Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide

Why should you trust me and take my advice? 

I moved to Guatemala to be with my husband, and I’ve been lucky to call this country my new home.  We spend all our free time traveling all over this incredible country and we’ve traveled multiple times to the most popular tourist destinations in Guatemala.  My advice and travel tips are based on extensive experience.  

If you have a long list of questions or if you need help creating a customized Guatemala itinerary then please click here to book a travel consultation with me. For an introduction to traveling to Guatemala, click here for my Ultimate Guatemala Travel Guide.

An overview of Antigua

Antigua is the most popular tourist destination in Guatemala and I’ve been lucky to have spent weeks visiting and exploring this beautiful city.   I’ve traveled a lot in Latin America and in my opinion, this is the most beautiful city in the region.  Now that I live in Guatemala City I feel lucky that I get to visit so often and I am continuously updating this blog post with new recommendations.  

There are so many things to see and do in Antigua.  From cooking classes and chocolate workshops to incredible volcano hikes and historical walking tours, this city really has it all!  In this guide I will provide all my best tips for activities, hotels, transportation, and restaurants.  

Please keep in mind that Antigua is overall, the most expensive place to visit in Guatemala.  

Transportation options and how to get to Antigua

If you stay within the city center of Antigua then it’s easy to walk around and explore the most popular sites.  Uber works in Antigua and you can take a tuk-tuk or an Uber to some of the sites just outside of the center.  I recommend using Uber instead of a tuk-tuk because lately, the drivers have been charging highly inflated prices while the Uber price is set.  Not only are the Uber prices usually lower but the vehicles are more comfortable than trying to squish into a small tuk-tuk with a strong smell of exhaust. 

In order to get to Antigua, you should expect it to take 1-2 hours to drive from Guatemala City (depending on traffic). It’s approximately a 3 hour drive to Antigua from Panajachel, Lake Atitlán and it takes approximately 3.5 – 4 hours to drive from San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlán to Antigua.  It’s approximately a 7.5 – 8 hour drive from Semuc Champey to Antigua.  

Private Transportation:

For the most secure and convenient option, I suggest booking a private driver with GuateDriver.  They are my go-to private transfer company in Guatemala and you can contact them at +502-3775-7831 or info@guatedriver.com. 

I have compared Guate Driver’s prices to other transportation companies in Guatemala and their rates are either better or equal.  Please note that I cannot provide specific prices for GuateDriver because every trip is different.  GuateDriver will provide you with a quote based on the date (sometimes holidays can cost more), the time of day (the middle of the night will cost more), and the size of your group.  Moreover, if you ask to make a detour or stop somewhere then the cost could be different.  For example, if you want to stop at Hobbitenango before getting dropped off at your hotel in Antigua then they can do this but it will be an additional cost.  

Uber:

You can use Uber to take you from the Guatemala City international airport to arrive in Antigua.  However, I don’t always recommend this option and it’s most for security reasons.  I have yet to have a problem using Uber in Guatemala but I have heard from other foreigners that they have had slight issues traveling between the capital and Antigua.  For example, some drivers have pulled over along the remote side of the road and demanded more money.  I’ve heard this from quite a few people and I am under the impression that most drivers don’t actually want to take the route from the capital to Antigua (most likely because they don’t get paid enough).

Another small drawback to taking Uber is that sometimes it can take a while for them to show up at the airport.  The traffic arriving at the airport can be very bad and I’ve waited up to 45 minutes for my Uber to arrive.

If you’re arriving at the airport at night or if you’re alone and don’t speak Spanish then I recommend paying the extra $10 to book a driver through GuateDriver.  They will already be waiting for you at the airport while holding up a sign.  It’s worth paying a little extra for the comfort and security!  

