Antigua Bars: El Chaman

Entering El Chaman, one of the newest bars in Antigua in 2009, is akin to a ceremonial experience. You walk past a giant jaguar painted on a wall in the foyer and along a path whose sides are marked by candles. This is fitting, because “Chaman” is another way of spelling “shaman.”

A shadowy portal leads to a towering effigy of Maximon at the staircase up to the bar and terrace overlooking the ruins of St. Agustin—as mystical a view as you’ll get in any Guatemalan bar. This makes it the only bar where you perform Antigua’s top pastimes at the same time: see the ruins of an ancient convent and party all night.

Inside the roomy bar, partygoers will feel right at home with photos of Jimi, Stevie Ray and Marley decorating one wall. The dining area has covered booths on one side and, smokers will be glad to know, open air tables on the other.

Tasty thin-crust pizza in three sizes costs Q45-Q90. It goes down great with a Q16 Gallo or other drink special.

Live Music

With smoke machines and lighting effects, this is one of the top places in town for live music. Saturday features reggae by The High Commanders, the house band led by Julio (the owner) on guitar. There is sometimes live jazz or rock on Fridays (small donation at the door).

El Chaman is the kind of bar where you feel right at home the instant you walk in—it’s popular with locals as well as with the growing number of tourists who have just begun to discover its charms.

The view of the ruins alone is worth a visit to El Chaman; the friendly atmosphere, food and music will make you want to return whenever you’re in Antigua.

At 7th Avenue and 5th Street, El Chaman is open 1 PM-12 AM Mon.-Thu., 1 PM-1 AM Fri.,Sat. Happy Hour: 5-7 PM