10 Best Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua Santa Catalina Arch

Antigua is a beautiful Spanish colonial town in the South of Guatemala surrounded by volcanoes and lush forest.  It is close to the capital, Guatemala City, and the main international airport in the country.  There are many exciting things to do in Antigua Guatemala.  

As a result, it is often top of visitors lists on any backpacking adventure in Guatemala.  I spent a total of 7 nights in Antigua Guatemala and I have put together this list of the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala.  

Antigua is an enchanting UNESCO World Heritage City and very much worth visiting.  Sitting on the ring of fire, a string of volcanoes, earthquake sites and tectonic plates around the pacific.   As a result, most of the buildings are only two storeys high allowing perfect views into the surrounding landscapes.   

The buildings are painted in many varying pastel colours of Red, Yellow, Blue and Orange, the architecture makes Antigua a very pretty city to wander. I loved my time in Antigua, and highly recommend a visit.

10 of the Best things to do in Antigua Guatemala

1. Explore the Historical Centre of Town

Best things to do in Antigua 2

To kick off the best things to do in Antigua, go Walkabout in the historical centre.  Enjoy the colourful colonial architecture, the cobbled streets, and the vibrant atmosphere.  Built on a grid system, Antigua’s historical centre emanates from Parque Central and is easy to navigate on foot.  

Antigua is jam-packed with cute café’s, restaurants, and bars.  Often, the best places are not obvious from the front façade.  But as you go through the main door you are surprised by large beautiful tenured courtyard gardens that are so prevalent here.

2. Hike Volcan Acatenango

Best things to do in Antigua: Hike Acatenango

When in Antigua Guatemala you must hike Acatenango Volcano for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  The volcano hike is a two-day activity and not for the faint hearted.  Firstly, the drive to Acatenango is about 2 hours from Antigua.  Once at the foot of the volcano, on day 1 you hike to base camp which is about 4-5 hours of walking, sometimes up steep terrain.  

Following arrival at the camp, you are greeted with amazing views of Volcano Fuego erupting every 20-30 minutes.  Next, you can choose an additional hike to Fuego or stay at camp.  Following, on day 2 you hike to the summit of Acatenango in the dark for immense sunrise views.  

For more in-depth details about the hike, I’ve written about my own Acatenango experience Hiking Acatenango Volcano – All you need to Know

This is the best thing to do in Antigua Guatemala so make sure you set aside a couple of days for this activity without doubt.

3. Hike Volcan Pacaya

Best things to do in Antigua: Hike Pacaya

One of my favourite activities in Antigua was the Pacaya Volcano hike.  The hike is an easy activity to complete as a half day tour from Antigua.  There are many travel agencies offering the hike, I went with CA Travellers, and I would recommend.  

The cost of the tour was Q200 which included transportation, a guide, and marshmallows.  You must pay an additional Q10 entry when you arrive. 

The hike is rated easy, and the walking time is about an hour.  Volcan Pacaya is an active volcano and after climbing to the near the top you can start to feel the heat emanating from the volcano.  

The best thing to do on Volcan Pacaya and a popular activity is to toast marshmallows with the heat of the volcano, not something you get to do every day.

4. Go back in Time to Ancient Ruins

There are a few ancient ruin and monastery sites you can visit in Antigua.  One of those, is Church of San Francisco El Grande which is a large church and monastery complex still in use today.  Once inside, visit a library, a chapel, and a museum.  I spent a couple of hours here and it was well worth it. 

5. Climb Cerro de la Cruz

Best things to do in Antigua: Climb Cerro de la Cruz

Another of the best things to do in Antigua is climb Cerro De La Cruz on the outskirts of the city.  This is another easy hike that anyone should be able to complete.  

Walk here from the city centre; it will take 20 minutes from Parque Central to the start of the climb.  The climb itself will take 10-15 minutes and once at the top you have marvellous views of Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes.

This is a fantastic free thing to do in Antigua.  It’s best to do in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the hottest part of the day.

6. Gaze at the Famous Santa Catalina Arch

Antigua Santa Catalina Arch

Visit the famous Santa Catalina Arch, a colourful archway dating back to the 1600’s.  Originally the arch was built between two convents so that the Nuns could move between each building without being seen on the streets.  

This is the most famous landmark in the city and you’ll see people taking photos throughout the day.  The best angle is with the mountain in the background as above.

7. Buy Local Guatemalan Handicrafts

9 best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala

A lot of the handicrafts in Guatemala are unique to the local Mayan people.  Antigua has several places you can go souvenir shopping.  

My favourite shopping market was found behind the Convent of La Merced and Nuestra Senora de la Merced.  As soon as you enter the building you are blinded by an array of colour.    It’s a fascinating market to walk around with reasonable prices. 

8. Enjoy a Night Out at a Rooftop Bar

Best things to do in Antigua: Rooftop Bars

I’m not usually a fan of recommending bars as they can change so often but when in Antigua you must visit at least one roof top bar.  There are several around town and particularly good to visit at sunset.  

I can recommend any of the following but suggest you ask your hostel or hotel for any recommendations too.  Café Sky, Los Tres Tiempos, Antigua Brewing Company, and Rooftop Antigua.

9. Visit Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm

A popular half day trip from Antigua is to visit Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm.  The farm puts a big emphasis on sustainability and is both interesting and educational.  You will learn about all things macadamia including how the oil is used for skincare. 