Shared tourist shuttles:

Another transportation option is to book a shared shuttle from Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan, or another destination to arrive in Antigua.  I recommend using the GuateGo platform to search for a specific route.  For example, you can book a shuttle from the Guatemala City airport to Antigua, or from Antigua to Panajachel, Lake Atitlán.  There are many other routes such as from El Paredón to Antigua or Lanquín (Semuc Champey) to Antigua and vice versa.  The shuttles are available multiple times a day leaving and arriving in Antigua and you can view all the times on the GuateGo platform.  

Click here to search for shuttles to and from Antigua Guatemala

These shuttles transport a number of tourists together and everyone pays a reduced price compared to private transportation.  The price is especially affordable for solo travelers but if you are a group of 3 or more than the price is not as economical and I recommend booking private transportation.  

The shuttles are safe.  However, some of them drive quickly and tourists (including myself) sometimes complain about motion sickness.  Especially when they are driving through mountains and on curved roads.  If you suffer from motion sickness and plan to use the tourist shuttles then I recommend buying less-drowsy dramamine (click here for my favorite product) or a motion sickness patch (click here). 

 

Where to stay in Antigua

There are numerous hotel options in Antigua, from hostels to mid-range and luxury hotels.  One thing to note is that Antigua has the most expensive hotel options.  So prices will likely be more expensive than you would expect for Guatemala.  

I like to use Booking.com to find and reserve hotels.  I recommend this because if someone frequently uses the platform, it rewards loyalty with different tiers of customer service, free breakfasts and discounts off bookings.  

Below are a few of my Antigua hotel recommendations (I’ve stayed at every hotel on this list): 

• Budget-friendly hotel:  Click here to book Hotel Meson de Maria.  This hotel is located near the central plaza and is a charming colonial has that has been converted to a hotel.  This hotel is in an amazing location, has high reviews, and is an affordable price.  
• Mid-range hotel:  Click here to book Mestizo Antigua.  This is a modern hotel with high reviews, a terrace, and a lush garden.  It’s a great hotel to book for the price point.  
• Luxury hotel: Click here to book Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo.  This might just be the best hotel in Guatemala!  The hotel is located in the impressive ruins of a former convent.  The hotel has a spa, a museum, a lush garden, and beautiful rooms!  

The best tours and activities in Antigua

There are plenty of free things to do in Antigua but also, activities and tours.  This city is full of cultural, historical, and hiking activities.  After spending months of my life here I think I have an extensive list of recommendations that can help any traveler!  

