Of course Antigua gets its own short post. I love this place so darn much.
But first ~ more border crossings.
We decided to cross at the Hachadura border going north – why? Why not! We hadn’t been that way yet so we thought, what the heck! The border was very simple to cross but only had one lane coming in and out for trucks and cars alike. At this point in anyone’s trip through Central America, you know what kind of pain this can be. Trucks take a much longer time to cross the border and you will be stuck for hours with them unless you… just go. So we skipped the line, whether that is legal or not, and crossed. Onward to Antigua!
The highway to Antigua was uneventful and just as beautiful as it could be… except this part. There was a field burning going on and apparently no wind to carry the smoke. Craziest thing we drove through the whole trip. This was a bright and beautiful sunny day by the way.
We decided to skip the hostel life and paying for parking when we arrived in Antigua – it was time to commit to the overland life, all about 3 months late – and we headed for the tourist park to camp out. Although the camping was supposed to be free, they were not allowing anyone into the campground who didn’t have their own bathroom. So naturally, we gave them money to let us in.
At the tourist station, you literally camp within the ruins of the old capitol. It doesn’t get much better than that. We spent a few nights in Antigua before planning the return to Mexico. It was a very difficult departure and left a whole in my heart and a pit in my stomach to leave this beautiful place with the wonder of when we will be able to return. I remain hopelessly homesick for Antigua.