A day after arriving back in Quito from the Galapagos, I was headed to the airport for a 2 week exploration before making it back to the states. The plan was Guatemala, El Salvador, and Belize. But 10 hours before my flight, I received notification that two of my flights were cancelled. Those were the flights going to El Salvador and on to Belize. A flight would not be available until 5 days later but I had other flights to other countries at that time.
Of concern was needing a flight out of Guatemala before I could board the plane. I showed the original itinerary which was accepted and started researching what I would do next.
While at immigration in the airport, there was a 4.2 earthquake with the epicenter close to the airport. A second one followed quickly in Puembo. No damage or injuries and the plane took off on time.
In the end, I found land transport from Antigua to Flores in the north and transport into my next town in Belize. I am okay with how it turned out as it gives me more downtime in Belize and seeing more of Guatemala. After I arrived in Antigua, a rainstorm gave me time to search and book transport.
Antigua
Antigua is a past capital found in the central highlands and surrounded by volcanoes. The architecture is beautiful of both the buildings and the churches. Founded in 1543 it was the capitol until 1773 when there was a damaging earthquake. Many of the buildings were preserved. The buildings are so colorful and the cobblestone streets make the whole city enchanting.
Cemetery (comentario general)
I find cemeteries peaceful and a look into the culture as well.
I loved seeing the school buses which are used as public transport. Each bus is decked out differently.
La recolección architectonic complex
This site was originally a church and convent complex established by the Order of the Recollects in 1701 by the Recollects, a branch of the Franciscan order. The ruins are of the church, convent, and several other buildings there in the Spanish Baroque style.
Like many other buildings in Antigua, the La Recolección complex suffered significant damage from earthquakes especially the one in 1773. Over the years, it was used as a sports center, damaged by people being careless with the structures, and some demolition to prevent unstable walls from collapsing.
