Antigua Guatemala is one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Central America. This destination is rich in history, culture, and architectural beauty, captivating visitors worldwide with its charming cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and stunning natural surroundings.
In this travel guide, based on our personal experience, we’ll show you all the best places to visit in Antigua Guatemala, where to stay, and which activities and attractions you must include in your itinerary. Plus, we’ll share some handy tips and recommendations.
Let’s start planning your visit:
Top Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala:
1. Explore the Historic Center, Santa Catalina Arch, and Cerro de la Cruz
Antigua Guatemala, previously known as the “Very Noble and Very Loyal City of Santiago de los Caballeros de Goathemala”, boasts one of Latin America’s most captivating historic centers. It’s a fascinating place to take a leisurely stroll and step back in time to a world of ancient traditions.
Among the tourist attractions in Antigua Guatemala that you can explore downtown are the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, the Cathedral of San Jose, La Merced Church, the Palace of the Captains General, and several ruins of convents like the Convent of Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, and Las Capuchinas.
We recommend dedicating a morning to exploring the historic center, marveling at its colorful houses, churches, and traditional markets. In the afternoon, head up to Cerro de la Cruz, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the three volcanoes surrounding the city: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. If you’re interested in a guided tour, you can join this tip-based free walking tour.
How to Get to Antigua Guatemala: While it’s possible to reach Antigua by bus from Guatemala City’s Transport Terminal, many travelers prefer the convenience and safety of transfer or shuttle services, exclusively for tourists. The journey takes between one and two hours, depending on the traffic.
Reserve Free Walking Tour of the Historic Center!
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If you don’t want to miss out on the most beautiful spots in Antigua Guatemala’s historic center, we recommend booking this free walking tour based on tips. It is available every day, lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, and includes a guided walk through fascinating places such as the Santa Catalina Arch and the Palace of the Captains.
Booking the free tour in Antigua is very easy! Simply click here, choose your preferred date and time, and indicate the number of people attending. This tour is free, but it is expected to leave a tip at the end based on the quality of service.
Secure your spot on the free tour in Antigua Guatemala now!
2. Visit the Best Museums in Antigua Guatemala
Another top thing to do in Antigua Guatemala is to immerse yourself in its rich historical and cultural heritage by visiting some of the country’s most notable museums. We especially recommend the National Museum of Art of Guatemala and the Spanish Cooperation Training Center.
The National Museum of Art (MUNAG) is a must-see for history and art enthusiasts. Located in the Palace of the Captains General, across from the main plaza, this museum features an extensive collection spanning from the pre-Columbian era of the Maya civilization to contemporary works.
Meanwhile, the Spanish Cooperation Training Center is a beautiful, free-entry venue in Antigua Guatemala that hosts exhibitions on sustainable development and displays art that highlights the transformative power of culture in societies facing social inequalities.
Hotels in Antigua Guatemala: If you want to stay close to the main attractions in the historic center, we recommend: Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo, Ojala, Hotel y Arte Antigua, Hotel La Galería, Hotel Aurora, El Convento Boutique Hotel, and Camino Real Antigua. We stayed at Selah Hotel & Coffee and were very happy with the value for money.
Don’t miss out—reserve your perfect hotel now!
Recommended: Tour to Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlán
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Tips for Booking Good, Cheap, and Cheerful Accommodation: If you wait until the last minute, it’s very likely that the best and most economical accommodations will already be booked, and you’ll have to settle for what is available.
Booking.com is our preferred website for booking accommodations without having to pay in advance. If you click here, you can get a discount of 15% or more. After entering your destination and travel date, you can filter by price, location, accommodation type, and read reviews from other travelers.
By frequently booking through Booking.com, you can access exclusive discounts, enjoy free breakfasts, and receive better rooms at no additional cost. This will help you secure more economical rates and additional benefits that will allow you to save on your trip.
Click here to book accommodation with a discount of 15% or more!
3. Santa Clara Convent, one of Antigua Guatemala’s tourist attractions
One of the best places to visit in Antigua Guatemala is its convents. However, it’s important to note that many of them are in ruins, as the city is located in a seismic zone known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, where powerful earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
As Antigua Guatemala became a major tourist destination in Central America and earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, efforts have been made to preserve these ruins as part of the city’s rich history and architecture. If you’re looking for accommodation close to the main attractions downtown, an excellent option is Selah Hotel & Coffee.
The Santa Clara Convent is one of the most fascinating places to explore in Antigua Guatemala due to its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. Other convents worth visiting include Las Capuchinas and the San Francisco Temple. Keep in mind that each charges an entry fee, so it’s recommended to focus on one or two during your visit.
Tip: If you’re traveling to Guatemala from abroad, this Holafly eSIM offers unlimited data, so you can keep your phone number for calls and WhatsApp without worrying about expensive roaming charges. Also, don’t forget to get international travel insurance for peace of mind during your trip.
