Travelling solo is greeted by a number of mixed reactions. Often times, this type of travel is considered dangerous, but if the necessary precautions are kept in mind, there can be no better way to travel.
As far as I am concerned, travelling alone is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture and to experience each destination in a totally unique way.
Solo travel to Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua, Guatemala is a popular tourist destination and many travellers go there solo – including myself. Aside from following the obvious precautions like watching out for your wallet and not walking the streets at 3am, you have nothing more to worry about in Antigua than in any other destination. If you go there as a student, as many students do to study Spanish, you will not be without friends for long. And if you go on a tour, as long as you stick with a tour group and follow your map, you will remain safe and have a great time.
Antigua: A traveller looking in
Three things about Antigua characterize it from the outsider’s point of view.
First, as earlier mentioned, is the draw of learning Spanish in an environment that is naturally Spanish speaking. After all, what better way to learn a language than to immerse yourself in it? Antigua is the cheapest South American option for studying Spanish and that is why it is one of this city’s leading attractions.
Second, there is a large foreign senior citizens community, full of older expatriates who have made Antigua their home. A lot of foreigners fall in love with the place and their retirement money has a much greater spending power here. They can live a comfortable life as opposed to living hand to mouth in their own countries.
Finally, there are the tourists who are drawn to Antigua for its sheer uniqueness: its history, relics, and lovely natural attractions. Antigua was once colonized by the Spanish in 1543 and you will see ruins and renovations of Cathedrals, nunneries, and government edifices surrounded by three volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. The streets are cobbled and there is a charming selection of hotels, some with rooms with their own fireplaces. These features just add to the quaintness that invites tourist to Antigua.
Sights in Antigua not to miss
Among the interesting sights is St. Catherine’s Arch, which in 1693 was used by the nuns to go to neighboring convents in the privacy, without being seen by people outside.
Many find the Convento de las Capuchinas quite memorable. One recalls St. Clare’s Capuchin monks, known as the brown hoods, who followed the teachings of St. Francis of Assisi, the Catholic saint who loved animals. Here you find in its Del Retiro tower, 18 tiny brick cells. This is where nuns stayed when they wanted to be alone to contemplate. Others were forced to stay here for behaving badly. It served as both a place of solace and imprisonment.
There are a number of other interesting things to do in Antigua, like climbing a volcano. This is an activity that adventurous tourists seem to really enjoy but be sure to do so with a tour group for safety. Also, be prepared; wear a good pair of trekking shoes and carry a backpack with snacks, water, extra clothes, and sunscreen.
Other options are to canvas the shops for their crafts and textiles or try one of a selection of trendy cafes which foreigners of every type, from students to senior citizens and tourist, go to for food, drinks, and just to relax. You may be in Antigua, but there will still be Irish pubs, Mediterranean restaurants, and other international choices aside from the local food.
If you want to mingle with the locals there is always Central Park of Antigua. You will also see a lot of foreign students here. The park hosts a flurry of vendors who sell handicrafts, or you can have your shoes shined by one of their shoeshine boys. At night there are concerts and the sight of the fully lit-up Cathedral nearby is breathtaking.
So go to Antigua. Go solo if you wish – just go!
Neal writes for Briefcases Direct, a website that offers luxury briefcases direct from the manufacturer. Neal lives in NYC with his family. He is a seasoned traveller yet feels there is always a new adventure to be had. He enjoys travel writing in his free time from family and work.