• Take a historical and cultural walking tour of Antigua.  This will help you learn about the city and provide a high level overview of everything to see. Click here to book this walking tour.  
• The second activity I’ll recommend is free!  I suggest visiting a place called Cerro de la Cruz.  This is a hill with a big cross with the best view above the city of Antigua!  You can put the name “Cerro de la Cruz” into Google Maps or Waze and either walk there from central Antigua (30-45 minutes partially upstairs/uphill) or take an Uber or Tuk Tuk.  If you have your own vehicle, there is a parking lot.  
• Another one of my favorite activities in Antigua is to book a cooking class and/or food tour with Kukul Tales!  In my opinion, this is the best way to learn about traditional food in Guatemala.  Click here to book a traditional food cooking class or a food tour with Kukul Tales.   
• Many tourists visit Antigua but don’t realize that there are incredible, colonial ruins to visit.  For a small entrance fee, you can explore the most beautiful ruins including  Las Capuchinas, Santa Clara, and La Recolección.
• One of my favorite ways to learn about the culture and to support the local community is to take a backstrap looming class.  You can learn this ancient Maya tradition in one class or multiple classes at a studio.  I loved this experience and they offer both teachers in English or Spanish.  Click here to book a traditional weaving class with Kakaw Designs. 
• Hobbitenango is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Antigua and for good reason! This is a hobbit style theme park in the mountains of Antigua and with incredible views of the volcano.  My favorite way to visit the theme park is by ATV tour.  Click here to book this ATV tour to Hobbitenango.
• Another free activity is to visit Parque Central in Antigua which is the central plaza.  This is the busiest part of the city and the plaza has a beautiful fountain in the middle.  The plaza is surrounded by a historical church and other buildings with a museum, restaurants, chocolate making workshop, and more.  I love coming here just to sit and people watch.
• The Acatenango hike is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had anywhere in the world (and I’ve traveled to 71 countries total).  It’s a must if you’re a hiking enthusiast!  Something to note is that this is a very difficult hike and I only recommend booking if you’re in decent shape for a challenging experience. Click here to book the overnight Acatenango hike.
• If you’re looking for an experience that includes a historical and cultural tour of Antigua plus a visit to Hobbitenango in one day then I think that’s a great idea!  In my opinion, this is the best way to see as much as possible if you are short on time.  Click here to book a guided Antigua tour plus a visit to Hobbitenango.  
• Chocolate has deep roots in Guatemala.  The cacao tree is native to the Maya world and this is why I recommend learning about the ancient process to make chocolate in Guatemala.  Click here to book a chocolate making tour.
• Everyone hears about the Acatenango volcano tour but there’s another volcano hike that is also amazing and much easier, but without witnessing constant eruptions and lava.  Pacaya is an active volcano so you can’t reach the crater but it is possible to hike much of the volcano and have amazing views!  My favorite way to see the volcano is by ATV.  Click here to book the Pacaya Volcano ATV Tour.
• Another activity just outside of Antigua is to visit Antigua Boreal and go on the giant rainbow slide!  The best way to get here is to ask for an Uber and put “Antigua Boreal” into the Uber.  It should take 20-25 minutes to get here and you can order an Uber to pick you up to return to Antigua.
• Another free activity is to visit the Arco de Santa Catalina, which is the famous yellow arch in Antigua.  This part of the city gets very busy during the day and is crowded with people.  Therefore, if you want that perfect Instagram photo then I recommend coming here just after sunrise!  You’ll also most likely be able to see the Agua Volcano clear in the background.
• If you’re short on time during your trip to Guatemala and can only stay for a few days in Antigua then I recommend booking a day trip to visit Lake Atitlan.  It’s a long day and you’ll need to leave early but you can still have the chance to visit the lake on a guided tour.  I do not recommend missing a visit to the most beautiful lake in the world during your trip to Guatemala!  Click here to book a day tour to visit three towns at Lake Atitlán.
• If you only have a one week trip to Guatemala then you can still plan a trip to visit the ancient Maya city of Tikal!  This historical site is located in the department of Petén, which is far from Guatemala City and Antigua. However, it is possible to book a day trip with a round trip flight to quickly visit and check this off your bucket list!  Click here to book a day trip to Tikal.
• Are you visiting Antigua for a special occasion?  Or are you wanting professional photos in one of the most beautiful cities in the world?  Click here to book a professional photoshoot in Antigua.
• Lastly, one of my favorite free activities in Antigua is to visit many of the churches and cathedrals in Antigua.  My favorites are Iglesia Merced, San Francisco el Grande, Iglesia del Carmen, and El Calvario Church.

Restaurant recommendations in Antigua

I think that Antigua, Guatemala is one of the best cities in the world for international and local cuisine!  There are so many incredible restaurants in the city and below is my list of recommendations.  

