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 things to do check out our 23 (!) best things to do in the Antigua article.
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.
If you’re wondering how to get to Antigua from elsewhere in Guatemala, check out our post on how to get to Antigua from Flores, Guatemala City & Lake Atitlan with information on tickets, buses, flights & more.
Where to stay
Hostel (more chilled than party!)
- $ 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).
Hostel (more party!)
- $ Tropicana Hostel: adventure/party hostel who are known for offering their popular & reasonably priced Acatenango overnight tour!
Hotels/guest house
- $-$$ Yellow House Hostel B&B: great location, amazing and amazing breakfast included!
- $$ Villa Colonial: gorgeous grounds, wonderful food, swimming pool, located just outside the busy part of town!
Luxury Hotel
- $$$ Casa Hotel Santo Domingo: 5 star hotel home to the best spa in Antigua! Perfect for a luxury few nights!
Even if you don’t stay here, you can still visit the spa & it’s amazing – the perfect treat!
Food & Drink
For our Antigua food & drink recommendations check out our post Best Food & Drink Spots in Antigua Guatemala, which includes local restaurants, cafes, bars, international food and markets!
If you are looking for inspiration on the of the must-try local foods, you can find most of these at Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala:
- Pepián (a spicy stew)
- Kak’ik (turkey soup)
- Tamales (steamed corn based dough with a savoury or sweet filling wrapped in a banana leaf)
- Atol (warm corn drink)
Day 1
Walking tour to get your bearings
A walking tour is the best way to get your bearings when you arrive in a new place. We always pick the best rated ‘free’ walking tour on Guruwalk. Make sure to book the tour in advance so that the tour guide knows you’re coming! Although these tours are ‘free’, the guides work off tips, so if you enjoyed the tour, remember to tip in cash at the end!
See the famous Santa Catalina arch & Iglesia de Merced
Just metres apart are these two epic yellow buildings. The arch is just iconic Antigua, so walk from the park in the centre (likely where you will finish your tour) up 5a Avenida Norte, admiring the shops & cafes as you go towards the arch. The best view of the Santa Catalina Arch is after you pass under it. Make sure to turn around and look at the volcano in the background!
After this cool picture opportunity, continue north up to the Iglesia de la Merced.
On the way if you feel like a coffee, we can recommend Cafe El Portal! Their coffee is great and you can sit in their lovely courtyard or on their roof terrace.
Walking in and around Igelisa de la Merced is free but what is the most impressive is the facade on the west facing wall and the views from the rooftop. (You can’t walk around the church if a service is taking place, but can walk around the convent & on the rooftop during this time).
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 with amazing views over the entire city!
💰 Igelsia de la Merced Cost: Q35 (£3.50 / US $4.50)
After you have come down from the roof top of Iglesia de la Merced, why not grab some lunch at the stalls outside.
Cathedral & ruins
After lunch head back down under the arch and back towards the park to explore the Cathedral. Again entry into the Cathedral is free and you can do so as long as there’s not a service taking place. But the real beauty, we think, are the ruins of the old cathedral which date back to 1540!
Make sure you also check out the catacombs and crypts whilst you are here. As you walk up the steps to the entry you will see some gaps in the steps. These gaps give you a glimpse from the outside of the catacombs!
💰 Ruins Cost: Q20 (£2 / US $2.50)
After visiting the ruins you might have a bit of time before sunset, so take the opportunity to walk around the streets and soak up the atmosphere. You can relax in the Parque Central, or go to the Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala.
Volcano view rooftop drinks at Antigua Brewing Company
As the sun sets there is no better place to be than on the roof terrace of ABC brewery. Grab a pint and head to the terrace and look towards the south-west of the city. On a clear day you will see Volcan Fuego erupting in the distance – and if you don’t at least you’re enjoying a good pint on a rooftop!
Day 2
Hike to the Cerro de la Cruz
After your morning coffee and breakfast head to the start point of the hike up to the Cerro de La Cruz. The walk up only takes around 20-30 minutes but it is a constant uphill. Once you are at the top you will have the most amazing views over the town and the volcanoes behind it!
At the top heading up through the park you will find toilets and stalls to eat & drink.
