Antigua certainly holds a special place in my heart. With its cobbled streets, vibrant colors, and the most impressive views of the surrounding volcanoes, it’s a destination that all travelers should include on their bucket list. If you are ready to spend some days in this fantastic city, here are the top 15 things to do in Antigua, Guatemala. Also, don’t forget to check out the complete Guatemala Itinerary in this article and the 15 things you should know before visiting Guatemala.
In this article you’ll find everything you need to know about the different means of transportation from the airport to Antigua.
1- The Arch
The Arch is, by far, the most photographed site in Antigua. It’s easy to see the colonial reminiscences of the city when walking past this yellow arch. In the background, you’ll see the magnificent Volcan de Agua, one of the 3 volcanoes that surround the city.
2- Hike Acatenango Volcano, the best thing to do in Antigua
Have you ever dreamed of having lava right in front of your eyes? This was the one and only reason I came to Guatemala. Right outside Antigua you’ll find Volcan de Fuego (Fire Volcano), an active volcano that erupts, on average, 12 times per hour. Yes, you read that right―12 times per hour.
You can see the lava coming out of the top of the volcano from Antigua itself, but to get the best views, you should hike Acatenango volcano, which is just right in front of Fuego. To do this, book a tour with one of the companies that have a base camp on the top of Acatenango.
The tour will take a day and a half, since you’ll start pretty early in the morning on day 1 and finish around noon on the next day. On the tour, you’ll hike up to almost 4000 meters and you’ll camp there. From the base camp, you have a straight, direct view of Fuego. You can read everything you need to know before embarking on this adventure in this article.
Read everything you need to know about hiking Acatenango and which tour is best in this article.
3- Hike Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya Volcano is located around 30 km south of Antigua and it’s one of the most popular tours you can take on your visit to the city. It’s an easy alternative to Acatenango, intended for the whole family and where fun is guaranteed.
As I mentioned before, this is an easy, family-friendly hike where you’ll see old traces of solid lava and roast marshmallows with the heat that comes up from the volcanic floor. Keep in mind that, although the volcano is still active, currently there is no place where you can see fluid lava during the tour.
You might have seen many pictures of people in front of lava rivers, but this was at the beginning of 2021, when the volcano suddenly became pretty active. If your main goal is to see fluid lava, check with a local agency to see the conditions during your stay.
4- Enjoy the views of Cerro de la Cruz
Cerro de la Cruz is a small hill that offers panoramic views of the city along with incredible views of the 3 volcanoes that surround Antigua: Fuego, Agua and Acatenango. To visit this famous point of interest, you just have to walk north on the street 1a Avenida del Norte, and you’ll start climbing up the hill. The hike is fairly easy and accessible to anyone, and it will take you around 20 minutes to get to the top. This is one of the most photogenic spots in all Guatemala.
5- Zip a beer in front of an active volcano
The brewery Cervecería 14 is located in the ‘Ciudad Vieja’ (Old Town), just 15 minutes away from the main plaza. This bar provides the best night views of the active volcano Fuego. Don’t miss the opportunity to zip a beer in its garden while sitting in front of a bonfire and admiring the recurring eruptions of this volcano.
6- Visit the local market
Also called Artisans’ market, it’s a must-go on any trip to Antigua. In this market you’ll find all the local products you can imagine. From food to jewelry, there’s no better place to do the groceries or buy some souvenirs to take back home.
7- Get lost in its cobbled streets
All travelers will agree that the best way to get to know any city is by foot, and Antigua is no exception. There’s something magical about wondering with no direction in this colonial city, discovering new little spots in every corner.
I would start the day by taking a free walking tour, where you get a detailed but very pleasant explanation of the history of the city and its main buildings. Then, I would take a few hours to just walk around, have a coffee and enjoy the vibrant vibes of the city.
While you are walking, make sure to include these spots on your route:
-Local Market (called Mercado de Artesanías)
-Main Plaza
-Santa Catalina’s Arch
-Capuchinas Convent
-Santa Clara Convent
8- Enjoy a coffee inside a patio
Antigua is full of typical patios―an open area right in the middle of the houses. You’ll see from the street that many of them are open to the public, either as cafés or shops. Try and visit as many as you can; they are beautiful and usually full of vegetation, providing an escape from the bustling city.