Get your international eSIM with a 5% discount here
Get your travel insurance here with a 5% discount!
How to Find Last-Minute Cheap Flights? While it is important to plan your trip in advance, we understand that it’s not always possible. So, if you are looking for affordable tickets to travel soon and save some money, we recommend using Skyscanner.
Skyscanner.com is a tool that allows you to compare flights from different airlines to find the best rates. To use it, click here, enter the departure and destination cities, and the travel date. With this information, it will search for the most affordable options, and you can choose based on price or layovers.
Is it safe to buy flights on Skyscanner? It depends. After selecting a flight, you’ll see a list of links from various airlines and agencies. The safest way is to purchase your tickets through the airline´s link. If you decide to buy from an agency, you should be a bit more cautious.
Search Now for Last-Minute Flight Deals
4. Hike to the Top of One of Antigua Guatemala’s Volcanoes
One of the best activities in Antigua Guatemala is exploring the volcanoes surrounding the city. There are two options that offer distinct but equally thrilling experiences for hiking enthusiasts: Pacaya Volcano and the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes.
Pacaya Volcano is one of the must-visit places near Antigua Guatemala. Although it was actively erupting until 2021, you can now explore it in a single day. Enjoy a hike that offers breathtaking panoramic views, the chance to see solidified lava rivers, and even roast marshmallows on the volcanic rocks. Book your Pacaya Volcano tour here.
Acatenango and Volcán de Fuego are twin volcanoes reaching an altitude of 3,950 meters above sea level. Volcán de Fuego is known for its constant activity, and you can witness eruptions of lava and ash columns. However, visiting these volcanoes requires two days, as the hike is quite extensive and demands a guide.
To reach Volcán de Fuego and Acatenango, you must book a guided tour. This package includes guides throughout the hike, as well as essential equipment such as sleeping bags, mats, and tents. Meals and round-trip transportation from Antigua are also included.
Book your Acatenango & Fuego hike now and feel the thrill!
See details and prices for the Pacaya Volcano tour
How to Book the Tour to Acatenango Volcano and Fuego Volcano? It’s super easy! Just click this link to see the price, what’s included, and all activity details. Then, pick the date you’d like to start, the number of participants, and confirm availability.
The Acatenango Volcano tour lasts 2 days. It includes round-trip transportation from Antigua, a professional guide, meals, hot drinks, overnight accommodation at the base camp at 3,700 meters, and a chance to witness the sunrise from the summit of Acatenango, with the option to hike up to the base of Fuego Volcano.
The advantage of booking through this page is that you can reserve now and pay later, up to 72 hours before the start of the activity. You also have the option to pay in advance if you prefer. Plus, if any issues arise or you need to cancel or reschedule, you can modify your booking up to 24 hours before the activity and receive a full refund.
Get details and current pricing - here!
Are you planning to travel abroad? When planning an international trip, we tend to focus on choosing destinations, accommodations, and tours, but we forget that we can get sick, have an accident, be robbed, or need to return home earlier than expected due to a family member’s hospitalization.
If you want to travel with peace of mind and avoid worrying about excessive medical expenses or unexpected logistical issues, it’s essential to purchase international travel insurance. Moreover, in many Latin American and European countries, having travel insurance is mandatory to enter.
With this international insurance, you’ll have extensive coverage and 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or WhatsApp. To purchase the insurance, click here, choose the start date of your trip and its duration. The insurance is valid for any destination and can be purchased up to 72 hours before the departure date.
Click here to purchase the insurance and get a 5% discount!
5. Take an excursion to Lake Atitlán and the Chichicastenango Market
Tourism in Antigua Guatemala is not limited to the historic center and its surroundings, as the city serves as an ideal starting point to explore other destinations in the region, such as Lake Atitlán and Chichicastenango. These two places are true gems that should be included in your travel itinerary.
Lake Atitlán is a body of water surrounded by volcanoes, considered by many travelers to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. This destination offers a wide variety of activities, from boat rides and hikes to natural viewpoints, to exploring colorful Mayan villages.
Chichicastenango is the perfect place to experience the fusion of Mayan culture and Catholic religion firsthand. There, you can explore one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America and visit enchanting and mystical places, such as the Church of Santo Tomás, the Cemetery, and the Pascual Abaj Hill, where pre-Hispanic ceremonies and rituals are still held.
To reach Lake Atitlán and Chichicastenango from Antigua Guatemala, you have several transportation options. You can take a “chicken bus,” a private shuttle service, or simply join this organized tour for more comfort. The journey to Chichicastenango takes about 2 hours, and the trip from Chichi to the lake takes 1.5 hours.
Check the tour details and pricing
Reserve your transfer to Chichicastenango
If you’re wondering what to do near Antigua Guatemala and decide to visit Lake Atitlán and Chichicastenango on your own, note that market days are Thursdays and Sundays. If you’re short on time, you can visit both places in a single day. If you have more time, you can make the lake your base and dedicate a day exclusively to exploring Chichi.
