The Best Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala, in 2024

The 15 Best Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala, plus what to eat, where to stay, interactive map and more!

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Antigua is a must-visit city in Guatemala and is famous for its incredible colonial architecture, with buildings dating back almost 500 years. Once the capital city of Guatemala, Antigua was founded by Spanish Conquistadors who arrived in the 16th century. This vibrant city is full of history, culture and cuisine that is unique to Antigua and the whole town is surrounded by impressive volcanoes that are often visible from the street! If you have limited time we’d suggest this highly-rated day tour of Antigua’s most iconic sights, giving you a full feel for the history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage site and a tasting of local Guatemalan coffee and chocolate to boot! But if you have a bit longer to explore, we’ve made a thorough list of the best things to do in Antigua, including what to see, do and eat, as well as a handy interactive map, which you can use as a self guided walking tour of the quaint, cobbled streets!

Time needed: 3-5 days.

When to go: April-June or November-January to avoid peak season. Prices will be lower and the weather should still be pleasant.

Weather: Dry season runs from November-April, while rainy season runs May-October . The temperature is consistent year-round with lows of 12°C and highs of 27°C, with a fluctuation of 5°C between Summer and Winter.

Languages: Spanish, 22 Mayan languages, 2 other indigenous languages.

Currency: Guatemalan quetzal.

The best things to do in Antigua

1) Strike a pose under Santa Catalina Arch

The Santa Catalina Arch is the classic shot of Antigua you’ve probably seen before. This distinguishable landmark is located on 5th Avenue North and is a popular Instagram spot in Antigua. The 17th century arch originally connected the Santa Catalina convent to a school and allowed nuns to pass from one building to the other without going down onto the street. On a clear day you can see one of Antigua’s surrounding volcanoes through the arch, making it one of the best places in Antigua for photography buffs.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out El Arco Wine Bar next to the arch (on the bottom right of the photo) for a delicious selection of local wines and a friendly atmosphere. Scroll to the bottom of this article for more Antigua food and drink recommendations!

2) Climb Cerro de la Cruz

Known as the Hill of the Cross in English, Cerro de la Cruz is a viewpoint located a short walk out of town and provides stunning panoramic views of Antigua. Follow 1a Avenida Nte north out of town, turning left up the stairs when you hit the corner (where the road veers to the right). Here you can explore paths through the forest and look out for birdlife. Once you reach the mirador (viewpoint), you’ll be met with the huge hill-top cross and panoramic views of Antigua.

3) Visit the churches and convents

Antigua isn’t a UNESCO World Heritage Site for nothing. In fact, this special status is largely due to the numerous churches and convents that stand tall on every corner. These relics of Roman Catholicism, which was brought over to Guatemala by the Spanish in the 16th century, are not only intricately designed but also offer an insight into an important part of Antigua’s history. Don’t miss:

Iglesia de la Merced
Antigua Guatemala Cathedral
Catedral de Santiago
Convento Santa Clara
Iglesia Católica San Francisco el Grande
San Francisco the Great Sanctuary

4) Take a free walking tour

You’re not short of options when looking to take a guided walking tour of Antigua. It’s one of the most popular things to do in the city and a great way to see all the main sights in a short amount of time. You’ll be guided by a local who will tell you all about the history of Antigua and can inform you on Guatemalan culture and traditions too. If you’re interested in what’s involved, check out this affordable, 3-hour walking tour of the main sites in Antigua.

On a budget? No problem! Just use our map at the end of this article and follow our DIY Free Walking Tour of Antigua!

5) Learn how Guatemalan coffee is made

It’s no secret that Guatemala produces some of the best coffee in the world. As a global exporter of coffee, Guatemala has numerous roasters and coffee houses country-wide all competing for the title of ‘the best coffee in Guatemala’. It’s safe to say that Antigua’s coffee houses will leave you spoilt for choice. For a mix of coffee tasting and adrenaline-fuelled sightseeing, consider joining this ATV Coffee Tour! Ride your own quad bike to a local coffee plantation where you’ll learn about the coffee making process and have a tasting of different blends and roasts too.

If you’re on a budget, one of the best ways to try local produce can be going where the locals go. Read to the end to discover our favourite coffee houses and cafés in Antigua, where you can sample traditional Guatemalan coffee for a fraction of the price of a tour.

7) Tour a macadamia nut farm

You probably knew Guatemala produces incredible coffee and chocolate, but did you know Guatemala also has a huge macadamia nut industry? You can visit a local farm and learn more about the growing and harvesting of the nuts, as well as discover the wealth of health and nutritional benefits they provide. If you’re interested in seeing more of authentic Guatemala, check out this popular tour which explores Antigua’s surrounding villages. Discover the traditional crafts each town is known for with a local guide, finishing off at a macadamia nut farm.