9- Visit Convento de las Capuchinas, Convento de Santa Ana and Convento de la Merced
These 3 convents are a clear example of the colonial roots of the city. The best way to get to know their history is by taking a free walking tour, where a guide will explain you the details of the main buildings in the city. Don’t forget to get inside them, as their patios are some of the best the city has to offer.
10- Try the local food
Guatemala’s traditional food includes pepian, rellenitos, tostadas, enchiladas, tamales. The cuisine is exquisite, and in Antigua you’ll find many local restaurants where you can try all these dishes for an affordable price. After sunset, outside Convento de la Merced, you’ll find several food stands where locals usually eat. This is definitely the best spot to try the most delicious local food.
11- -Visit Hobbitenango, a fun thing to do in Antigua
To get a full guide of Hobbitenango, read this article!
What is Hobbitenango? Hobbitenango is an eco-park inspired by, yes, you guessed it, The Lord of the Rings. The park is located on a mountain just outside the city and you can easily get there by taxi or Uber, or by riding the Hobbitenango shuttles. The park offers restaurants, bars, a hotel and many activities for all types of travelers. Make sure to set aside a whole day here so you have time to enjoy them all!
Probably the most famous activity is taking a picture on the hand. This stone troll hand sticking out over the valley offers the perfect spot for some Instagram pictures. It’s advisable to go here first, as there’s usually a line to take pictures.
These are some of the other activities you can enjoy in Hobbitenango:
-The hand
-One of the largest tree swings in Central America
-Archery, Machete, and Axe Throwing
-Uncountable viewpoints that will take your breath away
-Great food (including a breakfast and lunch buffet)
12- Visit El Hato Verde
El Hato Verde is a luxury eco-park located near Antigua. As it’s located on top of a mountain, it provides breathtaking views of the volcanoes and hills. It’s a similar experience to Hobbitenango, but intended for luxury or romantic gateways.
13- Take a tour to a coffee farm
Why book a coffee tour in Antigua? Well, Guatemala is one of the 10 largest coffee exporters in the world and some of the best coffee farms are located near Antigua, making this a perfect day trip. If you are a coffee fan, you’ll appreciate getting to know the process behind one of the most popular beverages in the world. And, of course, you’ll also get the chance to try one of the most delicious coffees surrounded by green hills and volcanoes in the background.
14- Take a stroll around the main plaza
Around the main plaza you’ll find some of the most important buildings in the city, including many government locations and the cathedral. Here as well is where many locals gather to socialize or sell some of their products. This is definitely the place to witness the true essence of Guatemalans daily lives.
15- Try the local chocolate (and maybe take a lesson to learn how to do it yourself)
As you may already know, the ancient Mayans used to live in the territory that now belongs to Guatemala; and even today, over 50% of the country’s population descends from the Mayans. This civilization produced and consumed chocolate, which explains why there are so many chocolate factories and stores in Antigua.
This chocolate is of high-quality and you can try it in the many shops you’ll find walking on the main streets. In addition, you can even take a lesson to make your own chocolate, where you can choose your own fresh ingredients and combine them to come up with your own unique flavor.
16- Learn Spanish, a great thing to do in Antigua
Are you interested in learning more about the culture of this country? Learning the local language will give you the opportunity to communicate with the locals and understand their traditions on a deeper level.
Whether you are a complete beginner or you already have some knowledge, this is a great opportunity to take some lessons and take your Spanish to the next level. The most adventurous can even live with a local family for a few weeks to get the full experience of how a truly Guatemalan family lives.
Conclusion to the best things to do in Antigua
No matter if you are an adventure seeker, a foodie or a luxurious traveler, Antigua has something for everyone and it should be included in every trip to Guatemala. If you want to enjoy the city to its fullest, I would recommend you stay at least 4 days and make sure not to miss any of the aforementioned Top things to do in Antigua Guatemala. Also, don’t forget to check this article to read 15 things you should know before traveling to Guatemala.
You might also like:
- 15 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Guatemala
- Itinerary for Guatemala’s highlights (7 days, 10 days and 15 days)
- The Best Things to Do in Flores Guatemala
- El Remate Guatemala – Ultimate Guide to this Off-The-Beaten-Path Destination
- El Paredon Guatemala – Ultimate Guide
- Accommodation and Food in El Paredon Guatemala
- Acatenango Hike Complete Guide
- Is Tikal Worth Visiting? Ultimate Tikal Guide
- Is Hobbitenango Worth Visiting? Complete Hobbitenango Guide
- Guatemala City Airport to Antigua Guide
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