We lc o m e Welcome to Mesón Panza Verde! In this book you will find useful information about the hotel as well as the beautiful colonial town of Antigua. We’ve outlined some information of tours & activities, shops, points of interest, fine restaurants and other great places to enhance your time here. Our goal is for you to feel at home! If you need anything to make your stay more wonderful, please let us know. Our complementary breakfast a la carte is served from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the main dining room.
We’ r e del i g ht e d t o h ave you here.
O U R
S T O R Y
Check in / Check out Check in time is 15:00 hrs - Check out time is 12:00 hrs If you would like a late checkout, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Maps & Loca l i n fo Maps of Antigua are available at the front desk. We are also happy to give suggestions for places to visit and directions.
Internet We have WIFI access in all rooms, verandas/patios. Front desk has the access codes. For those without laptops, we have a computer with Internet access, which you are more than welcome to use. Mesón Panza Verde was established in 1986 as one of the first European style bed and breakfasts in Antigua, Guatemala. The original building was constructed in 1985 by the German owners and a Harvard educated Guatemalan architect in the old Spanish Colonial style. It was one of the first modern houses built in the traditional fashion with cathedral ceilings and cupola bathrooms. It was purchased in 1992 by Bruce McCowan and Laurel Jacobson. Over the years there have been many additions including La Cueva, elegant new suites, a heated lap pool, the Zen garden, and the art gallery & yoga studio. People often ask about our name. ‘Panza Verde’ (green belly) is what generations of Antigüeños have called themselves. No one is quite certain of the true story, but it is said that the people who remained here after the Capital was moved to Guatemala City were so poor that they had to subsist on avocados. Being a Panza Verde is mentioned with great pride. In 2008, Mesón Panza Verde announced the opening of its sister property, Villas B’alamYa at Lake Atitlán. It consists of four luxury lakeside villas between Panajachel and Santa Catarina Palopó, offering guests comfort and privacy spot with stunning views of the lake and volcanoes.
Security All rooms have a safety deposit box and it is advisable to keep your valuables locked. We have an additional safety deposit box in the office. Please ask the front desk. A word on safety in Antigua: it is generally safe to walk around the streets in Antigua during the daytime, and most often also at night. However, to be on the safe side, we advise you to take a taxi back to the hotel at night. Our night watchman is on duty all night.
Tou rs
We are happy to help you organize any tour or activity you wish to plan. It’s always best to book an activity with some anticipation, and mornings are usually the best time to book. Please speak with the front desk to do so. See page 7 for a condensed list of different tours and activities you can partake in.
Dr i n k i n g Wat er
The water from the tap is perfectly safe for brushing your teeth, but for drinking we suggest you use the purified water provided in the rooms in pitchers. Just ask for more when you run out.
Restaurant In La Cueva, the inner part of the restaurant, live music is performed on the small stage several nights per week. LUNCH Tuesday - Sunday 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sunday lunch open until 4:00 pm DINNER Monday - Sunday 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday dinner open until 10:30 pm BRUNCH Sunday 10:00 am – 02:00 pm
Live Music Wednesday - Saturday 8pm - 10 pm Variety of world music and contemporary: guitar, piano, Latin Jazz. Reservation Suggested (dial 0 - front desk for arrangements) Please note the music schedule may change during certain months of the year.
Gallery The Panza Verde Art Gallery is upstairs on the terrace and exhibits local and international art. The exhibitions change monthly, with a cocktail inauguration (usually the second Wednesday of every month).
Pool Please feel free to use our small lap pool during the hours when the restaurant in La Cueva is closed. The best time is mornings (07:00- 10:30) when you will often have the pool to yourself. There is a passive solar heating system so the water is warmer in the afternoon.
Yo g a Enjoy our Yoga classes, Monday through Sunday in the Art Gallery. The schedule is available at the Front Desk. All classes are paid directly to the
Ter race Our rooftop terrace is a wonderful place if you would like some tranquility, to have a coffee or a drink, or to sit back and enjoy the views of the volcanoes, mountains and rooftops of Antigua.
Gift Shop Multiple local and design pieces for sale like the Panza Verde bathrobe, handmade leather bags and jewelry. Artwork from our private collaction. The shop is located by the Zen Garden
Spa We can arrange a massage or a spa treatment in the comforts of your own room. Speak with the front desk for pricing and to schedule an appointment.
ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA It is known that La Antigua used to be the capital of Guatemala, but it was actually the third capital of the country. The Spanish first settled at the site of Iximché in July 1524 and then moved the capital in November 1527 into the Almolonga valley, to Ciudad Vieja. However, in 1541, the entire town was lost beneath a massive mudslide and only then did the capital come to rest in Antigua. Antigua was known in those days as La Muy Noble y Muy Leal Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala. Here, despite the continued threat from the instability of the bedrock, the capital settled and began to achieve astounding prosperity. In the heart of the colonial power in Central America, one by one the religious orders established themselves in Antigua, competing in the construction of schools, churches, monasteries and hospitals. Bishops built grand palaces that were soon rivaled by the homes of local merchants and wealthy government officials. The city reached its peak in the middle of the eighteenth century. Later the 1717 earthquake prompted an unprecedented building boom, and the population rose to around fifty thousand. By this stage Antigua was a genuinely impressive place with a university, a printing press, a newspaper, and streets that were seething with commercial and political rivalries. But as is so often the case in Guatemala, earthquakes brought all of this to an abrupt end. For many months, the city was afflicted by tremors, with the final blow delivered by two severe shocks on September 7 and December 13, 1773. The damage was so bad that the decision was made to abandon the city in favor for a modern capital. In many respects this disaster preserved the town for future generations. As Guatemala City has become increasingly congested, many have returned to Antigua. They’ve been joined by a large number of resident and visiting foreigners, attracted by the city’s relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, lively cultural life, pleasant climate and many boutiques and restaurants. In more recent years, concern has mounted for the fate of the city’s ancient architecture. Antigua was the first planned city in the Americas, originally built on a rigid grid pattern, with neatly cobbled streets and grand buildings. Of this tremendous colonial legacy, some buildings now lie in ruin, others are steadily decaying, while others have been restored as hotels or restaurants. Efforts are being made to preserve this unique legacy, especially after Antigua was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Local conservation laws have been put in place in order to protect the city. Renovations to houses are now subject to tight planning controls in effort to preserve the architectural grandeur of the past.
04 OUR PERFECT ANTIGUA DAY PANZA VERDE RECOMMENDS
We are delighted you are with us and want you to discover the best Antigua has to offer. Here is an itinerary of our perfect day. We hope this is helpful and if you have any questions feel free to contact us and we will gladly help you.
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WA K E U P, Y O G A
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BR E A K FAST W ITH A VIEW
START THE DAY OFF WITH TRANQUILITY IN OUR STUDIO.
OF COURSE WE RECOMMEND BREAKFAST WITH US, BUT WE ALSO LOVE BELLA VISTA CAFE FOR THEIR FRENCH TOAST AND GREAT COFFEE. ENJOY IT OVERLOOKING A RUIN AND VOLCANO IN THE DISTANCE.
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S H O P, G U A T E S T Y L E GET A TASTE OF HANDCRAFTED LOCAL GOODS AT THE MERCADO DE ARTESANIAS..
FA R M TO TABLE LUNCH CAOBA FARMS IS WALKING DISTANCE AND S E R V E S G R E AT H E A LT H Y O P T I O N S A S W E L L AS TRADITIONAL CUISINE. GET A SENSE OF THE LOCAL VIBE AND EAT IN A CHARMING FARM SETTING.
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CH ANNEL YOUR INNER TOMB RAIDER WHEN IN ANTIGUA, YOU MUST VISIT A RUIN OR TWO. WE LOVE SAN FRANCISCO.
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SWEET BREAK
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DINNER AND MUSIC
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NIGHTCAP
HEAD TO DONA GAVI, A SHOP THAT SELLS THE BEST VEGAN ICE CREAM IN TOWN. WE LOVE ZEPOTE AND AVOCADO. AFTER WALK OVER TO CENTRAL PARK AND PEOPLE WATCH.
WHAT BETTER THAN HAVING DINNER IN OUR BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANT WITH LIVE MUSIC?
RUM IS THE DRINK OF CHOICE IN GUATEMALA AND THE FAVORITE IS Z A C A PA . H E A D TO T H E I R F L A G S H I P, L A CASA DE RON, AND SAMPLE THIS GOLDEN NECKTAR.
