Antigua is Guatemala’s former colonial capital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and genuinely one of the most beautiful cities in Central America. Cobblestone streets, crumbling church ruins, colourful buildings, and three dramatic volcanoes on the horizon: it’s the kind of place that makes you extend your trip by several days without much regret.
It’s also most people’s first stop in Guatemala, given how close it is to Guatemala City and the main international airport. And whilst Antigua has a well-deserved reputation as the launchpad for the famous Acatenango volcano hike, there’s a lot more to do here than trek up mountains.
Here’s everything worth doing in Antigua, whether you have two days or two weeks.
Quick facts about Antigua
- How long to spend: most people stay 3 to 5 days, many end up staying longer
- Best time to visit: November to April (dry season)
- Typical daily budget: $30 to $100+ depending on your style
- Getting there: 45 to 60 minutes from Guatemala City airport to Antigua by shuttle ($15 to $20)
🇬🇹 Read more about Antigua, Guatemala here!
1. Visit the Santa Catalina Arch
This iconic yellow arch is Antigua’s most photographed landmark and probably one of the most instantly recognisable things about the city. Built in the 17th century to allow nuns to pass between two convent buildings without being seen by members of the public, it has since become the perfect natural frame for Volcán de Agua sitting behind it. The archway looks absolutely beautiful at both sunrise and sunset, but of course sunset is typically much more crowded.
It’s free to walk past, and it’s on the main street, so you’ll most likely walk past here whether you intend to or not!
2. Explore the Colonial Church Ruins
Antigua is full of beautiful, half-standing church ruins, which are a reminder of the devastating earthquakes that eventually led Guatemala to relocate its capital to Guatemala City. Each one has its own character: don’t miss the San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco), which dates back to 1524; La Merced (Iglesia La Merced), with its ornate yellow facade; and Las Capuchinas, a convent ruin that houses a small museum on colonial life. Entry to the ruins is usually around 40 to 60 Quetzales ($5 to $8).
3. Do a Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop
Whilst the precise origins of chocolate are debated, Guatemala holds a special claim: the Mayans were among the first to cultivate cacao, and many Mayan communities lived right here. Several places in Antigua run bean-to-bar chocolate workshops where you learn about this history and let you physically make your own bars of chocolate. ChocoMuseo is the most popular, with options ranging from quick tastings to full two-hour workshops ($20 to $30 per person). It’s a great option if you have a rainy afternoon, and it’s one of the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala with kids.
4. Take a Coffee Farm Tour
Okay, technically this takes you outside of Antigua, but it absolutely belongs on this list. The volcanic soil around Antigua is responsible for some of Guatemala’s finest coffee, and a few nearby farms offer tours where you follow the whole process from growing to roasting to tasting. Filadelfia Coffee Resort and Caoba Farms are both excellent options, and tours typically run $20 to $35 per person including the tasting.
This is a popular day trip from Antigua and worth booking ahead during high season.
5. Wander the Local Market
The main market of Antigua, just off the central park, is a maze of stalls selling fresh produce, traditional textiles, and street food. It can feel hectic, but it’s not as intense as markets you may have already visited in Mexico or other parts of Central America. Go in the morning for the best atmosphere and the best produce, and you can eat a full meal here for $3 to $4. Just behind the main market is a quieter, artisanal market better suited for browsing and shopping for handmade goods. (But keep an eye on your belongings, especially in the busier sections.)
6. Take a Salsa Class
I was keeping an eye out for dance classes as I travelled through Central America, and Antigua delivered. Frank Arango’s Salsa Studio is the most well-known option in the city: it’s lively, tourist-friendly, and free on certain days of the week. Even if you’ve never danced before, it’s a fun evening out and a great way to meet other travellers. Live music nights also happen regularly in the bars around the city centre, so ask at your hostel for what’s on during your stay.
7. Spend Time in Parque Central
Antigua’s main square (also called Plaza Mayor) is the beating heart of the city. It’s surrounded by the Cathedral of San José, the colonial city hall, and beautiful gardens. Sit on a bench and people-watch, browse the small market stalls around the edges, or just take in the atmosphere. There always seems to be something going on here: weekend markets, cultural events, and many different performances!
8. Visit the Jade Museum
Guatemala is one of the most significant sources of jade in the Americas, and it played a central role in Mayan culture. The Jade Museum in Antigua explains this history and displays some stunning pieces. You can watch local artisans working with the stone and, if you want to take something home, purchase high-quality pieces from the gift shop. Entry is around $4 and it’s a good hour or so of exploring.
