An hour outside the capital, Antigua is probably the loveliest Spanish colonial town in Central America. Marked by cobbled streets, tiled roofs and classic church facades, marred only by an occasional television antenna, the town is a mellow piece of history. Far and away the most charming, intimate place to stay is The Cloister, seven rooms laid out around gardens and fountains, hidden behind thick old walls, decorated with weavings and antiques.
Rooms have fireplaces, there s an honor bar, and rates include an excellent full breakfast.
Further along, you can t see the highlands without at least a glimpse of fabled Lake Atitlan and there, on the edge of the lake, the primo accommodation is outside of Panajachel at Hotel Atitlan. Further afield, off the pavement northwest of Huehuetenango, is Todos Santos Cuchumatanes, an isolated, sparkling town in a misty valley, its men still wearing the traditional red and white striped pants, its women still spending their days at backstrap looms. All Rights Reserved.