23 Best Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala 

Antigua is probably the most beautiful city we visited in our Central America trip. With cobbled streets, colourful buildings, churches & ruins and the volcanoes dotted around, this places is a WINNER and not to be missed. There’s so much do to and to help you plan, here are the best things to do in Antigua!

With so much to do, why not follow our 5 day Antigua Itinerary, complete with food, Acatenango Tour & accomodation recommendations:

The Only 5 Day Antigua Itinerary You Need

There is absolutely loads to do in Antigua Guatemala and you’ll easily be able to fill a couple of days, but we think that 5 days is just the right amount of time to enjoy it properly! So here is the perfect 5 day Antigua Itinerary, just for you! If you are looking for more […]

Read more

Where is Antigua

The small city of Antigua, surrounded by Volcanoes is in southern Guatemala and just 1-2 hours from Guatemala City & 2 hours from Lake Atitlan. 

How to get to Antigua

From Flores by Bus

Buses run between Flores & Guatemala City reasonably regularly. We recommend a reputable bus company like Fuente del Norte for your journey. These buses have reclining seats and are reasonably comfortable for an overnight bus – just make sure you bring warm clothing as the air con is COLD! 

The bus is overnight and takes around 9-10 hours, often leaving late in the evening in Flores to arrive early in the morning in Guatemala City. This is what we did and although we got there in the end the waiting in Guatemala City was a but confusing.

We waited at the bus station in Guatemala City for our shuttle to Antigua. It was a bit confusing as we arrived at 5am and our shuttle was at around 6am, and there was no one to ask questions. There was a good number of people also doing this trip, so we stayed together and waited for someone to come along. Eventually a man came over around 6:30am and had our names on a list, so we got on his shuttle. 

The best way to book your tickets for this journey is either through your accommodation, the bus ticket office or a local travel agency in Flores. We booked through the hostel Los Amigos which has a travel desk inside. 

The cost of the overnight bus can vary depending on where you buy your tickets and what type of seat you pick. We picked the semi-reclining seats rather than the full bed style. It cost us Q420 (£40 / US $55) to get from Flores to Antigua via Guatemala City. This price included the taxi to the bus station in Flores town and the 1.5 hour shuttle to Antigua after reaching Guatemala City. We booked with Los Amigos Travel Agency in the hostel, but I can imagine the bus would have been cheaper had we gone to the bus terminal to purchase the tickets ourselves.

From Flores by Flight

Flights from Flores & Guatemala City on the other hand are much quicker. It only takes 1 hour to fly between the 2 destinations. Flights are around US $90 (£67 / Q690) and include checked luggage. Flights are cheaper (around $50) if you travel only with a small personal bag. 

From Guatemala City

You can get shuttles from Guatemala City to Antigua. If you are coming from Flores you should be able to get a ticket which includes the shuttle and the overnight bus from Flores. If you are staying in Guatemala city, head to a travel office in person for the best price, or book your tickets online.

You can get chicken buses from Guatemala City to Antigua. This will be a lot cheaper but the roads are windy and the buses are crowded and move particularly quickly. It’s not an enjoyable ride. 

Shuttles: around US $15-$20 between Guatemala City & Antigua

Chicken bus: around US $2

From Lake Atitlan

Shuttles run really regularly from Panajachel, one of the villages on the east side of Lake Atitlan. There are lots of travel offices in the popular villages like San Pedro La Laguna. The best way to get to Panajachel, if you are not staying there, is to get the lancha boat across the lake to get to your shuttle. Give yourself enought time to get to Panajachel, as lanchas often visit lots of towns on the way. The tour office you book your shuttle through will give you all the instructions you need.

It is also possible to get a chicken bus from Lake Atitlan. Again making your way to Panajachel for your bus is best as it’s closest to Antigua. The chicken bus will be a lot cheaper but not enjoyable – the buses have hard seats and go really fast not caring about pot holes or sharp bends! It can also be a bit confusing if your Spanish isn’t good. 

Where to stay

Hostels/guesthouses:

• $ Bloom Hostel: Modern hostel with local style with co-working and chill out spaces. Breakfast included
• $ Socialtel Antigua: Previously called Selena, the global hostel chain with co working spaces and daily activities. Breakfast not included. 
• $ Maya Papaya: Home away from home with traditional breakfast included! Famous Mojitos from only Q20 (£2 / US $2.50)!! 
• $ Tropicana Hostel: adventure/party hostel who are known for offering their popular & reasonably priced Acatenango overnight tour! 

Hotels

• $-$$ Yellow House Hostel B&B: great location, amazing and amazing breakfast included! 
• $$ Villa Colonial: gorgeous grounds, wonderful food, swimming pool, located just outside the busy part of town! 
• $$$ Casa Hotel Santo Domingo: 5 star hotel home to the best spa in Antigua! Perfect for a luxury few nights!

