Best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala

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Introduction

If you are planning a trip to Guatemela, there is no better place to start than Antigua. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most iconic and beautiful cities in Central America. Located just a short drive from the Guatemala City airport, Antigua features a rich blend of history, culture, and beautiful landscapes. There are plenty of things to do in Antigua, Guatemala, and the surrounding area offers great day trip options.

Having traveled solo to Antigua three times, I’ve found that spending about 3 to 5 days here allows you to best enjoy the highlights of the city. This guide will give you a full run down of the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala during your upcoming trip.

Unique things to do in Antigua, Guatemala

Start with a Walking Tour of Antigua

Start your trip off with a walking tour of Antigua. I always like start off a visit to a new city with a walking tour to get to know the area and make note of any notable attractions, restaurants, and bars that I want to visit later on during my trip. It’s also a great way to meet other travels and make friends if you’re traveling solo.

I always use GuruWalk to find free walking tours when traveling. Take a look at some of the top rated free walking tours in Antigua.

Take a picture in front of the Santa Catalina arch

The Santa Catalina archway is the most iconic landmark and one of the most popular things to see in Antigua.  It can get crowded during the day, so you’ll want to plan to be there early in the morning if you’d like to avoid people in the background of your photo. On a clear day, this spot will have a view of the surrounding volcanos in the background. 

Want to get the perfect photos during your trip? Consider hiring a photographer.

Enjoy a Self-Guided Ruins Tour

Antigua is dotted with historical ruins, remnants of the city’s colonial past and various earthquakes. Visit iconic sites like the ruins of San Francisco Church, the Santa Clara Convent, and the Cathedral of Santiago. Each ruin tells a story, offering a glimpse into Antigua’s resilience and heritage.

Here you can access a free virtual guide for your own self-guided ruins tour.

Take a Guatemalan Cooking Class

Dive into the local cuisine by enrolling in a Guatemalan cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional dishes like Pipián and Kak’ik, and discover the secrets behind the rich flavors of Guatemalan food. It’s a hands-on experience that promises to be both fun and delicious.

Check out these top-rated Guatemalan cooking classes in Antigua.

Learn Spanish at a Local Language School

Why not pick up a new skill while traveling? Antigua is renowned for its language schools. Spend a few hours each day learning Spanish and immerse yourself deeper into the local culture. It’s a rewarding way to enhance your travel experience and meet fellow travelers.

Find more information about Spanish language classes here.

Outdoor Adventure and Hiking in Antigua

Walk up to the Cerro de la Cruz for Sunset

For breathtaking views of Antigua and its surrounding volcanoes, hike up to Cerro de la Cruz. The viewpoint offers a panoramic look at the city below, best enjoyed during the golden hour of sunset. You can easily walk to the trail’s starting point from the city center.

Find the Cerro de la Cruz trail here on Google maps.

Spend the Night on a Volcano and Hike Acatenango

If you’re an avid hiker, an overnight hike on Acatenango Volcano is a must. Camp under the stars and wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the neighboring Fuego Volcano. The experience is challenging but incredibly rewarding.

There are many different operators offering overnight Acatenango hikes.

If you are on a budget, I recommend Wicho and Charlie. Their guides are professional and very knowledgeable, and the accommodations are in cabins which I found to be much warmer than tents which are used by tour operators. You also will not need to carry up any gear other than your clothes and food. The group sizes are quite large, but I enjoyed being able to meet many new people as a solo traveler.

If you would prefer a more private experience and want to camp in tents, I recommend Old Town Outfitters. Another perk of this tour operator is that they do have a composting toilet at their base camp, which many other operators do not have.

Roast Marshmallows on Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano offers a unique experience—roasting marshmallows on hot volcanic rocks! If you’d rather a day hike than an overnight camping adventure, you can still enjoy hiking a volcano by opting for Pacaya instead of Acatenango.

Take a look at these top rated guided hikes on Pacaya Volcano.

Hike the Corazon de Agua Trail

For those looking for a less intense hike, the Corazon de Agua Trail is perfect. This trail offers lush landscapes and beautiful views without being too strenuous. The trail is approximately 3 miles in length and is considered a moderate hike with 1000 feet of elevation gain. It’s a great way to enjoy Antigua’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

Take a Sunset ATV Tour

See Antigua’s surrounding countryside on an ATV tour. Not a hiker? No worries, you can still enjoy the beautiful nature surrounding Antigua by ATV. Drive through scenic routes, visit coffee plantations, and end your adventure with a stunning sunset view.

