THINGS TO DO IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA
Antigua is a beautiful city in Guatemala that has lovely cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and impressive volcanoes to explore. There are lots of things to do in Antigua that you will surely enjoy.
I loved this city because I had a wonderful time exploring it. I hiked a volcano, enjoyed lovely views, drank coffee, and walked around the charming city center. The center is even part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Antigua once was the capital of Guatemala, but after an earthquake that destroyed the city, and its vulnerability to natural disasters, Guatemala City became the capital instead. However, most travelers head directly to Antigua or Lake Atitlan, which offers so much to do.
If you are ready to explore Guatemala, here are some fantastic things to do in Antigua when you head over there.
Table of Contents
Hike A Volcano
In my opinion, one of the best activities to do in all of Guatemala is to hike Volcan Acatenango. This strenuous 2-day hike is a mental and physical challenge for those who love the outdoors and hiking. However, it is worth it because you get to experience seeing lava erupt all night long from Volcan Fuego as you drink coffee at the campsite.
Or, you can hike Volcan Pacaya. People hike it and roast marshmallows from vents that pour out steam and occasionally, there is a chance to see lava and eruptions. This requires a day hike, and many people enjoy visiting it. It’s on my bucket list for the next time I’m there.
Visit Cerro de la Cruz
Cerro de la Cruz, or Hill of the Cross in English, is a great place to view the city and the Volcan Agua that sits in the distance. This is only a short 15-20 minute hike from the city center, and I recommend making a stop here to enjoy the panoramic views. Unfortunately, the day we went it was sprinkling and the views were blocked by clouds. It was still beautiful though.
The Arch of Santa Catalina
One popular landmark in Antigua is the Arch of Santa Catalina. The arch was built in 1965, and they later added a clock tower in the 1930s. It stands in front of Volcan Agua and two other volcanoes that can be seen from a distance. The yellow-stone architecture of the arch is beautiful, and the reason so many people stop by to take a picture of it.
Walk the Central Plaza
What I love about Latin America is how they put plazas in the middle of the city. I find them the perfect place for people-watching, rest, and sit and have a snack. The central plaza in Antigua is no different. It’s the ideal place to hang around in the city during the day.
Shop at the Mercado de Artesanias
If you want to support the local people, I suggest you head to the Artisan Market. This is where you will find souvenirs, potter, fabric, and all types of items local artists make. The colorful handicraft is beautiful and worth buying a few things to take back home. Nearby you can find Choco Museum, which is a popular place to visit.
Drink a Coffee
I probably suggest this for every place I visit in the world, but almost no city in the world fails to have great places for drinking a cup of coffee or hanging out. In Antigua, the climate is perfect for growing coffee. Therefore it’s said that some of the best coffee beans in Latin America are produced here. One coffee spot I liked was Soy Chilero.
Learn Spanish
Guatemala is one of the most popular places in all of Central and Latin America for taking Spanish classes. Everywhere I walked, I saw places offering courses. I recommend you choose Antigua or Lake Atitlan as a place where you immerse yourself in learning it. If I didn’t already know it, I think this is where I’d go study the language for a couple of weeks or more. Or better yet, I’d study it in Lake Atitlan nearby.
Explore Hobbietenango
This was one of my favorite spots in Antigua! Located in the mountains and only a short Uber ride away, this themed attraction is the place to be. It has incredible views of the volcanoes and mountains surrounding the city. There are hammocks, pictures spots, game spots, giant hands, and hobbit homes. It’s the perfect place to spend time in the city. And if you get hungry, you can grab food at one of the restaurants or drink a coffee. The cost is only 50Q ($6.46).
Take Pictures at Altamira
Next to Hobbitenango is another attraction in the city with landscape views of Volcan Agua in front. Altamira is a spot for pictures. It has giant hands, swings, wooden sculptures, benches, and more for taking cool photos. Hobbitenango is great for families, but anyone can enjoy it. Having lunch and a drink in hand while enjoying the views was my favorite part.
Admire the Churches
If you love to admire beautiful architecture on church buildings, you will enjoy walking around Antigua. There is the San Francisco Church, La Merced, and many other ones around the city too. This beautiful yellow colonial church was one of the favorites I passed by.
Best Time to Visit Antigua
The best time to visit Antigua is during the dry season, from November to April. Then, there will be more sunny and clear skies. This is important if you plan to hike and want lovely views of the volcanoes all around. It might be a bit colder, though.
During the rainy season, it’s warmer, but you have more chances of bad days for hiking or having views of the volcanoes in the city. I went during the rainy season, and you can see in my pictures that we lucked out half the time for clear skies, and other days we didn’t.
Where to Stay in Antigua
There are so many options for places to stay in Antigua, and they have different price ranges. If you like hostels, I recommend staying at Maya Papaya. It has a great atmosphere, it’s clean, and it has a great location. They have private rooms if you need one, but make sure to book ahead.
Two other hostels I heard backpackers talk about were Selina and Tropicana Hostel.
How to Get to Antigua
Getting around Antigua is best done on foot. However, if you go on longer distances, a taxi and Uber are both crazy cheap. To arrive in Antigua, you will most likely fly into the airport in Guatemala City. From there, it’s about a 45-minute ride to Antigua by shuttle van or bus. You also can go by Uber-like I did, which will be very cheap for the distance, under $20.
What to Pack For Antigua
Getting around Antigua is best done on foot. However, if you go on longer distances, a taxi and Uber are both crazy cheap. To arrive in Antigua, you will most likely fly into the airport in Guatemala City. From there, it’s about a 45-minute ride to Antigua by shuttle van or bus. You also can go by Uber-like I did, which will be very cheap for the distance, under $20.
Travel Booking Resources
Book Your Flight:
To find cheap flights, check Skyscanner and Google Flights. These search engines check airlines to find you the best deals. The more flexibility you have, the better flight deals available.
Book Your Accommodation:
Booking.com is my favorite booking site for hotels but it also shows great deals on hostels and apartments. Plus, when you reach Genius Level, you get special discounts, included breakfasts, and upgrades on some hotel rooms. Hostelworld is specifically for budget travelers who enjoy hostels. This is the best place for finding great options.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance and Visa Applications:
Travel insurance will protect you against theft, injury, illness, and cancellations. Sometimes unexpected things happen during a trip and protections will keep you covered. Two great options are: Safety Wing and World Nomads. Also, iVisa can help you get a visa if you need one.
Book Tours:
Sometimes the best way to see a place is through tours. I recommend checking out Get Your Guide for some fun and unique adventures wherever you go.
Check out my other travel resources to help you book your trip!
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