Colourful markets, erupting volcanoes and a picture perfect old town: These are the top things to do in Antigua, Guatemala!
Antigua, Guatemala, is a charming colonial city with a rich history and stunning natural surroundings. Founded in 1543, it served as the capital of the Spanish colony of Guatemala for over 200 years. Antigua’s well-preserved colonial architecture and rich cultural heritage have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beloved destination for visitors from around the world.
Many people come to Antigua to hike the famous Acatenango volcano. If you can, you should definitely do this! It is an absolute highlight and one of the top things to do in Antigua, Guatemala. It is difficult though so a few relaxing days either side in Antigua is exactly what you’ll need.
There is no shortage of things to do in Antigua, but here are the things we enjoyed the most!
Exploring the historic centre of Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is known for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture. Wander through the cobblestone streets lined with colourful buildings, visit the Parque Central and admire landmarks like the Cathedral of San José.
The famous Arco de Santa Catalina makes the perfect photo backdrop but the streets are filled with hidden gold. Antigua really is a photographers dream. Going for a stroll around is one of the top things you can do in Antigua.
Hike up Cerro de la Cruz
From the Cerro de la Cruz you have a view over the whole city, including the many volcanoes that surround it. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see Volcan de Fuego erupting.
To get to the top of Cerro de la Cruz follow Avenida 1a north until the end. You can also get a tuk tuk to the start of the trail from town for just a few dollars. Its a nice walk but is mostly uphill so bring water!
Take a free walking tour
Taking a free walking tour is one of my favourite things to do in any new town or city. Antigua is rather touristy, which has obviously has its down-sides. The positive is that there are actually quite a few options for free walking tours. There are even some tours of nearby towns by chicken bus which sound really fun!
Check walking tours in Antigua, Guatemala here on Guruwalk.
Have rooftop cocktails at Aqua Antigua
Aqua Antigua is a fancy hotel in the old town with one of the best rooftop bars in the city! You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to go there. The cocktails are more expensive than you would pay other places, but they were fantastic and the view alone is worth the money!
Go for sunset and you will be rewarded with golden hour over the old town. On a clear afternoon you will also have views of Acatenango and Volcan de Fuego. Sipping cocktails while soaking in the unique mix of colonial architecture and mountainous surrounds is truly one of the top things to do in Antigua, Guatemala.
Take a coffee tour – One of the top things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
Taking a coffee tour was one of my favourite things that we did in Antigua. Coffee has been extremely important throughout Guatemalan history which was really interesting to learn about. You visit a local farm and see how the coffee is grown, harvested and processed. Then of course, you get to try!
There are loads of different coffee tours that you can organise in Antigua. We did something a little different and took this ATV tour!
It was a little silly, but oh so much fun! I would definitely recommend it.
Sample the local cuisine
Antigua boasts a vibrant food scene with a mix of traditional Guatemalan dishes and international cuisine. Eating out is very affordable and there are a great selection of restaurants to try. Don’t miss trying local specialties like pepián (a spicy meat stew), tamales, and kak’ik (a traditional Mayan turkey soup).
Sampling the unique local cuisine is one of the top things to do in Antigua, Guatemala!
Learn how to make and appreciate Guatemalan chocolate
Guatemala is also known for its delicious chocolate. Join a chocolate-making workshop to learn about the history of chocolate and how to make your own sweet treats.
I always love taking cooking classes when travelling. They give a unique insight into the local culture. It’s always nice to have the opportunity to spend time with a local and learn something they are passionate about.
This class is the most popular and comes with rave reviews from a friend of mine. It had unfortunately sold out when we were there so if you’re interested, be sure to book ahead! It is one of the best things to do in Antigua.
The best day trips from Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is such an enjoyable place to be, it is no surprise people tend to base themselves there and explore the surrounding areas. We ended up passing through Antigua 3 or 4 times on our year in Central and South America and loved every minute of being there.
Here are some of the best day trips that you can take from Antigua.
Pacaya Volcano
Pacaya Volcano is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes and offers a thrilling day trip from Antigua. You can hike to the summit of the volcano, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You might even get to see lava flows and volcanic activity up close. Guided tours are available from Antigua, typically including transportation, a guided hike, and sometimes even the opportunity to roast marshmallows over volcanic vents.
Pacaya volcano is technically active, but it hasn’t seen much actual “action” lately. While it would still be a nice day out, if you’re interested in a real close volcano encounter, consider climbing Acatenango. It’s not just one of the top things to do in Antigua, but one of the best things to do in Central America by a long shot!
Chichicastenango Market
Chichicastenango is home to one of the largest and most vibrant markets in Central America, making it an excellent day trip destination from Antigua. The market takes place on Thursdays and Sundays and offers a colorful array of handicrafts, textiles, pottery, and traditional Mayan goods.
It can get very busy, but its a nice mix of tourists and locals and definitely worth the trip. If you’re worried about crowds, go on the Thursday!
The easiest way to get to the market from Antigua is with a tourist shuttle. You can book online but it is cheaper to organise in person in Antigua. There are loads of tourist agencies around so you will have no problems.
Enchanting Antigua is a must stop on any Guatemala trip! From exploring the colonial old town to savoring traditional cuisine against the backdrop of majestic volcanoes, Antigua offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Guatemala’s charm and beauty.
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