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CULTURE
GALLERIES GALERÍA PANZ AVERDE
Art gallery up the curved staircase near the front desk. New art exhibits every month.
LA ANTIGUA GALERÍA DE ARTE
4a Calle Oriente No. 15. Tel. 7832-5911 / Fax 7832- 2866
COOPERACIÓN ESPAÑOL A
7a avenida norte and 4a calle poniente (enter on corner) Spanish Cultural Center covering nearly the entire block containing both permanent and traveling exhibits.
L A NUE VA FÁBRICA
An art space in Antigua Guatemala that supports creative exploration through galleries for exhibitions and community events, an artist residency program, and multidisciplinary workshops and studios.
DIFFERENZA GALERIA
Monthly art openings for featured artists 5 ave south. Tel: 7955/8282
CHURCHES C ATH E D R A L O F SAN JOSE
SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH
SANTO DOMINGO
LAS CAPUCHINAS
The Cathedral is the main church in La Antigua, located on the eastern side of the Parque Central. Today, two of the chapels have been restored, and behind the church are the remains of the rest of the structure.
In 1559, when the first religious Dominicans arrived to La Antigua Guatemala, they were provided with new lands in Santiago de Guatemala. During the XVII century the church was built. Its structure was finished in 1666, with great double towers, where ten bells could be heard on those times.
On 7a Calle Oriente, you will find one of the few ruined churches that have come back into service. The church is one of the oldest in Antigua. The first construction began in 1579 by the Franciscans which was the first religious order to arrive in Antigua. The largest and considered by many the most impressive of the city’s convents sits at the corner of 2a Calle Oriente and 2a Avenida Norte. The ruins of Las Capuchinas are some of the best preserved ruins in Antigua with very beautiful with fountains, courtyards and massive pillars.
MUSEUMS POINTS OF INTERESTS PAL ACIO DE LOS C A P ITA N E S
In the southeast corner of the Central Plaza, is the first two-story building constructed in 1558. From this building and inside it all the government, administrative and military offices worked.
TH E A RC H O F C ATA LI N A
The much-photographed “El Arco” on 5a Avenida Norte has become the symbol of Antigua. The arch provides a unique touch to this city, emphasizing its colonial style and many links with the past.
PAL ACIO DEL AY U N TA M I EN TO
On the north side of the Parque Central is the City Hall. This building, with meter-thick walls, dates back to 1740. Thanks to its solid structure, it survived earlier earth shakes and wasn’t damaged until the 1976 earthquake. City Hall is also home to a couple of minor museums: Museo de Santiago, which houses a collection of colonial artifacts; Museo Del Libro Antiguo, (In the rooms that held the first printing press in Central America) and the old city jail.
UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS BORROMEO
On the 5a Calle Oriente, beside the cathedral, you’ll find the old university, which also houses the Museo de Arte Colonial. The Moorish style courtyard, deep-set windows and beautifully ornate cloisters make this building one of the finest architectural survivors in La Antigua. In 1832 this building became a grammar school, and then in 1936 a museum. The museum contains a good collection of dark religious art, sculpture, furniture and murals.
