My Antigua with Harris Whitbeck
Harris Whitbeck is currently the Director General of the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism (INGUAT). He is a Guatemalan journalist and television producer with a long career in international media such as CNN, CGTN America, and Al Jazeera. He was the host of the first three seasons of the Latin American version of the reality show “The Amazing Race,” as well as being the author of “Guatemala Inédita,” and “Guatemala Revealed”.
So, we at Qué Pasa decided that Harris Whitbeck would be the perfect person to interview about his personal experiences of La Antigua.
When did you first visit La Antigua?
I don’t remember exactly when the first time I visited La Antigua was, as I was just a very young child back then. But it was always a place my family used to visit, especially on weekends. Antigua has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Is it true that La Antigua holds a special place in your heart?
Without a doubt, La Antigua holds a very special place in my heart and in my life. It’s one of those places that, even though I’ve visited many times, always has something new to discover. Like many other beautiful places in Guatemala, it has a unique emotional connection that goes beyond the visual; it’s the history, the culture, and the people that make it so special.
Can you name a few things that you love about La Antigua?
There are many things I love about La Antigua that it’s hard to choose just a few. First, the history that fills every corner. Its cobblestone streets give the feeling of traveling back in time. But also, the colors of the house facades, the volcanoes surrounding it, and the peace you feel while walking through the city.
From your experience of La Antigua can you suggest some must-do’s for visitors?
La Antigua has so many beautiful places and such a wide cultural offering that it’s hard to limit it to just a few. However, something I would always recommend is walking through the streets and admiring the colonial architecture and churches; enjoying a cup of coffee in the afternoon; and visiting the markets, where, in addition to finding beautiful handicrafts, you can learn more about Guatemalan culture. Each corner has its own charm, so the route, places to visit, or things to do will depend on what each visitor is looking for. That’s the magic of Antigua—there are places and activities for every taste.
How have you seen La Antigua change over the years?
In recent years, I’ve noticed an evolution, especially when it comes to what’s on offer for the tourist. The number of establishments, restaurants, hotels, and activities has increased, allowing more people to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
When it comes to Guatemala, many consider La Antigua as the “Jewel in the crown”. Do you think that La Antigua deserves this accolade and what can the authorities on both a local and national level be doing to improve the “Antigua experience”?
La Antigua is undoubtedly one of the most iconic gems of Guatemala, but it’s also important to recognize that the country has many other wonderful places that deserve to be visited. Without a doubt, La Antigua has earned its place due to its beauty, history, and culture. To enhance the «Antigua experience», it’s crucial that tourism development be sustainable and respect its heritage. Supporting the preservation of historic buildings and ensuring that the local community benefits from tourism is essential.