7) Try chocolate Guatemalan chocolate

Guatemala is renowned world-wide for it’s incredible chocolate. In fact, Guatemala is named the birthplace of chocolate, as production of cocoa dates back to the ancient Mayans. The best place to go for chocolate in Antigua is the ChocoMuseo. With interesting displays and a huge gift shop, this museum is located in the heart of town, right on Parque Central. You can even join a 2 hour Bean to Bar Workshop, where you learn more about the chocolate making process and make your own creations to take home as the perfect souvenir of your time in Antigua.

8) Watch Fuego volcano erupt

You’ve probably noticed that Antigua is surrounded by mountains. These towering summits are in fact volcanoes, and the most famous of all of them is Fuego. Volcán de Fuego (literally ‘Volcano of Fire’ in English) is named due to its frequent eruptions. Small gas and ash eruptions occur every 15 to 20 minutes and plumes of smoke can often be seen from Antigua town on a clear day.

To see Fuego’s lava you need darkness, which requires an overnight visit on a guided tour. You can join a tour and scale the neighbouring volcano Acatenango, which is a 5 hour hike to the base camp. There, you can witness a truly once in a lifetime experience as sun sets over erupting lava, and wake up on the side of Guatemala’s 3rd tallest volcano. We’d recommend this highly-rated, small group tour, which is nearly half the price of competitors online! It includes all your meals, sleeping equipment, transport and a professional local guide.

9) Cook pizza and toast marshmallows at Pacaya volcano

If you don’t fancy the 5 hour hike and overnight stay, you should look to Pacaya instead. This volcano, which first erupted approximately 23,000 years ago, is a popular day trip from Antigua and for good reason. Volcanic activity here heats the ground so much you can actually toast marshmallows and cook pizza over the scorching earth. Check out this full day tour to Pacaya Volcano, which includes a guided 2.5 hour hike and the chance to see active lava and steam baths, as well as impressive views of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes.

10) Learn about traditional Guatemalan weaving

According to legend, the Maya were taught to weave by the moon goddess and the origins of Guatemalan weaving can be dated back over 1500 years ago. You can learn more about this traditional craft by visiting a Women’s Weaving Cooperative. Created to offer economic opportunity for local women, weaving cooperatives have come to offer an increased quality of life for many Guatemalan women. The majority of cooperatives are located in more rural destinations such as Lake Atitlán and Antigua’s surrounding villages, but local women come into Antigua daily to sell their handmade goods in the Parque Central. While some street sellers can gain reputations for swindling tourists, you’ll likely meet some really interesting, genuine people too. If you take the time to ask questions and learn about their craft, you’ll be able to determine which products are likely handmade and which are being peddled in every gift shop around the block.

Remember to always ask people if they’re willing to have their photo taken. It’s not just incredibly rude to take photos of people without their permission, but it can be offensive or go against a culture’s morals too.

11) Visit the artisanal markets

If you don’t find what you’re looking for in the markets in Parque Central, head to El Mercadito, an artisanal market just off the main square. Stuffed with vendors selling anything from bags, clothes, shoes and hats to magnets, toys and trinkets, the market is the perfect place to pick up a beautiful hand-made souvenir.

12 ) Find the perfect souvenir at Nim Po’t

Possibly the most popular artisanal market in Antigua is Nim Po’t. Located near Santa Catalina Arch, this market offers a wide variety of textiles and handmade products. If you’re looking for a more personal souvenir, something that’s been made locally or something to go in your house to remember your trip to Antigua, this is the place to go.

13) Learn Spanish

While Spanish is fairly well spoken in Antigua, you might be surprised to learn that it’s quite uncommon for people to speak English in Central America. A basic understanding of Spanish can be imperative for travellers who wish to explore this part of the world, and there’s no better way to learn than from a local. If you have a few days, consider taking a Spanish Class in Antigua.

14) Take a dance class

If you’re looking to get immersed in Latin American culture then why not try a salsa, merengue or bachata class? There are more than 10 dance studios in Antigua and 4 of those lie within a 2-block-radius of Parque Central! We’d recommend New Sensation Salsa Studio and Salsa con Gloria Dance Academy as they are super quick to respond to enquiries and are very welcoming. You can book into a free or paid class by sending enquiries via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

15) Visit Lake Atitlán

A popular (but long) day trip from Antigua, Lake Atitlán is a huge volcanic crater lake located in Guatemala’s northern highlands. Known for its traditional Mayan villages, towering volcanoes and and speedy lanchas (boats), Lake Atitlán is an unmissable place to visit in Guatemala. We’d recommend actually travelling there for at least a few days and hopping your way around the villages. But if you have limited time, you can always take a tour to Lake Atitlán from Antigua and see the main sights in one day.