Book this highly rated sunset ATV tour through Viator.

Day Trips from Antigua

Visit Hobbitenango

Lord of the Rings fans rejoice and embrace your inner hobbit at Hobbitenango. This eco-park inspired by the Lord of the Rings films and books offers whimsical architecture, stunning views, and various outdoor activities. If you’re longing for more than just a day trip, you can even book a stay in one of the cute hobbit-inspired houses!

Tour a Coffee Farm

Guatemala is famous for its coffee, and a coffee tour in Antigua is an absolute must. Learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup, and enjoy tastings of some of the best coffee Antigua has to offer.

Book a coffee farm tour here.

Visit Lake Atitlan

Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, is a short trip away from Antigua. Spend a day, or more if you have the time, hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking in the incredible views. It’s a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

You can visit for the day on a guided tour or rent a car and visit on your own.

Health and Wellness in Antigua

Have a Spa Day at Hotel Casa Santo Domingo

Treat yourself to a luxurious spa day at Hotel Casa Santo Domingo. This historic monastery turned hotel offers world-class spa services as well as two heated pools and jacuzzis. Relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy a moment of tranquility.

Take a Yoga Class

Join a yoga class to unwind and stay fit during your travels. Many local studios offer classes for all levels. Some accommodations, like Selina hostel, also offer yoga classes to guests. It’s a wonderful way to start or end your day.

Learn Salsa

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Antigua by learning salsa. Many local bars and dance schools even offer free classes where you can learn the basics and dance the night away. Salsa con Gloria offers free group classes certain days of the week, take a look at her Instagram for the latest schedule. It’s a fun way to meet people and enjoy the local nightlife.

Best Bars and Restaurants in Antigua

Antigua is a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide range of dining options. From street food to upscale restaurants, Antigua has a wide range of culinary options.

Antigua’s restaurant scene is surprisingly very international. While you can certainly find many traditional Guatemalan restaurants, you can also find a wide range of different Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican, and Asian offerings as well.

Here are some of my personal favorite places to eat in Antigua:

Try traditional Guatemalan dishes like pipián at La Cuevita de los Urquizú.

Enjoy delicious Italian food at Sobremesa.

Warm up with a bowl of ramen at Kombu Ramen Shop.

Grab something healthy and plant-based at La Bruja Vegan Foods.

Taste local craft beer at Antigua Cerveza and Antigua Brewing Company.

Sip a custom bespoke cocktail at Ulew Cocktail Bar.

Have a coffee or a few beers with a view at Cafe Sky Bar.

How many days to spend in Antigua?

If you are visiting for the first time as part of your vacation, you should aim to spend at least 2-4 days in Antigua. Though if you plan to do the overnight Acatenango trek, 4-5 days would be best for you to complete the trek and have time to enjoy some of the other activities in and around Antigua as well.

You can easily plan a one week trip to Guatemala splitting your time between Antigua and Lake Atitlan to enjoy the best of both destinations.

Best Places to Stay in Antigua

Luxury: Hotel Santo Domingo

If you’re looking to treat yourself, look no further than the Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo. This hotel was once a historic monastery, and the architecture is unreal. Take a step back in time, enjoy the beautiful rooms, gardens, and be sure to book yourself an appointment at their onsite spa.

Book your stay here!

Mid-range: Posada San Sebastian

For a mid-range hotel, Posada San Sebastian offers a unique stay in a historic home filled with antique furniture. I loved the cozy feel and unique decor of the property during my stay. It was also perfectly located in the heart of Antigua, making it just a quick walk to nearby restaurants and cafes.

Book your stay here!

Budget: Ojala

For solo travelers looking for a comfortable stay with shared dorm accommodations, Ojala offers the most comfortable dorm beds I have ever slept on. Each bed is fitted with a privacy curtain as well. The property is absolutely gorgeous. You’ll feel like you’re staying in a luxury boutique hotel, with the cost savings of shared dorm accommodation.

Ojala also offers private rooms if you prefer to have your own space.

Their complementary breakfast is delicious and you get to enjoy it in their beautiful courtyard.