• Guatelaria is, in my opinion, the best restaurant to visit in Antigua for traditional Guatemala food!  The menu is extensive and it includes vegan and vegetarian options which is rare for traditional food.  The menu also offers an introductory overview of the traditional foods in Guatemala and I 10 out of 10 recommend! 
• Reyes del Asado is the restaurant with the best steaks in Antigua! This is a new restaurant owned by a Guatemalan who has had a restaurant in Guatemala City for many years.  He recently opened a new location in Antigua and if you love steak then you need to come here!  
• Aqua Antigua has the best rooftop view! Yes, there are several restaurants with a rooftop but in my opinion, this is the best.  You can book a table with them to watch the sunset (highly recommend) and the food is good too.  
• Once Once has the best vegan food in Antigua (in my opinion). It is a bit pricey but the food experience is amazing and especially if you don’t eat meat. 
• Caoba Farms is the best all natural farm to table restaurant in Antigua. 
• Antigua Brewing Company has the best local craft beers in the city! They also have an amazing rooftop view and delicious food.  
• Ulew Cocktail Bar is not a restaurant but in my opinion, this is one of the most unique places to have a drink in Antigua. They don’t have a menu but will make any type of cocktail to your desire!  Just tell them what you are in the mood for and they will mix something for you.  
• Frida’s is a Mexican restaurant.  I normally only recommend traditional Guatemalan food but, I love this restaurant.  The food is so good and it’s in a great location near the arch.  
• ITZAM Mayan Cuisine has the best modern Guatemalan food in Antigua! We have eaten here twice and loved the experience.  
• Samsara is an incredible vegetarian restaurant in Antigua. If you don’t eat meat then this is another one I recommend checking out!  
• For traditional Guatemalan food I like to eat lucnch at Rincon Antigueno.
• 27 Adrento is one of the best restaurants in Antigua. They offer a traditional Latin American menu and Guatemalan foods with vegetarian options.  I love ordering the traditional pepián from this restaurant!  
• La Cuevita de Los Urquizi is a traditional Guatemalan restaurant in Antigua and one of the things I love the most about it is that you can view all the soups and stews in the front when you initially walk in. You’ll know what your food will look like and they offer plates with options of different dishes.  

Weather in Antigua

The weather is usually in the 70s Farenheit during the day and in the high 50s and 60s at night.  You should pack a lightweight sweater or jacket to wear at night.  If you’re hiking Acatenango then you will need to bring a winter coat as it’s very cold at the campsite.  

The best time to travel to Antigua is from November – April, which is the dry season.  The coolest months are December, January, and February.  The warmest months are March, April, and May when the temperatures can get up to the low 80s.   During the rainy season, it’s usually dry and clear in the morning but it will often rain in the afternoon.  Usually it only rains for a few hours in the afternoon but this can vary.  

Are you traveling for Holy Week?  This is what you need to know!  

Antigua is the destination for one of the most important Holy Week celebrations on earth.  The processions in Antigua are world famous and considered one of the most elaborate alongside Seville, Spain.  This is the busiest or one of the busiest weeks of the year in Antigua and you must plan early if you want to visit during this time!

Holy Week runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.  The locals line the streets with alfombras (rugs made of sawdust, pine needles, flowers, and fruits and seeds), and there are daily processions during this time.  The most intense processions take place on Good Friday.  Good Friday and Holy Saturday are the most dramatic and crowded days.

You’ll need to fly into Guatemala City and then take a private transfer or a tourist shuttle from the airport to Antigua which usually takes 1-2 hours.  The traffic going from the capital to Antigua can be very busy during this time.  You should book a hotel to stay within walking distance of the historic city center of Antigua.  Keep in mind that vehicle access is limited during peak procession days.  The roads are blocked off for procession routes and you might need to walk a few blocks to your hotel while carrying your luggage.

The processions during these days run all day and night.  The key viewing spots are Arco de Santa Catalina, Catedral de San José, and Calle Ancha but it’s possible to see the processions in so many places around Antigua.  You can view the procession maps and time tables on the Antigua, Guatemala Muni social media accounts.  The links are listed below.

