Docked at Puerto Quetzel and drove to the colonial city of Antigua. Along the way we passed sugar cane, bananas, then lots of coffee plants as we rose in altitude. Guatemala sits on 2 tectonic plates and experiences slight tremors almost daily, with a major earthquake occurring every 50 years. There are 3 active volcanoes; we passed by Fuego, which was emitting some steam from the top. The population of Guatemala is 8 million, with 1/3 of the people living in Guatemala City, the capital. Seventy percent of the people are of Mayan descent.
Antigua has narrow cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture. Lots of old churches and monasteries. The street vendors are VERY persistent trying to sell their colorful scarves, bags, flutes and jewelry. After spending time walking around the main plaza, we visited a jade factory. Various colors of jade are found in Guatemala. Bright emerald green jade is the rarest and most expensive.
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| La Merced church and monastery, baroque style |
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