Book your stay here!

For digital nomads: Selina

Another hostel I recommend is Selina, especially if you plan on working during your stay as they offer an on site co-working space. Selina offers both shared dorm accommodations as well as private rooms.

Selina also offers many different activities throughout the week, and is a great option for solo travelers looking to meet others.

Book your stay here!

Getting Around Antigua

Antigua is a very walkable city, but tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available for longer distances. Renting a bike or an ATV is also a great way to explore the surrounding areas. For most activities in and around Antigua, you can either walk if it is located within the city, or if you book a day trip with a tour company they will typically offer transportation.

Renting a car to visit Antigua is not necessary and it is easy to get around by walking, taking a tuktuk or taxi, or using public transportation.

How to Get to Antigua from Guatemala City

Getting to Antigua from Guatemala City is straightforward. You can take a shuttle, a private car, or a public bus.

Shuttles are the most convenient option, offering regular service and reasonable prices. You can book a shuttle from Guatemala City or the airport in Guatemala City to Antigua in advance. Here are a few different shuttle options.

If you prefer private transportation, you can arrange a taxi in advance, take an airport taxi, or use Uber. A taxi or Uber should cost you around $50 USD.

Book your private transport to Antigua here.

Packing for Antigua, Guatemala

What’s the weather like in Antigua?

Many visitors don’t realize that despite being a tropical country, many places in Guatemala actually have a cold climate due to the higher elevation.

Antigua being one of those higher elevation cities, experiences chilly evenings and warm days during the dry season from November-April. You expect temperatures in the 70’s (that’s in fahrenheit) during the day. At night, temps will drop down to the 50’s.

With that in mind, be sure to pack some warm layers for those chilly evenings!

If you’re like me and get especially cold, having a packable down puffer jacket won’t take up too much space in your luggage but still keep you nice and warm.

I’ve had this one from 32 degrees for 5 years now, and it’s still keeping me nice and toasty to this day!

If you are visiting during the rainy season from May-October, definitely plan to bring an umbrella and rain jacket as you should expect to see few showers and downpours, especially in the rainiest months of September and October.

This North Face rain jacket is my personal favorite and has kept me dry in many a torrential downpour.

How to dress in Antigua, Guatemala

Guatemala is a fairly modest country. You’ll see most people who live there wearing jeans or long pants. Indigenous women often wear their traditional dress, though you’ll see this more often around Lake Atitlan than in Antigua.

You won’t see many Guatemalans out in shorts unless you’re at the beach or the pool.

Jeans, t-shirts, and a few sweaters or hoodies will serve you well for Antigua’s warm days and cold nights. For ladies, dresses and skirts are fine as well.

For a full list of my recommended items to pack for Guatemala, take a look at this packing list.

When to Visit Antigua, Guatemala

The best time to visit Antigua is during the dry season, from November to April.

These months are also the high season, and especially around the Christmas and New Year holidays, activities and accommodations will book up quickly so you’ll want to secure your reservations well in advance.

September and October are typically the rainiest months of the year. If you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities you may want to avoid visiting in those months.

Especially if you plan on hiking Acatenango, visiting during the dry season will be best as you will have the best chance of visibility.

Digital Nomads in Antigua, Guatemala

With so many amazing day trips and places to visit nearby, you could easily spend weeks in Antigua. For digital nomads, Antigua is an excellent base with its stable infrastructure and connectivity.

Best Co-Working Spots in Antigua

Antigua is becoming a hotspot for digital nomads. Co-working spaces offer high-speed internet, comfortable workspaces, and a collaborative community. Some co-working spaces available to digital nomads in Antigua, Guatemala are:

• El Cubo Center
• Impact Hub
• Selina Antigua (message on whatsapp to book co-working)

Take a look at this guide for a full review of Antigua, Guatemala’s co-working spaces.

Wrap Up

Antigua, Guatemala, is a vibrant destination filled with activities for travelers. Known for its rich culture and stunning landscapes, the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, especially if you plan on hiking Acatenango volcano.

With numerous day trips and adventures available, there are countless things to do in Antigua, making it a must visit city during your travels in Guatemala.

If you’ve got more time, consider also visiting Lake Atitlan, the Mayan site of Tikal, and relaxing at the beach in El Paredon.