Muni Antigua, Guatemala on Facebook

Muni Antigua, Guatemala on Instagram

Antigua Travel Tips

• Safety:  I have always felt safe traveling in Antigua, Guatemala! Whether I have traveled alone or with my Guatemalan husband. I think any tourist will only need to take normal precautions in order to feel safe in Antigua.  You can read more about how I feel in regards to safety in Guatemala by clicking here for my main travel guide. 
• Medical emergencies and travel insurance:  Guatemala’s public healthcare system is not very good but you can find high-quality private healthcare available in the country.   You’ll need to pay upfront for any private hospital or doctor’s visits and sometimes it can be thousands of dollars.  The private hospitals will turn you away if you don’t have the money which is why I recommend having a travel insurance policy in place.  The insurance plan I have used in Guatemala is Safety Wing.  Their plans cover hospital stays, medications, surgery, travel delays, lost luggage, and more.   You can click here to sign up for a plan.   
• Language:  Most people in Guatemala speak Spanish and not English. Therefore, it’s important to at least learn the basics to be able to communicate with people. If you want to learn Spanish with self-paced lessons then I recommend.  Rocket Languages.  This is my favorite program because they combine listening, speaking, reading, and writing drills.  What I struggle with the most is pronunciation and Rocket Language has been helping me a lot because they have interactive audio lessons that simulate real conversations.  Click here to learn more about their cost and programs.
• Cash, credit cards, and ATMs:  You can use your credit cards in many restaurants and hotels in the main tourist areas in Guatemala. However, there are also cash only places such as small local restaurants, markets, tuk-tuk drivers,, lancha (boat) transportation, tips, and more.  You will absolutely need cash and I recommend using the local ATMs to cash out for a small fee (do not use the money exchange at the airport as they have a very bad rate).  
• Internet & data:  Most hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and restaurants will have free wi-fi. Although, at times it works well but sometimes it doesn’t!  If you need consistent data and wi-fi access then I suggest downloading an app with an eSim. Now that I live in Guatemala I use a local sim but when I was initially traveling here, I used Saily eSim.  This was easy to set up and I avoided going into the store in Guatemala to get a physical sim.  You can click here to download the app and set up service.
• Noise cancellation:  I recommend traveling to Guatemala with ear plugs because this country can be LOUD. I am not exaggerating as there are often weddings or just a celebration in Antigua in general with fireworks. If you bring ear plugs with you then you can thank me later. Click here for my favorite ear plugs. 
• Food & Water in Guatemala:  In Guatemala, the water from the faucet is not safe to drink, however, most restaurants will serve a glass of filtered water or bottled water.  I also recommend traveling to Guatemala with a water bottle with a built-in filter.  I use the Life Straw bottle in Guatemala and it completely filters out any of the bad stuff and works well!  You can buy this online by clicking here.   Also, if you’re the type of person who has a sensitive stomach then I recommend avoiding street food or eating anything raw.  Usually the raw vegetables are fine but as an extra precaution, I would skip those.  
• Portable safe:  In my experience, many hotels in Guatemala do not have a safe.  Therefore, I recommend buying a portable safe that can be locked to many different fixtures in a hotel room.  You can put your laptop, passport, extra cash, etc. inside this safe and hide your valuables.  Click here to buy the portable safe I’ve always used in Guatemala.  
• Sun protection: It can get very sunny in Guatemala and sunblock can be expensive here.  Oftentimes it’s double the price so whenever I’m in the U.S. I’ll stock up and bring it back with me.  I usually buy this sunscreen for my face and this for the rest of my body. 

 

Do  you  need  more  travel  tips  for  Guatemala? 

Check out my Ultimate Guide for Guatemala!  This blog post provides an introduction to traveling to Guatemala, a high level overview of how to plan a trip, what to expect, and my best travel tips for the country.  Click here to review this guide.  

You can also read my guides for other destinations in Guatemala:

 

• Lake Atitlan

• El Paredón

 

Or, if you need help with a customized itinerary then you can book a travel consultation with me!   Click here to review my calendar with availability and the cost for this service. 

 

Please note that some links on my site are affiliate links.  This means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you click through these links and make a booking or purchase. By using these links you’re supporting my blog so I can continue to publish content and travel recommendations for Guatemala. Something important to mention is that I only feature recommendations I believe in and use myself. Thank you!