Interactive Antigua Map

Food and drink

Antigua doesn’t just have some of the best coffee houses in Guatemala, it also has some amazing cafés and restaurants too. Don’t miss:

Fat Cat Coffee House for the best Guatemalan coffee.
Fernando’s Kaffee for empanadas and the resident cat.
Café Café for brunch.
Once Once for great vegan food.
Mí Vietnamese for delicious pho and summer rolls.
El Arco Wine Bar for a selection of wines and snacks.

Getting to Antigua

You might be wondering how to get to Antigua, Guatemala? This depends on where you are travelling from, of course. Antigua has no airport, so international visitors usually fly into La Aurora Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, the largest airport in Guatemala. From here you can connect to any major destination in Guatemala, including Antigua, using the below methods:

Uber
Airport taxi
Private car
Shared shuttle
Public transport (chicken bus)

A man stands on top of a shuttle bus and secures tarpaulin. The streets are cobbled and the buildings are painted bright yellow.

Getting around Antigua

Guatemala has Uber, which is useful to get to and from the airport in Guatemala City. The journey typically costs GTQ 200 ($25) and takes around 45 minutes if the traffic is good.

It is possible to take Guatemala’s traditional form of public transport: chicken buses. Although a lot of tourists have had no issue on Guatemala’s main form of public transportation, they’re not always the safest option. The buses themselves are known to be popular targets for crime such as theft and getting one to Antigua requires you to go into Guatemala City, which has a notoriously high crime rate. They’re also the slowest method of transport and can take up to several hours to get from Guatemala City to Antigua.

Instead, we’d recommend booking tourist shuttles, which are shared buses that are primarily used by visitors. You can pre-book your shuttle on GuateGo. If you don’t pre-book, you can find shuttles at the airport entrance, but you may have to wait for the shuttle to fill up at the airport, which can take a few hours.

It is also possible to book a private car to transfer you from the airport to your hotel directly. A driver will meet you at the airport and drive you straight to the door of your accommodation. To book a private transfer from Guatemala City airport to Antigua click here.

Antigua is super walkable so it’s very easy to get around without public transport. You can easily get a tuk tuk if you need to get from A to B a bit faster – just hail one in the street as there are plenty around.

How dangerous is Antigua, Guatemala?

Simply put, Antigua is very safe. Guatemalan people are some of the most welcoming and friendly people in the world. But, like any country, some regions are safer than others. While Guatemala City has a reputation for being riddled with crime, Antigua is a popular tourist destination in Guatemala and is much safer. Not only is the crime rate incredibly low, but there’s also a dedicated tourist police presence too. The Antigua Tourist Police offer free accompanied walks to Cerro de la Cruz each day, usually at 10:00 and 15:00.

You should still be careful and practice basic safety precautions, as you would anywhere else in the world. If you are worried about safety as a solo traveller, you can always join a tour! It’s a great way to meet like-minded travellers and you’ll learn so much from professional local guides too. Two of the companies we love are Get Your Guide and Viator. Both offer a range of affordable to luxury tours and work with local companies to ensure that money also goes back into the local community.

Where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua is quite small and very walkable compared to other cities, however staying within a few blocks of Parque Central means you will have a tremendous amount of sights and attractions at your doorstep. Booking.com has a wide range of hotels in Antigua, from affordable, boutique guest stays to luxury hotels with volcano views. If you’re on a budget, check out Hostelworld. There are more than 30 hostels in Antigua with beds in shared dorms starting from as little as $5 a night.

Antigua, Guatemala town with yellow church in front of mountains.

FAQs

How far is Antigua from Guatemala City?

From Guatemala City Airport to the centre of Antigua is around 25 miles (40km) along the main roads. By car, the journey can take anywhere between 45 minutes to several hours depending on traffic! The lack of infrastructure in Guatemala City means that one traffic accident can grind everything to a halt. It is important to prepare for this eventuality and to bring snacks and water with you on every journey.

How many days are needed for Antigua, Guatemala?

We would recommend at least three days for your trip to Antigua, as this is enough to see the main sights and get a good feel for Guatemalan culture. If you are interested in the various hikes, day-trips and tours that are on offer in and around Antigua, then a week would be more suitable to fit everything in. However long you have in Antigua, keep this guide with you to make sure you don’t miss any of the highlights.

Is Antigua, Guatemala expensive?

Guatemala as a whole is a very affordable tourist destination, and Antigua is no exception to this rule. Unless you are at a fine dining establishment, you can expect to pay under $2 for a pint of beer, and under $30 on a 3-course-meal for 2 people! Accommodation and transport are both also very affordable.