How to travel around Antigua

It’s easy – it’s all walkable! If you are doing any excursions out of the city you can either take chicken buses or shuttles which you can find all over!

Best things to do in Antigua

Walking Tour

💰 Cost: Free! (+tip)

🗺️ Location: book on Guruwalk

We always always do a walking tour when we arrive somewhere new. Normally, unless we have had recommendations from someone, we book the best rated tour on guruwalk. These tours are ‘free’ but you should tip at the end of the tour if you have enjoyed yourself. 

See the famous Santa Catalina Arch

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: Santa Catalina Arch

Arguably the most famous photo spot in Antigua, this arch is a must see. The street is straight up from the central park, past some lovely shops, restaurants, cafes which lead to the arch! A little further on you will see the stunning yellow church Iglesia de la Merced too.

Climb Acatenango 

💰 Cost: From US $60 – $150 depending on which tour you pick (Q460 – Q1,150 / £46 – £115)

🗺️ Location: Volcan Acatenango 

For most people this is THE reason to visit Antigua. Obviously the city has so much more to see, but the fact you can climb Volcan Acatenango which is only a 45min drive away and see an ERUPTING Volcan Fuego (if you’re lucky) really does draw the crowds! 

The hike up requires a reasonable level of fitness, but is totally doable. The base camp is at around 3,600m (11,800 feet) so at a pretty high altitude. The hike is about 6 hours up and 4-5 back down depending on how fast you feel comfortable going downhill. 

To find out more about the overnight experience, who we booked with, and what equipment, clothing we needed for Acatenango, read our Volcan Acatenango Experience blog post.

If climbing Acatenango is not for you, there is an option to take a 4×4 up. More on that in our article too!

Climb Pacaya Volcano

💰 Cost: From US $25+ depending on which tour you pick (Q190 / £19)

🗺️ Location: Volcan Pacaya

If 2 days of hiking and overnight camping at over 3,600m (11,800 feet) Acatenango feels a bit too much, Volcan Pacaya is a great alternative. The hike is around 3 hours (5km) and you will walk up an active volcano and see lava fields! Up here you can book tours which include toasting marshmallows or even cooking your own pizza on the hot ground! 

Visit ABC Brewery & Rooftop Bar

💰 Cost: Cost of a pint starts at Q30 (£3 / US $3.90)

🗺️ Location: Antigua Brewing Company

Antigua Brewing company is possibly our favourite spot for a drink in Antigua. They locally brew their beers which are delicious. Not only are the beers good, they have an EPIC rooftop terrace to enjoy your drink on. If you go once the sun is set, on a clear night you can see Volcan Fuego erupting!! 

They often have music in the evenings and serve good food too. On the way out make sure to buy some merch and even pay a visit to the speakeasy through the phone booth!

Relax in the Park

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: Parque Central

This park is the perfect space to relax during the day. It is covered with benches and has a beautiful fountain in the middle. The park is covered with beautiful trees and flowers, and is the perfect people watching spot!

Walk around the city

💰 Cost: Free

You could honestly spend hours walking down every single street in Antigua. Each street has beautiful facades, hidden cafes, restaurants, shops and more. You will come across so many churches & convents as well as ruins to check out.

Dedicate at least half a day to just wandering around!

Visit the Mercado Central

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala

This is a huge typical regional market! Spend some time wandering round checking out the fresh products as well as the clothing and local crafts! They also have stalls selling food, so it’s a perfect lunch time spot. Why not try and find a pepián stall. Pepián is a traditional meat stew from Guatemala and a must try for meat-eaters. 

ATV tour

💰 Cost: from Q390 (£38 / US $50)

🗺️ Location: Multiple locations

We saw so many people on ATV tours in Antigua. We personally didn’t do this, but the tours that take you around the villages or the coffee tours outside of Antigua sound really interesting! You can also take ATVs up Pacaya Volcano too!

Hike to the Cerro de la Cruz 

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: Cerro de La Cruz

This small hike delivers epic views of the whole of Antigua with the volcanoes in the background! From the start point of the hike it only takes around 20 mins to hike up the steps to the view point, where there is plenty of seating, toilets and photo opportunities! If you walk further into the park you will find stalls selling food & drinks.

Eat local food at Rincóncito 

💰 Cost: Breakfast from Q30 (£3 / US $3.90) Lunch from Q40 (£4 / US $5)

🗺️ Location: Rincóncito Antigüeño

This was the best local food that we ate in Antigua, but be prepared for it to be busy! It’s cafeteria style & super popular with locals and tourists and you can see why. The food is reasonably basic but made with love. They have a menu that is served every day and daily specials. They are cash only and only open for breakfast & lunch. 

Iglesia de La Merced

💰 Cost: Q35 (£3.50 / US $4.50)

🗺️ Location: Iglesia de la Merced

This beautiful yellow church with white design is spectacular to look at. But even better is what’s hidden inside! Make sure you go to the ticket office on the left of the main entrance for tickets to the convent which includes access to the courtyard and the rooftop. Inside you will find a stunning courtyard with apparently the biggest fountain in Central America! You can walk up to the 1st floor to see the courtyard from above and then head up to the roof for amazing views over the entire town! 