RESTAUR ANTS
TA RTI N E S
4a Calle Oriente #1C 7882-4606
BISTROT CINQ 4a Calle Oriente #7 7832-5510
CAFES
HECTOR’S
1a Calle Poniente #9 7832-9827
FRIDA’S
5a Avenida Norte no. 29 7832-1296
Y TU PIÑA TA M B I É N
EPICURE
1a Avenida Sur no. 10B
5a Calle Oriente no. 11 7832-5545
SANTO SPIRITO
Q U I LT R O
L’ O S T E R I A
CAFÉ CONDESA
ESCALONIA
CAOBA FARM
COMO COMO
CAFÉ MEDITERRANEO
W E LT E N
ANGIEANGIE
LE COMEDOR
SABE RICO
LA ESQUINA
MADRE TIERRA
ROOTS CAFÉ
AMANECER JUICE BAR & COFFEE
UNION CAFÉ & JUICE BAR
5a Calle Oriente 8
2a Avenida Sur #12 5514-5014
IZ A K AYA
6a Avenida Norte 19A 7832-1984
7a Calle Poniente #23 7832-3461
6a Calle Poniente #6A 7832-7180
6a Avenida Norte 43
Calle Del Hermano Pedro 12 6679-9067
4a Calle Oriente #21 7832-0630
6a Avenida Norte 7832-0833
5a Avenida/Central Park 7832-0038
1a Avenida Sur no. 11 7832-3352
4a calle Oriente 7832-9844
5a Avenida Sur 7832-7074
2a Avenida Sur 5200 0264
No.8, 6 Avenida Sur 8 7832 8886
5a. Avenida Sur no. 6 7758-9510
6a Avenida Sur no.7 7832-0648
6 Calle Oriente # 6 7832 1986
COFFEE
FAT C AT 4a Calle Oriente no. 14a 7832 0957
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B E LL A V I S TA COFFEE
MAGLIA CAFE 2nd Avenida Sur
6a Avenida Norte 1 7832-5568
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BARS
ULEW CO C K TA I L BA R
ANTIGUA BREWERY
CERVECERIA 14
CAFÉ NO SÉ 1a Avenida Sur no. 11c
OCELOT BLUES Y JAZZ
R E I L LY ’ S
THE LONDONER
Camino a San Miguel Duenas 5735-9992
3 Calle Poniente
4a Avenida Norte no.3
3 Calle Poniente
TA BACO S Y VINOS
6a Calle& 5a Avenida
5a Avenida Norete #28B
6a Avenida Norte 6
LA CASA DEL RON 4a Calle Oriente #39 7832-4477
THE SNUG
6a. Calle Poniente 14
TREATS
CAFÉ SKY
1a Avenida Sur 15 7832 7300
DONA GAVI
Handmade soaps, body shop, and vegan ice cream
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DOÑA MARIA GORDILLO
Traditional Guatemalan candies since 1800’s
DOÑA LUISA X I COTE N C ATL
Bakery known for their banana bread
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SHOPPING
THE JADE FAC TORY
Founded in 1974 by the archeologist Mary Lou Ridinger and her husband Jay Ridinger, this store contains the most precious jade jewels and Mesoamerican reproductions in jade. Enjoy a guided tour of the factory, museum, and store.
CASA DE ARTES
Beautiful store full of museum-quality vintage textiles, wooden ceremonial masks, and silver jewellery. Exquisite Mayan textile collection, probably the most extensive collection for sale in Guatemala. 4a Avenida Sur #11 7832-0792
CASA DE LOS GIGANTES 7a Calle Oriente 18 7832 4656
E L PATI O ANTIQUES
Decoration and furniture 7a Calle poniente #8 7832-3481
BOOKSTORES
Q U I NTA MACONDA
Hand woven textiles and more. 5a Avenida Norte #11 7832-3481
LA FUENTE
COLIBRI
NIM PO’T
JOYERIA DEL ANGEL
Small craft and coffee shops surrounding a nice courtyard. 4a Calle Poniente #10
Warehouse-like store with a large selection of complete costumes, wood work and masks as well as posters and books on Mayan culture. Also a great collection of huipiles from more than a hundred villages. 5a Avenida Norte #29 7832-2681
Women’s textile cooperative. 4a. Calle Oriente #3B 7832-5028
Beautiful and often different jewelers and accessories from around the world. 4a Calle Oriente #5a 7832-5334
CASA DEL CONDE
Books on Mayan culture and history. Also, travel guides, dictionaries and children’s books. 5a Avenida Norte no. 4 7832-3322
THE RAINBOW READING ROOM New and used books. 7a Avenida Sur no. 8 7832-1919
An eclectic collection of used books. 1a Avenida Sur #3 5501-2680
MERCADOS
EL MERCADO CENTRAL
El Mercado Central is at the western end of town, behind Santa Lucia Blvd. It’s fun to stroll around the market and gaze at all the flowers, fruits and vegetables. Monday, Thursday and Saturday are the best market days.
CAOBA FARM FARMERS & ARTISINAL MARKET Weekends only, double check their site for times.
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DYSLEXIA BOOKS ATC A FÉ N O S É
MERCADO DE ARTESANIAS
Located next to the central market is where you head for arts and handicrafts. It consists of two parts, one that is more organized and well set up with beautiful fountains in the middle and the more disorganized part, just behind, but also with fun and nice things. Don’t forget to bargain! On weekends there is an informal market that takes place in front of the ruins of El Carmen, and on Saturdays there is a textile market at the courtyard inside la Fuente where beautiful huipiles are displayed and sold.
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