Antigua is most likely Guatemala’s most famous spot to visit and Cerro de la Cruz, located on a hill over looking the world heritage designated city is one of the more recognizable sites within the entire country.

The hill was originally known as Cerro de Manchén and after the cross was built on its summit in 1930, the area became known as Cerro de la Cruz.

On our recent trip to Guatemala, the boys and I made the short hike up the hill and as we trekked past school groups and fellow tourists, I was beginning to wish that I had bought that bottle of water from the woman selling them at the bottom of the trail. It was overcast but muggy and it wasn’t long before my white gringa cara was a lovely shade of blotchy red.

It only takes about 20 minutes to reach the top, though London and Huck left Rio and I in the dust as they raced up the hill with their cousin Luna. Soon enough though, we emerged from the trees and took in the beautiful view. Antigua spread out before us and directly across the city stood Volcan Agua, reaching up to the clouds.

Recently undergoing a beautiful renovation, there are benches and steps which fan out from the cross, giving plenty of spaces to sit and soak in the gorgeous vista. There are also a few fun photo op spots and the boys had a heyday with the quetzal wings, though my days of making London take those kind of pictures are numbered I’m sure.

Since we were off to a family dinner that afternoon, we didn’t linger long but I can imagine it’d be a great place to bring lunch or simply hang out and people watch. The boys found a woman selling colorful noise makers and after meticulously picking out exactly which ones they wanted, they were off, swinging them above their heads, leaving a cacophony of noise behind them.

As we headed back down the hill, the boys flying through the woods in front of me, I wondered if some part of their DNA felt at home here, if their blood recognized the land of their ancestors. If on some instinctual level, the air and soil and water had a familiar taste to them. And I wished at that moment, as I often do, that Guatemala was not nearly so far away, for to be part of such a rich, colorful culture is a beautiful thing indeed and its something I hope they all find pride in, whether they are standing on it’s soil or not.

Cerro de la Cruz Antigua Guatemala

H779+P7H Antigua Guatemala

Located at the northern end of town & accessible via 1a Avenida Norte