suite #5 and Suite #6, you can access the rooftop terrace with its magnificent and unobstructed volcano views. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail before dinner.

Open Air Places - Jenna enjoys the Rooftop Terrace at Meson Panza Verde.jpg

MESON PANZA VERDE RESTAURANT

The food at Meson Panza Verde Restaurant has achieved critical acclaim and is considered to be one of the top restaurants in Guatemala, having received the “Tenedor de Oro” award as best in the country. We loved the ambiance of the main dining room, as candlelight flickered all around us. Walking back through the hotel garden corridor after dinner looks like this.

Open Air Places - Dining Room at Meson Panza Verde Hotel.JPG

Stay tuned for more content and tips for enjoying ANTIGUA Guatemala! If you’re interested in booking a stay at MESON PANZA VERDE HOTEL, send us a message and we’ll be happy to extend our OPEN AIR PLACES referral code.