Guatemala

Antigua, Guatemala, is a city where time seemed to have paused. A place where history, culture and nature blend beautifully. It is filled with colonial charm and surrounded by dramatic volcanic landscapes.

We spent a full week in Guatemala with our three sons, ages 8–13. It makes an amazing family vacation, full of adventure and culture, but also would be an ideal destination for couples, solo travel or friends. It is a place for all ages. Each experience is so rich, and the people are so kind and the country so diverse. You could spend weeks here and not run out of things to do! For a one-week time frame, my top three destinations are Antigua, Lake Atitlan and Tikal.

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.

History and nature lovers will delight in the endless sights of ancient Maya sites, rainforests and active volcanoes in this country where the landscape is stunning everywhere you look. The artistic heritage is also incredibly rich, from paintings to weaving and poetry – and honestly the culture doesn’t get nearly enough credit. Most of the hotels in Guatemala are small and privately owned, offering travelers a more intimate experience.

Antigua, Guatemala, is a charming destination full of life, color and rich culture. Surrounded by majestic volcanoes — some of them active! — it offers the perfect backdrop for your dream wedding while giving your guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As a travel advisor, tourism and hospitality professional and someone who celebrated my own wedding in Antigua, I can confidently say this destination stands out for its breathtaking scenery, exceptional service and warm hospitality. Plus, it offers unbeatable value for money.

This guide is based on my personal experience, and I’d be delighted to help you plan your dream destination wedding!

Guatemala is a place where history, culture and nature blend in the most captivating way. From the cobblestone streets of Antigua to the serene waters of Lake Atitlan, there’s a sense of timelessness here that invites you to slow down and connect with both the land and its people. The vibrant markets, ancient ruins and volcanoes create an environment that is both awe-inspiring and deeply grounding. Guatemala offers an authentic journey, one that leaves a lasting imprint on your soul.

Guatemala is the true biodiverse gem of Latin America, and its capital Antigua is a gorgeous city with a European vibe. Antigua is a historic, colonial city with a looming volcano in its background. Ranging from cultural to natural experiences, Antigua is the perfect location to experience the best of Guatemala, both for adults and younger visitors. It is also quite an aesthetically-pleasing destination, so bring your camera and shoot away. Indulge in the beauty of this often-undermined Latin American country through a safe and family-friendly holiday in Antigua, Guatemala.

Our visit to the charming, colonial city of Antigua was full of wonder and surprise! Nestled within lush, green mountains and surrounded by four active volcanoes, there is plenty of adventure and exploration to go around for visitors of all experience levels. Walk the original cobblestone streets of this 500-year-old city. Pop into any one of the local cafes, restaurants or pubs for freshly roasted coffee, a hearty Guatemalan meal and friendly people who welcome your business. Book full or half-day tours to see the volcanoes by foot or horseback and marvel at the molten lava while roasting marshmallows! Antigua is colorful, vibrant, rich in history, and offers visitors of all ages a memorable experience worth taking.