It’s important to mention that each of the villages surrounding Lake Atitlán has its own identity and charm. Among the recommended ones for overnight stays are: Panajachel, San Juan La Laguna, San Marcos La Laguna, and San Pedro La Laguna.
Panajachel is the gateway to Lake Atitlán, the most important urban center in the area, and offers stunning panoramic views of the volcanoes. It also has accommodations for all budgets: Hospedaje El Viajero and Selina Atitlán.
In San Juan La Laguna, you’ll find colorful murals, handicrafts, and streets full of Mayan traditions. Nearby, you can hike to the Maya Face viewpoint. You can stay at: Eco Hotel Uxlabil, Posada Woochooch, and El Chirris Tzanjay.
San Marcos La Laguna offers a beautiful view of San Pedro Volcano and is a perfect spot for those seeking tranquility and activities related to yoga and meditation. You can stay at: Lush Atitlán, Del Lago Hotel, and El Dragon Hotel.
In San Pedro La Laguna, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. It’s also the starting point for climbing San Pedro Volcano. You can stay at: Mikaso Hotel, Amigos, and Hotel Xetawaal.
Check available accommodation deals now!
Get your tickets to Lake Atitlán here!
Tip: Save time and money by booking on platforms like GuruWalk, Civitatis, or Denomades. We recommend these sites because, in addition to being secure, they allow you to compare prices, read reviews from other travelers, learn about the itineraries in detail, and know exactly what each tour includes.
GuruWalk: Exclusively for free walking tours worldwide. Civitatis: Offers a wide variety of tours, guided visits, and excursions in hundreds of destinations. Denomades: Specializes in nature and adventure activities in Latin America.
On these platforms, you can book at very competitive prices, sometimes even better than at the destination! Plus, they offer a great variety of payment methods and, in many cases, have flexible cancellation policies that allow you to get a refund up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
Discover your next free tour on GuruWalk
Check out available activities on Civitatis
Book the best tours in Latin America on Denomades
Bonus: Visit Tikal National Park
It would be impossible to wrap up this list of places to visit near Antigua Guatemala without mentioning Tikal National Park. Though these ancient ruins are over 550 kilometers away, it is undoubtedly a must-see destination while traveling through the country of eternal spring.
Exploring Tikal will immerse you in the Guatemalan jungle, offering the chance to discover an ancient Maya city filled with imposing pyramids, massive temples, and ceremonial plazas. It’s also a prime spot for birdwatching, as you may encounter various species of birds, monkeys, foxes, and, with some luck, the Quetzal, the national bird with deep cultural significance.
To get to Tikal from Antigua Guatemala, you’ll need at least 3 days, as you’ll travel by land to the city of Flores and then head to the archaeological park. The journey takes approximately 10 hours, and you can buy tickets here. If you’re short on time, take this one-day tour, which includes a flight from Guatemala City.
By the way, if you haven’t booked your flights to Guatemala yet, here are some links to check flight prices for your desired dates (you can change the currency in the top-right corner):
How to Book the Tikal Ruins Guided Day Trip From Flores? Securing your visit is very simple. Just click here to view the detailed tour description, including pricing, what’s included, and traveler reviews. Next, select your preferred date, the number of participants, click "Check Availability," choose your preferred time slot, and hit "Book Now" to proceed with payment.
One great perk of booking any of these Guatemala tours is that you can make your payment up to 72 hours before the activity begins. Plus, if any issues arise or you need to cancel or reschedule, you can modify your booking up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
Click here to see prices and more details for the Tikal tour!
Travel Tips for Antigua Guatemala
Now that you have an idea of what to visit in Antigua Guatemala, let’s share some tips for your trip:
The weather in Antigua Guatemala is mild, but there can be temperature variations between day and night. We recommend bringing comfortable clothing and extra layers to adjust to these changes. If you plan to visit a volcano, make sure to wear shoes with good grip.
Antigua Guatemala is generally a safe city, but it’s important to take basic precautions, like keeping an eye on your valuables, staying alert in crowded areas, and avoiding walking alone late at night.
When it comes to accommodation, Antigua offers a wide range of options, from luxury hotels to hostels and budget-friendly houses. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially on weekends and during peak season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Antigua Guatemala? Antigua Guatemala is a city located in the Sacatepéquez department in Guatemala, Central America. It is approximately 40 kilometers from Guatemala City, the capital of the country.
What to see in Antigua Guatemala? Antigua is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, cobbled streets, and historical significance. It is a tourist destination where you can enjoy the architectural beauty and its rich pre-Columbian history.
What are the events and festivals in Antigua Guatemala? Some of the most popular events include Semana Santa (Holy Week) with its processions and sawdust carpets, the Giant Kites Festival, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), and the Flower Festival.
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