PowerCycle

Spent the pre-rain hours on a self-guided tour of Antigua. The guidebooks don’t lie–there’s something to take a picture of around every corner. Antigua, founded in 1543, was the 3rd capital of Guatemala up until 2 massive earthquakes eventually forced the relocation of the capital to Guatemala City in 1776. The second major earthquake in 1773 destroyed much of the city. Several 16th century churches and monasteries were rebuilt although the damaged areas were set aside and are now historical sites. Iglesia y Convento de la Recoleccion was easily the most impressive. Enormous slabs of masonry from the collapsed walls and ceiling lie everywhere.

Tomorrow I’m booked on a 6am tour of the Volcano Pacaya.