The church itself has free entry.

Walk around the Convent of Santo Domingo 

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: Casa Santo Domingo

This 5 star hotel in Antigua used to be a convent and has since been converted into an amazing hotel & spa. But they have kept so many of the old features and it is completely free to go in & walk around. The grounds are beautifully kept with amazing stonework and artefacts on display too! 

If you feel like a spot of luxury, we would really recommend booking into the spa too (see below).

Spa trip at Santo Domingo

💰 Cost: Day pass from US $60 (£45 / Q450)

🗺️ Location: Casa Santo Domingo

This adults only spa was a drop of luxury on our backpacking trip. It’s the perfect spot to relax for the day, especially after hiking Volcan Acatenango.  

Day passes are US $60 per person and we booked when they had a special promotion for massages. We ended up paying US $115 per person for spa day access and a 60 min holistic massage (usually $140 pp). 

We contacted them on whatsapp to book and discuss the promotions they had at the time on +502 7820 1220.

Cathedral of Santiago (San José Cathedral) Ruins

💰 Cost: Q20 (£2 / US $2.50)

🗺️ Location: Ruinas de La Antigua Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago

Behind the Cathedral, on 5a Calle Oriente are the remains of the cathedral from 1540! It is amazing to walk around these ruins and imagine what the cathedral was like back then. Make sure you also check out the catacombs and crypts whilst you are here.

Artisan & Local Markets

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: Nim Po’t & Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen, 

These were our favourite souvenir stops in Antigua. They have so much inside you can find anything here. One of our favourite ideas is to buy some second hand material from here and take home to make into your own tote bag or other fabric creation! We met some ladies doing this and were so jealous they had the room in the bags to take this home!

Casa del Jade

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: Jade museum

This is a small museum but has loads of information about Jade and the importance in Mayan culture. It also has some amazing jade artefacts on display. After the small museum there is of course a shop but very little pressure to buy anything. 

I actually bought a jade ring from here to remember my time in Guatemala. They only had the ring style in a purple jade colour (purple jade i know!) but i wanted it in green, and they actually went away and made it bespoke for me! It took about 4 days, so if you are interested in a design with a different colour it’s worth asking!

The courtyard that the museum is in has a few other lovely shops to check out, as well as free toilets downstairs, which is good to know!

Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala

We came across this museum when we had arrived in Antigua after our overnight bus from Flores. Because it was so early, we couldn’t check into our accommodation but had dropped off our bags and went to explore. We happened to walk past the entrance and saw that it was free and thought why not? 

This gallery has some amazing art to see and the building is absolutely beautiful! The museum also has free toilets which was nice to freshen up too. A top tip for those arriving from the overnight bus!

Antigua Bar Crawl

💰 Cost: Q150 (£15 / US $20)

🗺️ Location: Antigua bar crawl

For only Q150 you get unlimited drinks at the first bar, karaoke, free entry and a free shot at each bar, it’s a booze lovers dream! This bar crawl is always busy and a great way to meet other travellers in Antigua!

Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday from 6pm and Saturdays from 7pm.

McDonalds (no, really!) 

💰 Cost: Free

🗺️ Location: McDonalds

With over 4,000 reviews on google, you know this McDonalds has to be special! I don’t want to give too much away but this McDonalds is set in a beautiful building and has even more beautiful seating outside with epic views!! We have to say the most beautiful Maccies we’ve been to is in Porto, but Antigua takes 2nd spot!

Even if you don’t eat here, you can still walk around!

Saturday Weddings

Saturdays are the most popular day to get married in Guatemala and in a city with so many beautiful churches and streets that are so colourful, you won’t be surprised at how many weddings take place here. Have a walk around and see if you can spot some happy couples tying the knot!

More ruins to explore

• Convento Capuchinas: gorgeous courtyard and hallways to explore and take pictures. The grounds are also beautiful and there is a small museum (not open on sundays) Q40 (£4 / US $5.20)
• Antiquísimo Convento de San Francisco: the church and ruins are well worth a look. The grounds are pretty big so spend a bit of time walking around exploring! Follow the signs outside to the ruins. Q20 (£2 / US $2.60)
• Antiguo Colegio de la Compañía de Jesús small museum inside but mostly amazing to look at the facade. 
• Convento Santa Clara: a beautiful historical convent with some pretty impressive architecture with stunning grounds too! Q40 (£4 / US $5.20)

Bonus activity for backpacking Brits

By this point in our trip we had been away for 3 months and were CRAVING a roast dinner! If you’re not there on Sunday they also do regular British food, think pie & mash, fish & chips and more! They also have a happy hour between 12 & 4!

Make sure to reserve ahead of time if you want the roast!

🗺️ Location: The Londoner