Local lunch spot
After your hike up to the viewpoint, head back down into town and to Rincóncito Antigüeño. This place is super popular, serving food to locals and tourists alike. It does get really busy so be prepared to queue for a short while whilst they find a table for you. The food is basic and cafeteria style but made with love and is a true representation of good local food. Make sure to take cash and they are only open until 4pm.
Breakfast starts from Q30 (£3 / US $3.90) & lunch from Q40 (£4 / US $5)
Afternoon stroll
After you have enjoyed your lunch it’s time to head around the town exploring more streets, ruins and hotels. The first spot you’ll want to look around is the Casa Santo Domingo Hotel. This old convent has been converted into a 5* hotel and spa and is totally free to walk around! Head on in and check out the grounds and the artefacts.
If you fancy a spot of luxury, we would also really recommend a spa day here too!
After Santo Domigo, head to Convento Capuchinas where you will find a gorgeous courtyard and hallways to explore.
On your way back towards the main square, check out Casa del Jade, the small free jade museum. It might be small but has a lot of interesting information and old jade artefacts and pieces of jewellery on display. Towards the end of the museum you can also discover your Nahual which is your Mayan spirit guide and what it says about you!
There is no obligation to purchase anything in the shop, but it’s a nice excuse to trip yourself to something authentic.
After the museum you will be close-ish to the central park, spend the rest of your afternoon/early evening wandering around. Tomorrow is time for the Acatenango hike, so get a good dinner and have an early night!
Day 3
Acatengo overnight hike!
Your day will likely start early in order to have your breakfast, briefing and transport to the hike start point. Depending on which tour operator you book through this could differ.
We went with one of the more expensive operators (which had amazing reviews), Wicho and Charlie’s. We had to book about 1 month in advance to secure our spots for December time. If you know when you are going to be in Antigua and want to pick a tour with great reviews like Wicho and Charlie’s, definitely book in advance.
The hike is hard, but doable for those with a reasonable level of fitness. To hear about our experience and a full honest review on the hike, take a look at our blog which includes what we took with us, how we coped at the level of altitude, what we rented and how much it cost us:
Hiking Volcan Acatenango Experience
Day 4
Descend Acatenango
Early on day 4 you will descend down Volcan Acatenango after spending the night at base camp! You will probably arrive back in Antigua in the mid-morning. After your hike you will probably want to take it easy, but try to make sure to keep your muscles moving to avoid them stiffening up too much!
Check out the Mercado & artisan markets for souvenirs
So as a recommendation of an easy exploring day, why not check out all the markets in Antigua! The markets are so varied and have all sorts of produce and souvenirs. You will be walking slowly and at your own pace all day so no need to worry after Acatenango!
Our favourites were:
- Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala: a huge typical Antiguan market selling fresh products, clothes, crafts and more. They also have stalls selling food, so its 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.
- Nim Po’t: great for wandering around and admiring the handicrafts and souvenirs
- Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen: same as above!
McDonalds (no really!)
If you’re looking for a quick sit down, why not step into one of the most beautiful McDonalds we have ever seen! The huge garden at the back is looked over by a volcano, and with gorgeous plants and water features, you’ll forget you’re in Maccies!
Day 5
Spa day or massage
You might find that you’ve woken up sliiightly achy this morning. This is why we booked in for a spa day at Casa Santo Domingo. It is expensive compared to other massages in Antigua, but it was a Christmas present to ourselves!
The spa day was perfect to relax with access to their jacuzzis, sauna and steam rooms as well as amazing massages!
If this isnt in your budget, lots of places offer massages around Antigua. We’d recommend asking your accommodation for recs!
Alternatives to Spending 1.5 days climbing Volcan Acatenango
Acatenango is not an easy hike. It’s completely doable but it’s not easy. So if this doesn’t feel like a bit of you, there is one alternative to the full hike:
Take a 4×4 car 80% of the way up Acatenango
Some tour operators provide a 4×4 option where the car drives up the bumpy road and drops you off with only 25% of the hike left to do to get to base camp.
Pacaya Volcano Hike
Volcan Pacaya is a great alternative. The day 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!
ATV tour around Antigua
If hiking is not your thing at all, Antigua is popular for its ATV tours which take you around the area, through local villages and with coffee tours too! Its a great day out to explore outside of Antigua.
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