Travel Guide to Antigua, Guatemala
Location: Antigua, Guatemala
Seasons: Dry season (November to April), Wet Season (May to October)
Landscape: City located in the central highlands of Guatemala, mountain climate, high altitude, set at the foot of volcanoes.
Antigua, Guatemala is a gorgeous town tucked into the Valley of Panchoy at the foot of Volcan Agua. It was originally the site of a Kakchikel-Mayan city, referred to as Iximche. During the Spanish conquest, the Kaqchikel formed an alliance with the Spanish conquistadors after warnings from the Aztecs. Iximche was made the capital of Guatemala and in 1524 the city became “Ciudad de Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemalan.” The Kaqchikel people abandoned the city two years later. In 1773 the Santa Maria earthquake hit ‘Santiago de Guatemala’ and the capital was moved to present day Guatemala City. Santiago de Guatemala was renamed Antigua or ‘Old Guatemala City.’ The Spanish left the town and almost 9000 indigenous residents remained. The town had to be rebuilt again following the second earthquake in 1976. Antigua is a World Heritage UNESCO site.
Things to do in Antigua
Antigua is full of beautiful Spanish Baroque architecture and plenty of charm. The old town is compact, walkable, and a delight to explore. It is home to numerous creative businesses including restaurants, designers, shops and boutique locations — all set within leafy cobble stone streets.
Churches and Ruins
Walking around Antigua, you will come across many churches and ruins. There are about 37 churches in Antigua — each of different denominations. Some are active and some are beautiful ruins left over from the 1773 and 1976 earthquakes. Most of the original architecture is from the 16th to 18th Centuries.
Featured above left to right:
Cathedral de San José
San Juan de Dios Convent
La Iglesia de la Merced
San Juan el Viejo
Top to bottom:
Church and Convent of La Campaña de Jesus
Iglesia El Carmen
Parque Central
Located in the center of Antigua, the Parque Central is a hub for gatherings, markets and acts as a central way-finding spot. Located around the park you will most of the ATMs available.
Arco de Santa Catalina
Built in 1694, the arch was originally constructed as a footbridge to connect the Convent of the Virgin and the Convent of Santa Catalina with the nearby teaching school. As the nuns lived by a vow of seclusion, this allowed them to travel between the convent and the school without being seen.
Mercados
Local markets are a wonderful way to engage in the everyday culture. At the Mercado Central you’ll find local produce and food. At the Mercado Artesanias you’ll find artisan goods, textiles and tourist tchotchkes.
La Merced Convent Ruins
This 16th century convent is next to the newer La Merced Church. It features an enormous star shaped pond and fountain (said to be one of the largest in Hispanic America), and lovely views of the city and volcano.
Convent of Las Capuchinas
La Capuchinas is an 18th century convent of the Clarissine Nuns, and was the last women’s convent to be founded in Antigua. It features beautiful grounds to enjoy or have a picnic. You can see Cerro de La Cruz in the distance.
Cerro de La Cruz
‘Hill of the Cross’ is a 30-40 minute walk from the center of town. There you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Antigua and Volcan Agua.
Where to Shop in Antigua
Antigua has some great little boutiques scattered around town. The two things to buy here is recycled glassware and locally woven textiles - vintage and re-imagined.
Below are some recommended shops to visit:
Nimpot
Nativo
Hilosophy
Colibri
Manos Preciosas
El Telar
Ixcaco
La Casa del Algodon
Casa de los Gigantes
Que Onda Vos
Casa Maconda
Indigo
Luna Zorro
Where to Eat & Hang Out in Antigua
Antigua features numerous well designed restaurants featuring some amazing and affordable food. Check out the list of recommendations below.
Breakfast and Lunch
Union Garden Cafe
Meson Panza Verde
Cafe Condesa
El Local
Pitaya
Tartines
Caoba Farms
Cafes
Refuge Coffee
Fat Cat Coffee House
Canela Bakery
Artista de Cafe
Collectivo Criollo
Cafe Boheme - french bakery
Restaurants
Sabe Rico
Chez Oso
Santo Spiritu
Los Tres Tiempos
Epicure
Bistro Cinq
Once Once
Fridas
Hector’s Bistro
Fermento
Porque No
Kombi Ramen Shop
Cactus Tacos
Fonda de la Calle Real
Bars
Cafe No Se - Mezcal Bar
Tabacos y Vinos - wine bar & tapas
Antigua Cerveza
Cerveceria 14
Fermento - cocktail bar
Sky Bar - views
Ulew Cocktail Bar
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
This historic boutique hotel is set in a former convent, where you can visit the on-site museums. The main draw here is the spa, pool, and outdoor restaurant and terrace with views of Volcan Agua.
What to Know About Antigua
How to Get to Antigua
The closest airport is in Guatemala City and is about 40 minutes to an hour drive to Antigua depending on time of day and traffic. You can opt to take an airport taxi, shared shuttle, uber or arrange a private car pickup via your hotel. Expect to pay anywhere between $25-35 for a car to/from Antigua.
Where to Stay in Antigua
Recommended Boutique Stays:
Good Hotel Antigua
Posada del Angel
Hotel Casa Santo Domingo
El Convento Boutique Hotel
Can I Work Remotely in Antigua
Yes absolutely. Wifi is good and reliable, and there are plenty of great well-designed spots around town to work and fuel up.
What to Pack for Antigua
Antigua Packing List:
Bring clothes that allow you to dress in layers
Long pants or skirts for women
A warm jacket for the evening
Closed toe walking shoes
Reusable water bottle
Reusable shopping bag
Power bank for charging
Additional clothes for hiking and lake trips
Day Trips from Antigua
Volcan Pacaya, Fuego, Acatenango
There are 37 volcanoes that form the backbone of the Guatemalan highlands. The four main volcanoes located around Antigua are Agua, Fuego, Acatenango and Pacaya. Acatenango is a minimum full day trip, leaving early in the AM and returning to Antigua around sunset. This can also be combined with hike to to Fuego, a very active volcano that is erupting constantly, which is another full day trip. Pacaya is a shorter day trip, leaving in the early AM and returning around 2PM.
Learn more about a Volcan Pacaya Hike here.
+ Views of Volcan Fuego errupting!
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan can be visited as a day trip (about 2.5 hours + from Antigua) however it is highly recommended to stay and visit for a few days. This stunning lake and community is set at the base of Volcan Atitlan, Toliman and San Pedro (The Three Giants) and is home to 12 surrounding towns. It still maintains rich Mayan culture, mostly from Kaqchikel and Tzutuhil roots.
Learn more from the Lake Atitlan guide here.
Finca La Azotea
Finca La Azotea is an old coffee plantation and complex. There are restaurants, outdoor food stands, beer gardens, park-like settings for picnics, shops, horseback riding, textile workshops at Luna Zorro, and coffee and chocolate museum and workshops. It’s a great place for families to gather on the weekends. And is just a 10-minute drive from Parque Central.
Caoba Farms
Caoba Farms is an organic farm with a farm-to-table restaurant, weekend farmers market, shop, and offers tours and courses.
Earth Lodge
Earth Lodge is an eco-friendly retreat with a restaurant, avocado farm, and yoga center. The location is set up in the hillside and offers beautiful views.