9. Hike Cerro de la Cruz
This short hike takes about 20 to 30 minutes and leads you to a viewpoint with one of the best views of Antigua and it’s surrounding volcanoes. On a clear day, the panorama is stunning. The cross at the top makes for a great photo, with Volcán de Agua behind it. One important note: don’t do this hike alone, especially early in the morning or at dusk, it’s safest to go with a group, or join one of the free guided tours that leave from Parque Central each morning.
10. Take a Cooking Class
Cooking classes are one of the best ways to connect with a new culture (I always recommend them), and Antigua has loads of good options. You’ll typically visit the local market first to buy ingredients, then learn to make traditional Guatemalan dishes like pepián (a rich seed-based stew), tamales, or rellenitos (sweet plantain balls). Classes usually run $35 to $55 per person and last a few hours. It’s one of those activities that sounds touristy but is genuinely a great afternoon.
🇬🇹 Read more about Food and Street Food in Guatemala here
11. Day Trip to Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya is one of Central America’s most active volcanoes and one of the best day trips from Antigua Guatemala. Unlike the overnight Acatenango hike, Pacaya is very doable in half a day: you hike up through cloud forest to the lava fields near the summit, where you can roast marshmallows over volcanic vents on a good day. Tours leave from Antigua most mornings and cost around $20 to $30 including transport and a guide.
12. Visit Earth Lodge
Earth Lodge is an eco-lodge built on a working avocado farm on the hills above Antigua. You don’t have to stay overnight to visit: they offer free shuttle service from the city and plenty of day activities, including farm tours, ATV rides, spa treatments, and fantastic views over the valley. It’s a lovely escape from the cobblestones for a few hours, and the views from up there on a clear day are among the best in the region.
13. Take the Acatenango Volcano Hike
If you have the fitness and the time, the Acatenango overnight hike is one of the most memorable experiences in all of Central America. You hike up through cloud forest to base camp, spend the night watching Fuego volcano erupt across the valley (it erupts every 20 minutes or so), and then climb to the summit for sunrise. For me it was a genuinely challenging hikes, but also one of the best things I have ever done (here’s my article on what to pack for Acatenango). Most tours leave from Antigua and cost $50 to $80 per person including guides, meals, and camping gear.
14. Join a Free Walking Tour
Free walking tours leave from Parque Central several times a day and are an excellent introduction to Antigua’s history and architecture. You’ll hear about the devastating earthquake of 1773 that destroyed much of the city, the stories behind the colonial churches, and the history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. Leave a tip at the end, the guides work hard and really know their stuff.
15. Attend a Language School
Antigua is one of the most popular places in Latin America to learn Spanish, and there are dozens of language schools in the city. Even if you’re only passing through for a few days, many schools offer short programmes or individual lessons, and it’s really worth doing because it’s much more affordable than back home (assuming that “home” for you is the US or Europe). It’s a great way to meet other travellers and locals, and being here makes it easy to practise in coffee shops, restaurants, and the market.
16. Explore the La Merced Church and Garden
Even if you’ve already done a sweep of the church ruins, La Merced (Iglesia La Merced) is worth a dedicated stop. The yellow baroque facade is one of the most beautiful in Guatemala, and the courtyard inside hides a beautiful garden and one of the largest colonial fountains in Central America. Entry to the courtyard is around Q10 to Q15 (about $1 to $2) and it’s one of the best spots in the city for photos and a short, peaceful break from the streets.
17. Try the Street Food
Antigua has a brilliant street food scene that a lot of visitors miss because they stick to the tourist restaurants. Look out for tostadas (crispy corn bases topped with black beans, fresh vegetables, and salsa), chuchitos (smaller tamales wrapped in corn husks), and fresh fruit from street vendors with chilli and lime. Near the market and around Parque Central are the best areas for street food in Antigua, and you’ll eat well for under $3.
18. Visit the Convento Santa Clara
The Convento Santa Clara is one of Antigua’s most atmospheric ruins, and it’s less visited than some of the more famous sites, which makes it a good alternative if you want a bit more space to explore. The convent was founded in 1699 and was largely destroyed in the 1773 earthquake. The ruins that remain are beautiful and the garden inside is a surprisingly peaceful spot. Entry is around Q40 ($5).
19. Watch Fuego Erupt at Night
Even if you’re not doing the Acatenango hike, you can watch Volcán de Fuego erupt from various spots around Antigua on a clear night. The best views without hiking anywhere are from the roof terraces of certain bars and hotels in the city, or from Cerro de la Cruz. Fuego erupts regularly and the orange glow against a dark sky is a really surreal thing to watch. Ask locally for the best vantage points during your stay, as visibility varies.
