Antigua Guatemala Travel Forum

I'm going to Antigua and want to know about the shopping there. Can I buy contact lense solution, liquid soap (Olay), creams. I'm not interested in the arts and crafts. I want my American products. Is the main market in Antigua, or out of town. Are there fast food resturants around? Is it cheap? Thank you to whoever replies.
mp2312@gmail.com

there is a good sized supermarket there called La Bodegona where you can find that stuff.
the main market is on the west end of town past Santa Lucia and you can find everything there, even the types of products you mentioned.
there are fast food restaurants like Pollo Campero and McDonalds if that's what you're asking about, but they are expensive by Guatemalan standards. local "fast food" is really market food and can be good and cheap. otherwise, antigua is probably the most expensive city in the country.

I presume that you are somehow being dragged into visiting Guatemala and would be happier staying back in North America. Hopefully this too shall pass for you and the sooner the better, right?

La Bodegona might even have American beers, but I didn't look for them. Forget American wines, though. You might be better off in Guate City, where you can find McDonalds in good supply and not have to enjoy local food.

Maybe this is just a troll. Few people should be this damned ignorant or so embarassing to other US citizens.

Hopefully this trip will open this person's eyes to the big world out there and the joys of other cultures and lands. Why someone would travel somewhere only to eat at the same places they can eat at at home is beyond me. Please take this opportunity to become familiar with things that are different from what you're used to. How do you expect to learn and grow as a person otherwise. Don't spend your entire life with your head in the sand.

But yes, check out La Bodegona for every day products that you may need. The brands and/or packaging may be different from what we have in the States but the products will be there. I think it's on 5a Calle Poniente.

You're not gonna like what I'm gonna say but you're actually sounding ignorant. You're sounding a bit like the english who goto Spain and Cyprus and expecting to eat british food. If you're honestly expecting Guatemala to be like America (If that's what you're implying) then you're in for a shock.

Ok, you're likely to find the products you mentioned there.

There are like 2 markets and they're both located in town.

As mentioned there are a couple of fast food restaurants, there is a McD's and a Pollo Campero (Guatemala's equivelant to KFC).

enjoy yourself

everybody is sounding ignorant. please! the purpose of these forums is not to lash out and judge those posting what may be serious questions.
for anybody traveling on a budget for a long time, shopping may not be important and certain items that we all take for granted (like contact lens solution and liquid soap) become distant.
fast food may mean street food, not necessarily Mcdonald's, even though i mentioned those before.

so whether or not this original poster is asking his or her question out of ignorance or necessity, we should answer the question that was asked as unbiased friends.

I think the OP might be right by asking this kind of questions. For instance contact lens solution is not something you'd normally find at a Wlmart type store in guatemala. But at a pharmacy. And the brands might be different because you may only find european brands and it is normally more expensive than here in the US.So I'd pack a brand new bottle, so that it can last you for at least a month or a month and a half. Prices at fast food restaurant are comparable to US prices. And you can find just about the same franchises like here in the US from Pizza Hut to BK with probably better service.

Hola,

I lived in Antigua for 3 months. I recommend taking your personal products. La Bodegona does have supplies but IF they have Oil of Olay, it will be very expensive. You will find most items that you need at La Bodegona and it certainly is an experience shopping there!

Enjoy the beautiful city of Antigua. It is fabulous and you will find it to be quite friendly to all walks of life.

Yes there is a McDonalds, Burger King and equilvilant to KFC. The town represents early cobblestone streets so it is not Americanized - thank goodness - it is very charming. If you can splurge ... enjoy a meal at Santa Domingo ... best in Antigua and beautiful.

OK folks, sometimes the fingers are faster than the brain.

There are several reasons a person might post a question like this.

We should not assume the person is from the USA, if you check their bio, the home location has not been filled in. However they do show a trip to New Delhi, India. This person may like American stuff and is looking for a deal.

With the airline weight limit on bags, and the chance of leakage... they may not wish to pack such items and pick them up local if possible.

Fast food... it could be a preference to type of food. I know a few travelers who hit the fast food places the first couple of days, then ease into local foods. OR the person might be a rookie traveler on a budget.

What ever the reason(s) the person posted the question, there was no excuse to bite. The only dumb question, is the one not asked.

On the other hand, it doesn't look like they will be returning to the forums. It only took just under 2 1/2 hours for someone to call them "damned ignorant".


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