Greetings from Guatemala City! I spent the last week unexpectedly returning to Antigua and then, thrillingly, heading back to the beach for a weekend in Monterrico with my friends from Brooklyn. While Monterrico is a low-key destination mostly popular with domestic tourists, I was thrilled to have my toes back in the sand, and to put in time with some familiar faces. Last night we made our way to Guatemala City, where they are working on an exciting architecture project, and this morning I am off again.
It’s my last week in Guatemala — that went fast! I’m working my way towards the Belizean border, because next week I’ll be greeting my mom, sister and cousin at the airport for a girl’s trip around the Caribbean coast. I’m overwhelmed with excitement at sharing this time them — it’s going to be a highlight of Central America, I know.
Happy Monday!
Photo A
Back in Antigua
Photo B
Black sand beaches on the Pacific Slope of Guatemala
Photo C
My favorite kind of coco
Photo D
Beach vibes
Photo E
A colorful cemetery in Monterrico
Which photo is your favorite?
Love Photo A, the second half especially π
Same here! Love that handcart full of flowers π
It was a beautiful find on a sunny day π
Looking at these photos makes me sad that we didn’t make it to Monterrico when we were in Guatemala. Greats pics!
While it wasn’t the world’s most enticing beach town I was so glad I made the journey. I needed a bit of beach!
I love photo D! And that black sand beach looks so lovely!
I never get sick of black sand. So dramatic!
Love the color in photo series A. Can’t wait to formally read about your adventures in Central America!
I’ll be starting to press publish soon! So exciting. First, a few Florida escapades π
A! Cobblestone, potted plants & colonial architecture.
Antigua is rife with all three!
Photos A and D remind me of Puerto Rico – take me back to the Caribbean pleeeeeease!
The idea of D being Caribbean feels very foreign to me — Antigua is high altitude and thus low temperature! I would have loved it much more if it were hot and sticky π
More just the coconut and the bright colors. π Haha.
I am going to choose A. I like the vibe Antigua gives off.
I’ve spent more time there than anywhere else in Guatemala. It’s a bit of a home base now — and I like it!
I find E fascinating.
Yay! You wrangled the new commenting system π I do too — I love how colorful everything, cemeteries included, are here.
I love Photo A – a perfect little slice of life.
With — photographer’s favorite part — perfect light π
Photo D! Love the colours, so beachy π
My favorite environment of them all π
I love the colorful cemetery! Even so, D wins it for me… the perfect tropical contrast to my cold spring day.
It was fun to get a taste of the tropics even in Guatemala. Now onwards to even more balmy Belize!
LOVE D!!! Great beach vibes π
My fave kind of vibes π
Love D. I haven’t heard much about Monterrico but the photos look gorgeous!
It’s definitely still somewhat under-the-radar. I’m glad I got to see it!
Photo D! I love the beachy feel and the fact that the sign points to Honolulu (where I’m living now) π
Thanks for sharing!
Funny enough, that’s the name of one of the beaches along the coast! π
B! Have an awesome partial family reunion π
I’ve started to count down the hours!
Photo A – I love beautiful Antigua π
It is a pretty magnetic city. Didn’t plan to spend so much time here but… here I am!
Looks so simple yet it feels so refreshing and peaceful. We really don’t need a lot to be happy. We just need to keep things simple.
I know all I need is salt in the air, wind in my hair! π
love photo E
I think it might be my favorite, too π
Beautiful photos! I spend 2 years in South America and regret I wasn’t able to get to Guatemala. Seems like an amazing country.
Thanks Jennifer! Well, sounds to me like a good reason to go back π
I’m going with Photo A this week. Colorful and sunny… just what I need right now!
Antigua can be hit or miss with the weather — I’ve appreciated every sunny day!
Your girl’s trip sounds lovely, Alex! What a great way to spend time with family. This week I’m going with Photo A – I just love the Catalina Arch.
I’m SO EXCITED! Counting down the days (and frantically trying to get all my work done ahead!)
I choose Photo D this week π
Seems to be the overwhelming favorite!
Photo B…I have really fond memories of Monterrico. I was there in 2009 (I think) so I imagine it was even less built up then. It was just a short strip of hotels and restaurants. There wasn’t much to do there but there was something so magical about the barren black sand beaches. I’m glad you enjoyed it π
Sounds pretty similar to how it is today, actually π Refreshingly simple. Reminded me of Paracas in Peru quite a bit, actually.
I just swung by Antigua a couple weeks ago on a long layover… so beautiful! And definitely not enough time to explore it all. Next time I need to make room for Guatemala beaches too! xx
I spent much more time in Antigua than anticipated on this trip! It really did grow on me. What a cute little city…
It’s a perfect timing to go to beach π I’m so excited to go there..
New experience again, HAHA
In my mind, it is ALWAYS the perfect time to go to the beach.