Antigua is a place I would not skip on a trip through Guatemala. The streets looked like a painting to me, with colorful facades, old Spanish buildings and volcanoes in the background. It is touristy, yes, but after a few hours walking around I understood why so many people stay here for a couple of days. Take at least two full days for Antigua itself. Walk through the old center, go up to Cerro de la Cruz and add a volcano trip if that fits your plans.
Antigua is easy to explore on foot, and there are enough good cafés and restaurants when you want to slow down in between. Antigua was once the capital of Guatemala and has survived earthquakes and volcanic activity over the centuries. The historic center is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you still see that history when walking through town.
How to get to Antigua Guatemala
I traveled to Antigua from Panajachel at Lake Atitlán. My tourist shuttle took around three hours and dropped me in town without having to change buses along the way. When traveling alone, that was exactly the easy option I wanted. You can also travel directly from Guatemala City and the airport. Tourist shuttles connect Antigua with many of the main stops in Guatemala, which makes it easy to include in a longer Guatemala route. I used tourist shuttles instead of chicken buses during my trip. They cost more, but I preferred the comfort and knowing where I would be picked up and dropped off.
Check 12Go before your travel day to compare buses and shuttles to Antigua. It is easier to know your options before arriving.
Best things to do and see in Antigua Guatemala
Walk through the old streets of Antigua
Walking was my favorite way to see Antigua. I did not follow a strict route and that worked perfectly here. Start around Parque Central, walk towards Santa Catalina Arch and continue from there. Antigua is compact, so you can see a lot without planning every street in advance.
The yellow Santa Catalina Arch is the landmark you will probably recognize straight away. It was originally built in 1694 so the nuns could cross the street unseen. The clock tower was added much later. Continue towards Catedral de Santiago and La Merced Church. I just strolled through the streets and let Antigua surprise me, which is still how I would explore the city today. You will find restored colonial buildings next to old ruins, with the volcanoes never far away in the background.
Walk up to Cerro de la Cruz
Walk up to Cerro de la Cruz for one of the best views over Antigua. From the top you can see the city below with Agua Volcano behind it when the weather is clear. The last part goes uphill, but it is a short walk rather than a serious hike. I went during daylight and had a clear view over Antigua. You will often find local families and other travelers at the top, and there are usually some small vendors selling drinks, snacks and souvenirs.
Go in the morning if you can. The sky is often clearer and the walk is cooler, which gives you a better chance of seeing Agua Volcano without clouds.
Visit the local market
Local markets are always on my list when traveling. You see more of daily life and get a different feeling from a city than when you only walk around the main sights. In Antigua, go to Mercado de Artesanías if you are looking for souvenirs and locally made products. The local market near the bus station is busier and feels more local. Bring some cash, keep your bag close when it gets crowded and use some Spanish while you are there. Even a few words already help.
Take Spanish lessons in Antigua
Antigua is a popular place to learn Spanish, and many travelers stay for several weeks. You can even combine your classes with a homestay if you want to practice more. I only booked two mornings of private lessons at Spanish School Don Pedro de Alvarado, but that was already enough to give me more confidence during the rest of my trip. If you have the time, take a few lessons at the beginning of your Guatemala route. You will use the Spanish again when ordering food, arranging transport or shopping at a local market.
Do not worry about speaking perfect Spanish. Learn the basics and start using them. You will make more contact with local people when you at least try.
Hike Acatenango Volcano
The overnight Acatenango hike is one of the most popular activities from Antigua because of the views towards active Fuego Volcano. I had booked the hike myself but became sick just before departure. When I saw the photos afterwards, I was even more disappointed that I missed it. Everybody I met who had climbed Acatenango told me roughly the same thing: it was extremely tough, but worth it. Acatenango reaches almost 4,000 meters, so take the altitude seriously, bring warm clothes and choose a good tour company.
Only book Acatenango if the hike suits your fitness. And always check the current volcanic activity before you leave. Fuego is an active volcano and conditions can change.
