Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide

Antigua is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the world, making it one of the most charming destinations in Central America. This historic city boasts magnificent examples of colonial architecture. During your stay, you will experience the atmosphere of ancient times in this colonial city.

The colonial history of Antigua is ever-present. The cobblestone streets are lined with monumental Baroque-style buildings and ruins, and you will also see plazas with fountains and stunning cathedrals. Offering an outstanding variety of international and local cuisine, cafés, bars and museums, Antigua combines a bit of everything. This picturesque town welcomes people from all over the world all year round thanks to its perfect climate and vibrant cultural life.

Things to Do in Antigua

Visiting Antigua

The town of Antigua is a museum of Spanish colonial history, showcasing amazing Baroque influences. The architecture is a work of art; every corner of this stunning old town is breathtaking. Due to its geographical location, the houses and buildings were constructed to be strong and withstand natural disasters. The use of thick stone walls and columns is the reason why the buildings are so well-preserved.

This old city is guarded by three of Guatemala's most photographed volcanoes: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. These volcanoes can be accessed directly from Antigua Guatemala and offer hiking tours of varying difficulty.

The area around Antigua is also renowned for its high-quality coffee. The area's favourable climate, altitude, volcanic soil and coffee-growing traditions make Antigua's coffee some of the best in the world. One of the best things to do is to visit a coffee plantation to learn about the production process, try your hand at latte art and sample some freshly made coffee.

Nowhere else in Guatemala has such a wide variety of restaurants in one small area. You can choose between cuisines from around the world or traditional Guatemalan food. By sampling the diverse flavours and dishes of Guatemala, you can truly experience the culture. You will also find traditional sweet shops, which play an important role in Guatemalan identity. These candies are made using honey, sugar, milk and lots of fruit to give them colour and flavour.

Excursions from Antigua to Other Destinations Nearby

Guatemala City
Guatemala City is very close to Antigua Guatemala and offers a different perspective on Guatemalan culture. This modern city has grown considerably in the last 50 years, and visitors will find museums, markets, shopping malls, and a wide range of cultural activities.

Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast, with its black volcanic sand, stretches 250 km (155 miles) from the Mexican border to El Salvador. Monterrico is the most popular beach, offering a great place to relax, enjoy the beach atmosphere and eat fresh seafood.

Lake Atitlán
This famous lake is one of the most beautiful destinations in Guatemala, easily accessible from Antigua Guatemala. Surrounded by more than a dozen villages, Lake Atitlán's natural beauty is not to be missed. Each town and village has its own unique style of clothing, depending on its traditions and language.

Shopping in Antigua

Antigua has shops to suit all budgets. Take a stroll around this vibrant city and discover some amazing stores. Handicrafts are widely available here. Street stalls and stalls inside many buildings offer a wide selection of goods. You're sure to find the perfect piece of Mayan culture to take home with you.

Antigua Museums and Architectonical Treasures

Antigua Cathedral
Having been destroyed several times by earthquakes, the remains of this beautiful cathedral are a prime example of colonial architecture. Once one of the most important buildings on the continent, the cathedral in Antigua is now in ruins. Behind its impressive exterior lie the ruins of the building — the beautiful remains of this church.

The Santa Catalina Arch (Calle del Arco)
This is the main emblematic symbol of Antigua. Originally built in 1694 as part of the Convent of the Virgin, it allowed the nuns to walk across it without being seen, in keeping with their vows of seclusion. Today, it is one of the most important commercial streets in Antigua.

San Carlos University
Built in 1676, it is one of Antigua's most beautiful architectural masterpieces. The main building of this complex houses the Museo de Arte Colonial, which boasts an extensive collection of art from past centuries, making it the largest of its kind in Guatemala.

Museum Casa del Tejido
This is the best place to learn about the history and meaning of every type of fabric produced by the indigenous people of Guatemala. Here, you will find a selection of fabrics from across the country. The site comprises a market, a workshop and a museum.

Add Antigua to your trip planner, or choose one of our packages to experience everything the city has to offer.