A 5 Day Guide to Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Hugo Tomas
Curated By

Hugo Tomas

  • Guatemala

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Digital Nomad Travel

  • History

  • Architecture

  • Local Culture

  • Sightseeing

Colorful buildings in Antigua.
Curator’s statement

Antigua, Guatemala was the first capital settled by the Spanish in Guatemala in the 1500’s. After a series of catastrophes in the 1700’s the city was relocated to its current location in Guatemala City. Antigua, Guatemala is a beautiful Colonial city just a short flight away from the Eastern coast of the US.

A fun fact is that I was born in Antigua, Guatemala, hence my love for the city! I have always enjoyed walking around the city's cobblestones and wandering around the many colonial ruins! Antigua, Guatemala is full of life and color. At every turn of the corner you can find a new picture-perfect vibrant wall!

The Fora Difference

Book with Hugo to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Icon Travel Perks
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Icon Recommendations
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Icon Inside Knowledge
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Unlock perks by contacting Hugo to book your trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Guatemala City

The Arco de Santa Catalina is known for its iconic yellow facade and scenic backdrop of the Agua Volcano.

Arrive at the Guatemala City airport and take the Hotel Shuttle directly from the airport into Antigua, Guatemala. Once you check into the Hotel, you can get ready to explore the many beautiful streets of Antigua and can easily stop by the Antigua's central park and the Arco de Santa Catalina on your way to dinner at Rooftop Antigua, where you are likely to witness Fuego Volcano's eruption that are mesmerizing, especially at night time! Then head back and rest for another full day of exploring.

Day 2: Coffee Plantation & La Calle del Arco

Area at Finca La Azotea

Start your day by grabbing breakfast at the beautiful coffee plantation Finca La Azotea on the outskirts of the city and enjoy exploring the beautiful grounds, with many vendors on site. You can easily spend a morning and afternoon on site! Take a horse-back ride through the plantation and enjoy a coffee tour, especially recommended if you are visiting during coffee harvest season (January and February)!

Head back into Antigua and grab dinner at La Fonda de la Calle Real a favorite of mine for date nights with my wife when we are in town.

Spend the rest of the evening walking around La Calle del Arco. Which offers many souvenir shops.

Day 3: Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano offers adventurous hikes and unique experience.

Take a day trip to nearby Pacaya Volcano, where you can roast marshmallows or eat pizza baked in the Volcano’s lava.

Day 4: Local Markets and Colonial Ruins

The Ruinas del Convento de Santa Clara are the captivating remnants of an 18th-century convent.

Spend the day visiting local markets and colonial ruins. El Mercado del Carmen is a great stop to shop for souvenirs, you can the visit Ruinas del Convento de Capuchinas, Ruinas del Convento de Santa Clara or Ruinas de la Recolección just to name a few.

Day 5: Last Day

View of Fuego Volcano from Tenedor del Cerro.

Enjoy both panoramic views of Anita and breakfast at Tenedor del Cerro, then head back to the hotel spa for a relaxing massage before heading back to the airport.

Advisor - Hugo Tomas

Travel Advisor

Hugo Tomas

Get in touch with Hugo

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Hugo within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Guatemala. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Leslie Overton’s itinerary, Cultural Immersion Guatemala: 7-Day Itinerary.

We use cookies to enhance the user experience. Read our Privacy Policy here.