Overview

Antigua Guatemala (formally known as Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala — antigua meaning "old") is one of the most beautiful and enchanting colonial cities to visit. Its cobblestone streets are lined with vibrant colonial buildings and punctuated by the atmospheric ruins of Spanish-era churches and convents. Encircled by three majestic volcanoes—Acatenango, Fuego, and Agua—their presence creates a dramatic backdrop that’s impossible to miss.

The city’s colonial charm is complemented by boutique hotels, trendy cafes, and restaurants offering diverse cuisines from around the globe. Visitors can wander through historic church ruins, sip exceptional coffee in hip cafes, hike a volcano, delve into the area’s fascinating history, and immerse themselves in the bustling local market.

Despite its popularity as a tourist destination, Antigua retains an authentic, sophisticated ambiance. It’s a safe and welcoming place where history, culture, and modern comforts blend seamlessly.

Things to See and Do

Walk Around the City or Take a City Tour. The historic center of Antigua is all very walkable and it’s the perfect way to take in the sights and sounds. Enjoy wandering the colorful cobblestone streets and the beautiful architecture - Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its long history, it was first founded in 1524. The earthquakes of 1773 left piles of ruined churches, monasteries, and other buildings that are fun to explore. If you want to get a feel for the historic town - or just learn more about its unique history - then we highly suggest booking a free city tour. It’s also a great way to get some tips on the real hidden gems of the city. Some of the top places to visit include the famous Santa Catalina Arch (by far one of the most photographed places in town), the main plaza, Santa Clara Convent, and the La Union Tank (tanque), a historic public laundry facility.

Explore the Local Markets. a very large and maze-like market is on the edge of town. If you are looking for an authentic experience, we highly recommend spending a few hours wandering around the many alleyways of the central market. Likewise, if you are looking for either fresh produce, authentic food, or some souvenirs to bring home, then this is the place to go.

Hike Acatenango Volcano. Antigua is a jump-off point for one of Guatemala’s most popular activities. A 2-day, 1 night experience, the hike up Acatenango Volcano is not for the faint of heart. However, if you are an active adventurer, this should be at the top of your to-do list. You’ll spend the night at base camp in a tent or hut, with uninterrupted views of Fuego, one of the country’s most active volcanoes that spews out a constant stream of smoke, ash, and lava. If you’re up for an extra workout, you can hike an extra 4 to 5 hours onto Fuego itself.

Explore the Churches and Ruins. Antique has a turbulent history which is evident in the many ruins. While some are in the process of being rebuilt or repaired, many others have just been left in their present demolished state. Another interesting thing to stop in and see is the local cemetery, which is full of beautiful white mausoleums. You can find the cemetery on the edge of the town near the main bus terminal.

Visit a coffee farm. Guatemala produces some of the best coffee in the world, and Antigua’s high altitude and volcanic soil make it a particularly fertile coffee-growing region. All around the city are small villages dotted with coffee fincas (farms). Taking a tour to learn all about the coffee-making process from plant to cup is a great way to learn more about typical life in rural Guatemala and engage with local farmers and their families.

Bike or ATM Around the Surrounding Villages. Tour offerings take you to the surrounding villages near Antigua. While most people choose to do the ATV tour, going by bike is a great way to get some exercise and allows a different perspective. The tours typically stop at a family-run chocolate factory, a jade shop, a macadamia farm, among other stops.

Local Cuisine

Antigua offers an amazing local food scene. Overall, traditional Guatemalan food consists of lots of delicious soups and stews, meat, and of course, homemade tortillas. If you want to try some more tasty (and cheap) traditional Guatemalan food, we highly suggest grabbing some street food. The best place to head to is Parque La Merced, a small park in front of the beautiful yellow Iglesia de la Merced.

Antigua has an excellent cafe culture with barista coffee and cafes with a cosmopolitan vibe. As for restaurants, you can eat any type of cuisine here, and the food quality is very high. Antigua boasts a nice selection of fine dining restaurants offering modern takes on Guatemalan cuisine or fusion dishes. Many focus on using locally sourced, organic ingredients.

The bars and breweries are also top-notch. Microbreweries are becoming popular, offering beers made with Guatemalan ingredients like cacao and coffee. Many bars use local spirits like Zacapa rum or Quetzalteca to craft unique cocktails.