I didn’t have the chance to visit myself, so to read more about this activity including how to get there, visit my friends at 24hourslayover and check out everything you need to know about Valhalla Macadamia Nut Farm

10. Cheap Eats in Antigua - Where to Eat

Best things to din Antigua: Cheap Eats

Most blogs will recommend trendy places to eat for Insta worthy photos, and Antigua has lots.  Not me, I’m here to help you save money and travel longer.  Therefore, I recommend cheaper places that are also serve good food but may not look the prettiest.  

Try Hecho en Casa Café for some basic filling food.  They sell sandwiches, Quesadillas, and Nachos starting from only Q10 and the portion sizes are good.  Check the white board by the door for daily specials as they offer the best value for money.  Address:  Corner of Calle 1 and Avenida 7.   

Rincon Tipico sells traditional Guatemalan food, at a reasonable price, it is super tasty and the portion sizes are large. They are only open to 4pm daily so it’s best to go here for lunch.  They are really busy so you may need to queue for a while to get a seat but it is definitely worth the wait. Address: 3a Avenida Sur  

Lastly, my go to place for eating in Central America is always street food.  I’ve never had any problems, although always look at how clean the food preparation is and make a judgement call.  Two of my favourite street food sites in Antigua is at Parque La Merced on Calle 1 and Mercado Central next to the Bus Station.  

The food stalls at Parque La Merced only come out for lunch and dinner and are not there at all times.  Mercado Central is huge, selling everything from food, to clothes, to dinnerware.  The stalls here are open all hours so wander around and see what you like.  You can find food for as little as Q10 in either market.

Where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala

I haven’t listed this as a best things to do in Antigua but chilling in your hostel is a great way to spend a few hours as some of the best hostels in the country are found in Antigua.

I only recommend accommodation if I have personally stayed there, and if I had a good experience.  As a result, I can recommend 3 hostels to stay in Antigua.

My number 1 recommendation is Hostal Antigüeño.  There is a lovely courtyard setting that flows from inside to outside.  There is even a little workout area and green space to do some yoga.  The dorm rooms offer capsule like beds which offer a good amount of privacy, and the beds have their own power sockets and reading lights.

The only negative for me was a lack of space in the room for all the backpacks.  They offer a great lunch deal, Q25 for a good-sized meal with meat and a free beer.

Stay at Yellowhouse Hostel

My second recommendation in Yellow House Hostel.  This was the first place I stayed and the main attraction here is the free breakfast.  It’s a buffet style serving traditional Guatemalan breakfast as well as fruits and breads.  Add to this a lovely rooftop terrace to relax and read a book or enjoy the views. 

Stay at La Gaceta Hostel

My last recommendation is La Gaceta.  This was the cheapest of the hostels at only Q60 per night.  This is a family run business, and the unique selling point is that you stay in tents, rather than normal rooms.  I stayed on the roof in a tent which I loved, waking up with an immense view of the volcanoes.  

They also have more tents inside the buildings, you won’t find any traditional beds here.  On top of this, the family is very friendly and helpful and always love a good chat with you. 

Is Antigua Guatemala Safe to Visit for Tourists?

Antigua must me one of the safest cities in all of Guatemala in my experience.  This is because you will notice many tourists here and there is many bars and restaurants open late in the night meaning there is always people around.  

Even so, I staggered back to my hostel a couple of nights by myself and never felt unsafe.  Streetlights are common, and the locals are friendly, therefore I wouldn’t have any issues with safety here. 

Currency in Guatemala

Throughout the article I will express costs in the local currency – Quetzales.  For reference at the time of writing (2022) the conversions are as follows:

How long should you stay in Antigua Guatemala?

Chicken Bus from Lake Atitlan to Antigua

I would recommend staying in Antigua Guatemala for 2-3 days, this is enough time to see everything in Antigua and enjoy the city.  Add a couple of extra days if you want to hike Acatenango Volcano.

How to get to Antigua Guatemala

Best things to do in Antigua

As previously mentioned, it is easy to travel to Antigua from Guatemala City airport, which is where most people will arrive in the country.  

From the airport I recommend taking a shared shuttle or Uber to Antigua.  There will be shuttle buses waiting as you exit the airport, and they depart once full.  Also, avoid going to the taxi rank as you will likely get ripped off!  Alternatively, If you’re travelling in a group of 3-4, Uber may be a good option as it’s not expensive.   

As this was my first time in the country, nerves got the better of me and I pre-organised a private taxi through my accommodation.  It all went well but I paid Q250 which is way more expensive than a shuttle would have cost.  If I had not been concerned, a shuttle would have cost Q100.  

If you’re coming from elsewhere in the country, it should be easy to organise a shuttle or local chicken bus depending on where you are coming from.  As example, if you’re coming from Lake Atitlan, read my Chicken Bus from Lake Atitlan to Antigua – How To Guide.

Is Antigua Guatemala Worth Visiting?

Antigua Guatemala is 100% worth visiting. 

  • It is one of the best kept Spanish Colonial Towns in the whole of Central America. 
  • The best activity in the country, hiking Acatenango starts here.
  • It is safe, and an easy place to navigate, especially if you are new to Latin America.
  • The location is perfect as its close to Guatemala City International Airport.  It’s also easy to travel to the south coast, to El Paredon for example. 
  • It’s easy to travel to Lake Atitlan, another top highlight of Guatemala

So yes, please visit Antigua Guatemala as it is totally worth it.  I hope you have found this list of the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala useful.  Please share, like and comment.

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