Antigua is Guatemala’s former capital, and one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Central America. It has stand-out features in its cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and dramatic backdrop of volcanoes which you get an insane view over if you fly into nearby Guatemala City!
Antigua is also most people’s first stop in Guatemala because it’s close to Guatemala City (Central America’s biggest airport) and has this iconic reputation amongst travellers.
Despite its colonial feel there’s a surprising number of modern cafes, shops and restaurants in Antigua, which is probably thanks to the high footfall of travellers. It’s also most people’s set-off point for the Acatenango Volcano hike, so you’ll find quite a few travel agent shops that specialise in this and other volcano hikes, and sell any gear you might need (the city is also full of pharmacies where you can buy rehydration tablets and altitude sickness medication, if you want them).
Anyway, I’m digressing again.
Besides hike some of the nearby volcanoes, what is there to do in Antigua city itself? Let me tell you!
🇬🇹 Read more: A Travel Guide to Antigua, Guatemala
Contents
- 12 Things to Do in Antigua
- 1. Visit the Santa Catalina Arch
- 2. Explore Church Ruins
- 3. Take a Chocolate Workshop
- 4. Visit the Coffee Farms
- 5. Shop at the Local Market
- 6. Take a Salsa Class
- 7. Walk Through Parque Central
- 8. Visit the Jade Museum
- 9. Hike Cerro de la Cruz
- 10. Take a Cooking Class
- 11. Visit Earth Lodge
- 12. Take a Walking Tour
- Frequently Asked Questions about things to do in Antigua
- Conclusion
12 Things to Do in Antigua
1. Visit the Santa Catalina Arch
The iconic yellow arch is Antigua’s most photographed landmark; in fact, you’ll see it in the featured image of this article! This archway was built in the 17th century to allow nuns to cross between from one convent to another without being seen by members of the public. It has now become the perfect frame for Volcán de Agua that sits behind it. If you want to get really epic lighting and few crowds, go at sunrise or just after. (Sunset works for the lighting, too, but less for the crowds!)
2. Explore Church Ruins
Antigua is filled with beautiful church ruins, which stand as a reminder of the earthquakes that eventually led to Guatemala’s capital being moved to Guatemala City. Don’t miss the San Francisco Church, La Merced, and the haunting ruins of Las Capuchinas. Each ruined church has its own character and story to tell.
3. Take a Chocolate Workshop
Whilst chocolate probably didn’t originate here, and many tales take its origins back to Mexico or Ecuador, Guatemala has the official world title as the “birthplace of chocolate” (I don’t know who decided that, mind you). We do know that we have the Mayans to thank for the creation of chocolate, and many Mayan communities lived here in Guatemala. Several places in Antigua offer workshops where you can learn about the history of Chocolate and make your own bars. The appropriately named ChocoMuseo is especially popular, offering everything from quick tastings to full bean-to-bar workshops.
4. Visit the Coffee Farms
Okay, so technically this one does take you outside of Antigua city, but I’m leaving it on this list because it doesn’t involve climbing a volcano. The volcanic soil around Antigua produces some of Guatemala’s finest coffee. Several nearby farms offer tours where you can learn about the growing and roasting process, followed by detailed tastings. Filadelfia Coffee Resort and Caoba Farms are both excellent options.
5. Shop at the Local Market
The local market is a maze of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to traditional textiles. It can get a bit hectic, but it’s not as dangerous as many other markets that you may have visited already in Mexico or other parts of Central America. (That being said, it’s best to go here in the morning.) You can also get a meal here for just 2-3$, and explore the quieter, artisanal market just behind the main market.
6. Take a Salsa Class
I’m quite a keen salsa dancer, so I was keeping an eye out for dance classes and events as we travelled through Central America. Surprisingly, I didn’t find much in the way of salsa (until I crossed into South America, of course!). There was a really fun salsa class in Antigua that my friends went to at Frank Arango’s Salsa Studio! It’s free on some days of the week, and they cater to tourists.
7. Walk Through Parque Central
The central park is the heart of Antigua, surrounded by historic buildings including the Cathedral of San José and the Palacio de los Capitanes. It’s perfect for people-watching, shopping at small market stalls, and there seemed to be a different cultural event or performance going on every time we passed through!
8. Visit the Jade Museum
There are quite a few jade and stone museums in Central America because so much of it was mined here, but Guatemala is especially famous for its jade. This museum explains the history of jade in Guatemala and its significance in Mayan culture. You can even watch artisans working with the stone and purchase high-quality pieces if you wish.
9. Hike Cerro de la Cruz
This short hike takes you to a viewpoint overlooking the entire city of Antigua. The cross at the top is a popular photo spot, with Volcán de Agua as the backdrop. Be sure to go either in a group or with a guide, especially if you go early on the morning or after sunset – don’t go alone!
10. Take a Cooking Class
Cooking classes are a great way to learn a culture, so if you’ve been browsing a few of my “things to do in Guatemala” articles then you will have seen this pop up before. But I just think it’s a great thing to do, and there are loads of options for taking cooking classes in Antigua. You will learn to make traditional Guatemalan dishes like pepián, tamales or rellenitos, and some experiences even take you to the local market to buy the ingredients before you get cooking.
11. Visit Earth Lodge
Earth Lodge is an eco-lodge built on a still-working avocado farm. It’s a little outside of the city but they offer a free shuttle service from Antigua, and you can stay overnight there (although you don’t have to to do one of their experiences). You can tour the farm, take an ATV tour, do a spa day or have a massage – the list of things to do is really endless!
12. Take a Walking Tour
Free walking tours leave from the central park several times daily. They’re an excellent introduction to Antigua’s history and architecture, helping you get your bearings while learning about the city’s past.
FAQs About Things to Do in Antigua
How many days do you need in Antigua, Guatemala?
Most visitors spend 3-5 days in Antigua to fully explore the city and its surroundings. This allows time for both city attractions and potentially a volcano hike or coffee farm tour. However, many travellers end up extending their stay due to the city’s charm and wealth of activities.
Is Antigua, Guatemala safe for tourists?
Antigua is generally considered one of the safest cities in Guatemala for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as not walking alone at night, keeping valuables secure, and using official taxis or trusted transportation services. The Cerro de la Cruz hike should only be done with a guide or in a group.
What’s the best time of year to visit Antigua?
The best time to visit Antigua is during the dry season from November to April. December and January offer particularly pleasant temperatures and clear skies. However, the shoulder seasons (May and October) can also be good times to visit with fewer tourists and occasional rain showers.
How much money should I budget per day in Antigua?
Budget travellers can get by on $30-40 per day, including a hostel bed and local meals. Mid-range travellers should budget $60-100 per day for a nice hotel room, restaurant meals, and activities. Activities like cooking classes ($45-60) and coffee tours ($20-25) are additional costs to consider.
How do I get from Guatemala City airport to Antigua?
The most reliable way is to pre-book a shuttle service, which costs around $15-20 per person. Private taxis cost approximately $35-40. Public buses are available but not recommended for safety reasons, especially with luggage. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Conclusion
Antigua is a city that captures the hearts of most visitors, with its perfect blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Whether you’re interested in learning Spanish, climbing volcanoes, exploring colonial architecture, or simply soaking in the atmosphere from a cafe, Antigua provides a perfect base. Its manageable size, friendly locals, and wealth of activities make it an essential stop on any Guatemala itinerary, and many travellers find themselves staying much longer than planned in this charming colonial city.