Choose Pacaya for a shorter volcano trip
Pacaya is an alternative when sleeping on Acatenango does not appeal to you. My sister climbed Pacaya as a day trip and returned to Antigua the same day. Choose Acatenango when the overnight hike and views towards Fuego are part of what you want. Pacaya makes more sense when you prefer a shorter volcano experience.
Where to eat in Antigua Guatemala
Antigua already had a lot of good restaurants when I visited, and several of my favorites are still around. Go to Cactus if you feel like tacos. I loved this small Mexican restaurant and it had a relaxed atmosphere when I visited. I also tried Ta’Cool Tacos, which you will recognize by the very colorful sauces and taco plates, but Cactus was still my favorite of the two.
For breakfast, Amanecer Juice Bar was my choice for fruit bowls and smoothies. Unión Café is another easy stop for breakfast, lunch or coffee. Try Samsara when you want vegetarian food; I went there for dinner and liked the healthy dishes with Asian and Indian influences. Rainbow Café was another nice evening stop, with live music when I visited.
Adra Kitchen is one of the newer restaurants that gets a lot of attention now. I have not eaten there myself, so I cannot give you my personal verdict, but it is worth checking the recent reviews if you want to try something newer in Antigua.
Check opening hours before walking across town for one particular restaurant; places and schedules change.
Where to stay in Antigua Guatemala
I stayed at Hotel y Arte Antigua. The staff was friendly and everything was clean, but if I returned I would probably choose another place. Antigua has many small hotels and boutique style accommodations around the historic center, and I would stay within walking distance of Parque Central.
That location makes it easy to go out for dinner and walk back to your hotel without arranging transport. Check the location first, then look at recent reviews and the room itself. Compare your dates on Booking.com before booking.
How many days do you need in Antigua Guatemala?
Take at least two full days for Antigua itself. That gives you enough time to walk around the historic center, go up to Cerro de la Cruz, visit the market and still have time for coffee and good food without rushing all day. Stay longer if you want Spanish lessons or prefer to travel at a slower pace. If you plan to hike Acatenango, add extra time and do not plan the overnight hike between two long travel days.
Is Antigua Guatemala safe for solo travelers?
I traveled through Guatemala alone and felt comfortable walking around Antigua during the day. Keep your valuables out of sight, watch your bag in busy areas and think about how you get back to your hotel after dark. For longer routes I preferred tourist shuttles because I liked knowing where I would be picked up and dropped off. Read my solo female travel safety tips as well if you are preparing for your first trip alone.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Antigua Guatemala
What is the best time to visit Antigua Guatemala?
The dry season runs roughly from November to April. I visited Antigua in February and had good weather for walking around town and going up to Cerro de la Cruz. If you are planning a volcano hike, check both the weather and current volcanic activity shortly before you go.
Can you enjoy Antigua without hiking Acatenango?
Yes. I missed Acatenango myself because I became sick and still had plenty to do in Antigua. Walk through the old center, go up to Cerro de la Cruz, visit the market and enjoy the restaurants and cafés. You can also choose Pacaya if you still want a volcano trip without the overnight Acatenango hike.
Let Me Inspire You Takeaways
Antigua is touristy, but for a good reason. I loved walking through the old center without too much of a plan and seeing the volcanoes in the background. Give yourself at least two full days, go up to Cerro de la Cruz in the morning and add a volcano hike only if it fits the way you like to travel. And leave some time for a good breakfast or coffee in between. There is no need to turn Antigua into a checklist.
Continue your Guatemala trip
After Antigua I continued to Lanquín and Semuc Champey. It was a long travel day, but the turquoise pools and green surroundings were completely different from Antigua. Continue with my Semuc Champey travel guide if that is your next stop. Coming from the other direction? Read my Lake Atitlán travel guide. That was my stop before Antigua and the combination of the lake, volcano views and Antigua worked perfectly in my Guatemala route.
