San Mateo Milpas Altas is a small town above Antigua on the road toward Guatemala City, about fifteen minutes from the park. It is predominantly local living, with an upscale gated community as well, and above the town the land opens into country living where it is a little fresher and cooler, and the views, if you get one, can be great.
It is a nice intermediary spot: from here it is a hop, skip and a jump to Antigua in one direction and San Lucas in the other. Properties are typically more affordable than closer to Antigua but still very nice, which is exactly why people look at it. San Mateo often turns out to be the sensible middle ground.
