Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Antigua is a culturally rich tourist paradise for architecture, food, and coffee lovers. With streets lined with jacaranda trees in full bloom, plazas where musicians conduct orchestras, and alleys dotted with colorful eateries and street stalls, Antigua has become a popular destination in Central America, attracting a large number of visitors each year.
What to do in Antigua?
Traditional textiles are one of the many handicrafts available in Antigua.
Antigua is filled with charming local shopping. Mercado de Artesanías is filled with colorful textiles, blankets, woven purses and jewelry; or Mercado de Carmen – located next to the ruins of Iglesia El Carmen – sells ceramics, blankets and jade at great prices… you’ll be sure to drown in its charm.
But the best shopping spot here has to be the Mercado - a market filled with fruits, vegetables, fish, meat and everything you need for daily life. The market is half indoor, half outdoor with winding walkways and bustling stalls that will take you from one surprise to another.
The sun-drenched square is part of the city's charm.
The most iconic site in Antigua is the Santa Catalina Arch, built in 1694 as a passageway for nuns. The convent is now private property owned by a local family. Tip: Get up early to get a shot of the bright yellow clock tower, with Agua Volcano in the background, before the rush hour crowds arrive.
For a more panoramic view, hike up Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) for panoramic views of the city. From here, you can also see the three volcanoes that surround Antigua.
There are also many churches worth exploring in the city, especially the San Francisco Church, Antigua’s oldest (1542). Or the yellow-faced La Merced Church, which is also worth a visit, although tourists have to pay about $2 to enter.
Antigua has colonial architecture.
Guatemala is also famous for its stone and jade products, so you cannot miss Casa del Jade to learn about this rare material in the world. You can also find yourself an item on Jade Maya Street - where many impressive stone products are sold.
Where to go in antigua?
Since Antigua is best known for its active volcanoes, it would be a shame not to climb one. Pacaya is the easiest mountain to climb, where you will be absolutely thrilled to see lava erupting from the crater, as well as the opportunity to buy lava jewelry at some of the gift shops near the summit. There are also tour companies that offer reasonably priced tours for this experience. Don’t forget to bring some food and barbecue equipment, as you may have the opportunity to “camp” on the remains of a volcanic eruption.
Alternatively, an overnight trip to the mystical Lake Atitlán is well worth it, as the beauty of the caldera water is undeniable. It takes around 2.5 hours by shuttle bus from the Calle Principal bus station to get there.
There are more than a dozen Mayan villages to stay in, but the best option is Panajachel – a free and bohemian paradise that is spacious, has everything you need, and offers an intimate experience of local culture.
Activities such as hiking, boating, swimming, exploring local art, eating chocolate and learning how to weave Mayan wool are among the experiences that visitors should not miss when coming to Antigua.
What to eat in antigua?
Breakfast is a big deal in Guatemala. Samsara, a vegan cafe in Antigua with a hippie vibe and a gluten-free menu, is a great place to go. Egg rolls with kale, spirulina, and turmeric, served with guacamole and plantains, are a standout. Or try the black corn tortilla with organic eggs and jocón, a traditional Guatemalan green salsa. The region is also known for its coffee, so try it on the romantic patio of Cafe Condesa.
Fresh produce is a hallmark of Guatemalan cuisine.
How about lunch? Rainbow Cafe is a bookstore and restaurant that serves traditional sopas (soups), organic salads and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. It also regularly hosts lectures from various NGOs, encouraging visitors to volunteer in their communities.
Covered walkways and cobblestone streets make for great strolls between leisurely street meals
Rincon Tipico is also one of the most popular lunch spots in the city, with its cheap prices, enthusiastic service, and rich traditional style. Aside from the surprise of seeing your food being grilled over a wood fire right before your eyes, you will be completely "tempted" to know that all the food here is served on extremely "beautiful" traditional Mayan ceramic utensils!
What to drink in antigua?
For a pre-dinner cocktail, head to Cafe Sky, which boasts a stunning rooftop terrace and is the perfect spot to watch the Antigua sunset. If you’re a wine connoisseur, head to Tabacos y Vinos for an impressive selection of wines at reasonable prices. To make the evening even more magical, the Whiskey Den is a great choice, as you can sip while sitting in cozy booths listening to music.
Where in antigua?
Selina is a hostel-style hotel with a vibrant atmosphere and a neutral setting. It has two locations in Guatemala – one in Antigua and one at Lake Atitlán. Those on a budget can choose to stay in a hostel, while those seeking complete privacy can choose from beautiful, airy rooms decorated and built by local artists and craftsmen. The best part about Selina is that it offers a wide range of activities for guests to make friends with like-minded people and get a deeper insight into local life.
Mesón Panza Verde is a luxury and upscale hotel with only 12 exceptional rooms
You can also opt for Mesón Panza Verde – a boutique, upscale hotel with 12 rooms and a plethora of amenities inside, including an art gallery, yoga studio, and rooftop lounge. This is the perfect place to stay if you want a luxurious European setting. Not to mention, the hotel also has one of the best restaurants in the city.
Casa Santo Domingo is also a great five-star hotel. The building was once a monastery and dates back to the 1500s. Although it was partially destroyed in the 1773 earthquake, the hotel was rebuilt around the ruins, creating a magical experience for guests. With a jade factory, art gallery, gym and museum included, you will be hard-pressed to find a reason to leave this charming hotel.