20. Take a Day Trip to Lake Atitlan
The Antigua to Lake Atitlan day trip is one of the most popular excursions from the city. Lake Atitlan is widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, surrounded by volcanoes and indigenous Mayan villages. It’s a 2 to 3 hour journey each way by shuttle, so you’ll want to start early if you’re doing it as a day trip (but if you can squeeze it into your itinerary, I strongly recommend staying there for a few days). Here are a few of the best things to do in Lake Atitlan!
21. Do a Self-Guided Walking Tour of the Historic Centre
Antigua’s historic centre is compact enough that you can cover most of the highlights on foot in half a day. A self-guided walking tour of Antigua Guatemala might take in the Santa Catalina Arch, Parque Central, the cathedral ruins, La Merced, Las Capuchinas, and the Jade Museum, looping back through the market. Pick up a free map from your hostel or hotel, or use Google Maps. You’ll cover a lot of ground without paying for anything beyond the entrance fees to the ruins.
22. Rent a Bike and Explore the Surrounding Villages
Several rental shops in Antigua offer bikes for around $10 to $15 per day. The countryside around the city is beautiful and there are a handful of small villages within easy cycling distance. Ciudad Vieja and San Juan del Obispo are both popular cycling destinations and give you a glimpse of everyday Guatemalan life away from the tourist trail. Ask at your accommodation for route suggestions and check conditions before you go, especially during the rainy season.
23. Visit a Jade or Textile Workshop
Beyond the Jade Museum, there are a number of artisan workshops dotted around the city where you can watch traditional crafts being made. Mayan textile weaving is particularly impressive: the patterns and techniques have been passed down through generations of local women and each village has its own distinct style. A few workshops welcome visitors and explain the history behind the craft. It’s one of those things that adds real context to buying something as a souvenir.
24. Catch the Weekly Processional During Semana Santa (If You’re Timing It Right)
If you happen to be in Antigua during Holy Week (Semana Santa, typically in March or April), you’re in for something special. Antigua’s Semana Santa celebrations are among the most famous in Latin America: the streets are carpeted with elaborate sawdust alfombras (carpets), and huge religious processions wind through the historic centre. Accommodation books up months in advance, so plan ahead if this is your target.
🇬🇹 Read more about Holidays and Events in Guatemala
25. Watch the Sunrise Over the Volcanoes
Antigua sits at around 1,500 metres above sea level, and the combination of altitude and clear mornings in the dry season means sunrise here is spectacular. The silhouettes of Acatenango, Fuego, and Volcán de Agua against a pink sky is a great start to any day. The rooftops of certain hostels and hotels have great views, and Cerro de la Cruz is the classic spot if you’re willing to get up early.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Antigua, Guatemala?
Most visitors spend 3 to 5 days, which is enough time to cover the main things to see in Antigua Guatemala and do at least one bigger activity like the Acatenango hike or a coffee farm tour. That said, Antigua has a habit of making people extend their stay. If you’re planning to use it as a base for day trips to Lake Atitlan or Pacaya volcano, factor in extra time for those.
Is Antigua Guatemala safe for tourists?
Antigua is generally considered one of the safest cities in Guatemala for tourists, and it has a well-established backpacker scene. Take standard precautions: don’t walk alone late at night, keep valuables close (especially in the market), and use official shuttles rather than flagging down random transport. The Cerro de la Cruz hike should be done with a group or a local guide, not solo.
What’s the best time of year to visit Antigua?
The dry season runs from November to April and is the most popular time to visit. January and February offer the clearest skies and most consistent weather. The shoulder months of May and October can still be great, with fewer tourists, though you’ll get some afternoon rain. The rainy season (May to October) doesn’t mean constant rain, just afternoon showers most days, which many travellers manage perfectly well.
How much does it cost per day in Antigua?
Budget travellers can get by on $30 to $40 a day covering a hostel dorm, local meals, and some free or cheap activities. Mid-range travellers spending on a private room, restaurant meals, and a paid activity or two should expect $60 to $100 per day. Activities like cooking classes ($35 to $55), coffee farm tours ($20 to $35), and the Acatenango hike ($50 to $80) are on top of that.
How do I get from Guatemala City airport to Antigua?
The easiest and most common option is a pre-booked shuttle, which costs around $15 to $20 per person and takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Private taxis are around $35 to $40. Public chicken buses are significantly cheaper but not recommended for travellers arriving with luggage, especially for a first visit.
Is it worth doing a day trip from Antigua to Lake Atitlan?
Lake Atitlan is absolutely worth the trip, but given that the journey takes 3 to 4 hours each way, a day trip is quite rushed. If you can swing one or two nights there, you’ll have a much better experience. If time is short, a day trip is still worth it for the views alone.
