Curator’s statement
After two months of traveling through Central America, Antigua stood out as my favorite destination. This charming, walkable town offers the perfect blend of experiences — from incredible food and exciting adventures to relaxing spas, rich culture, and endless shopping. While it’s considered the most expensive spot in Guatemala, Americans will still find the prices refreshingly affordable.
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Where to stay in Antigua
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Things to do in Antigua
Ruins, ruins and more ruins: You’ll hear a lot about Antigua’s famous ruins — and for good reason. They’re absolutely worth exploring. While there are many to choose from, be sure not to miss Catedral de San José, Convento Santa Clara, El Convento de Capuchinas and Palacio de los Capitanes.
Spa day at Casa Santo Domingo: Even if you’re not staying at this iconic hotel, it’s absolutely worth visiting just for a spa day. The grounds are breathtaking, featuring a serene outdoor pool with luxurious lounge chairs, a hot tub and steam room set inside ancient ruins and a sauna. This is all accessible for the entire day when you book a treatment. It’s truly an unforgettable experience.
Shop 'til you drop: Antigua offers some seriously fantastic shopping. Wander through the sprawling Mercado Central, browse the beautifully curated Luna Zorro boutique. Hunt for vintage gems at Tarabá. Discover stunning jade jewelry at Xibalba and don’t miss Cerería Evelia del Pinal — the oldest candle shop in town.
Volcanoes: Antigua is famous for its two iconic volcano hikes: Pacaya and Acatenango. Pacaya is the more approachable option, with a total hike time of about 2–3 hours. You will often see smoke, sometimes even flowing lava. It’s popular to toast marshmallows over volcanic vents — but be aware that there are often locals along the trail who may demand payment to continue hiking. Acatenango, on the other hand, is a serious adventure. This very challenging hike is best done with a guide. The popular option is to camp overnight near the summit to watch the neighboring Fuego Volcano erupt dramatically at sunset and sunrise. If you’re not up for the full climb, you can pay for a 4x4 ride that takes you most of the way up — whether you see that as "cheating" or simply maximizing your time is up to you! Be sure you have been in Antigua for at least two full days to acclimate to the altitude before tackling this adventure.
Get your museum on: Antigua offers a rich cultural scene with museums like the Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala (MUNAG) and Museo de Santiago. Both are housed within the historic Palacio de los Capitanes. Don’t miss the Museo del Jade, which delves into the Maya's sacred connection to jade. For something a little more off-the beaten-path, visit La Nueva Fábrica, a vibrant contemporary art museum with strong community ties. And while you’re there, be sure to stop by Felisa Café, located inside an old “chicken bus” right next door — a truly unique spot!
Just wander: The best part of Antigua is simply strolling through its charming streets. Admire the colonial architecture, and discover pop-up events or hidden gems along the way. It’s a highly walkable town, but watch out for those cobblestones — they can be a bit tricky!
Places to eat & drink in Antigua
Por Qué No Café: Hands down, the best meal I have had. The food is absolutely incredible, and the setting is uniquely cozy — you won’t want to miss it. Just go.
El Comalote: For a taste of traditional Guatemalan cuisine, head here and watch them make fresh tortillas by hand.
Doña María Gordillo: Stop by this charming candy shop to try authentic Guatemalan treats.
Rosanna: A lovely farm-to-table spot offering brunch and dinner in a beautiful patio setting.
Franca: Enjoy delicious sandwiches on homemade bread at this cozy café with a rooftop that offers stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes.
27 Adentro: Savor elevated Latin American dishes at this gorgeous restaurant — don’t miss their famous beef tostones!
Caoba Farms: Venture outside town to this organic farm, which includes a restaurant, butterfly sanctuary and a play area for kids.
McDonald's and Starbucks: Never thought I’d include these on an international guide, but both locations are voted as the most beautiful in the world, so it’s worth checking them out — even if you’re not eating there!
Gerty's Bar, Restaurant and Art Gallery: This is the perfect spot for a drink and live music in a vibrant atmosphere.
Antigua Cerveza - El Bosque: Antigua has several breweries, but this one has the best vibe and the beer holds up!
12 Onzas: You can’t go wrong with the coffee here — it’s some of the best in the world. If I had to pick, this place served my favorite latte.
Need to know
Antigua can be anywhere from 1–3 hours away from the airport depending on traffic — it can get really bad! Try to time your arrival mid-day or late evening for the easiest transport. Also, you will be at a high elevation (5,030 feet), which is almost as high as Denver, so be sure to focus on hydration, especially that first day! This location can also be easily tacked on to spending time at Lake Atitlan.
Travel Advisor
Hallie Riswold
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