Best Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
This guide will help you plan the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala. From colonial buildings and ruins to volcano hikes, rooftop cafes, colorful markets, and amazing viewpoints…Antigua has it all!
Why Visit Antigua, Guatemala
Surrounded by three volcanoes, Antigua, Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and charm. This small town is rightfully one of Guatemala’s most popular destinations.
Whether you’re drawn to history, coffee, culture, or hiking, Antigua offers a little of everything. It’s easy to spend several days here, there are endless opportunities for exploration and so many cafes to try out!
Here are the Best Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala for Adventure Seekers, Hikers, Coffee lovers, and Culture Enthusiasts:
Outdoor Adventures and Day Trips from Antigua
Hike Pacaya Volcano
On a clear day plan your hike to one of Guatemala’s most accessible active volcanoes, Pacaya. It’s the perfect half day trip where you can experience a surreal lava landscape and roast marshmallows over hot volcanic rocks. Tours run daily from Antigua.
Overnight Acatenango Volcano Trek
If you’re up for a challenge, the Acatenango volcano hike is a bucket list adventure. From the base camp of Acatenango volcano, you’ll get a front row view of Fuego Volcano erupting with lava bursts and smoke plumes!
We regrettably missed out on this experience, but it is on the top of our list for next time we visit Guatemala. Don’t have the same FOMO as me…book the guided overnight trek!
Top Attractions in Antigua, Guatemala
Santa Catalina Arch (Arco de Santa Catalina)
The Santa Catalina Arch is visually stunning and one of my favorite places in the city. On a clear day, the bright yellow arch will perfectly frame the Agua Volcano. You can’t miss it!
Iglesia de La Merced
Iglesia de La Merced is one of Antigua’s most beautiful churches and is known for its vibrant yellow exterior.
The best part of this attraction is visiting the rooftop for amazing views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. It’s free to enter inside the church, but you must pay a small fee to access the rooftop.
The Ruins of Cathedral of San Jose (Catedral de San José)
The Cathedral of San Jose is right in the heart of Antigua, on the city’s main square. The ruins are behind the church, you can access them to the right of the cathedral for a small fee (20Q).
The ruins of the old cathedral are full of history, catacombs, and roofless arches. Despite the damage suffered by earthquakes, a unique beauty still remains. Walking through the tall pillars and arches you can imagine how grand it once was.
Best Ruins and Historic Sites in Antigua Guatemala
The architecture and historical buildings scattered around Antigua are stunning. Wandering through these crumbling convents and churches feels like stepping back in time.
One of the best ways to explore the historic ruins is to simply go for a walk around town. Don’t forget your camera, the architecture is a dream for photography lovers.
Highlights include the beautiful courtyard of Convento de las Capuchinas, the impressive arches of Convento Santa Clara, and the San Francisco Church & Ruins, home to the shrine of Saint Hermano Pedro.
Best Coffee Tours and Food Experiences in Antigua
Tour a Guatemalan Coffee Plantation
Antigua is surrounded by lush highlands that grow some of the world’s best coffee. If you want to really dive into the coffee scene, visit a local coffee farm like Finca Filadelfia or De la Gente for a guided tour from bean to cup.
You’ll learn about the growing, harvesting, and roasting process…and of course, sample some fresh brews.
Try Traditional Guatemalan Street Food
One of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to experience Antigua’s culture is by sampling its local street food. I don’t know about you, but I can never say no to a churro.
Around the city’s markets and plazas you can find vendors serving up local favorites and traditional Guatemalan food. Check out Mercado Central, Parque Central, and La Merced Church area on the weekends for food stalls and vendors.
If you are a foodie, consider booking a street food tour that will take you to all the best places!
Cafes with Rooftop Views in Antigua
Antigua has no shortage of rooftops with great volcano views. Many hotels offer rooftops as well as restaurants and coffee shops; perfect for a drink, coffee with a view, or golden hour photography.
Here are a few we tried and loved:
📍Cafe Sky
📍Bella Vista Coffee
Sip Your Way Through Antigua’s Cafe Scene
Antigua’s coffee culture is strong, literally and figuratively! One of my favorite things to do in Antigua was cafe hopping between spots to taste the different styles of local coffee while soaking in vibes.
Here are a few of my favorite cafes:
☕️ Union Cafe
☕️ Fat Cat Coffee House
☕️ Cafe Boheme
☕️ Artista de Cafe
☕️ 12 Onzas
Best Markets and Cultural Experiences in Antigua Guatemala
Mercado Central & Artisan Markets
Antigua offers many great places to shop for souvenirs with the opportunity to support the local community.
I loved the vibrant designs, everything was so colorful. My favorite souvenirs I purchased from Guatemala are hand painted coffee cups. My only regret is I wish I would have bought more.
The best local markets are Mercado de Artesanias or Nim Po’t. You’ll find everything from handmade textiles to jade jewelry and ceramics. Don’t be afraid to bargain politely.
ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum)
Cacao is a big deal in Guatemala’s history. The ancient Maya considered it a sacred gift from the gods, used in ceremonies and even as currency.
Today, traditional chocolate making techniques live on in Antigua. The ChocoMuseo sits off the main plaza overlooking Parque Central. This is where you can learn about cacao’s history in Guatemala, taste different varieties, join a chocolate making class, or simply buy some sweet treats.
Cooking Classes or Spanish Lessons in Antigua, Guatemala
Immersive experiences like Guatemalan cooking classes or intensive Spanish courses (if you have extended time in Antigua) give you a deeper connection to local culture.
Many classes are hosted in family homes or community kitchens, offering a personal and authentic experience. Not only do you get a delicious meal, but you also gain insight into the flavors that define traditional Guatemalan food.
Parque Central
You can’t miss Parque Central (Central Park) in downtown Antigua, it’s the hub of the community. The park is lively day and night with markets, vendors, music, and culture.
The streets surrounding the park are lined with shops, cafes, and beautiful architecture. It’s a great place to stop and take a rest as you’re exploring the streets of this UNESCO city.
Best Viewpoints in Antigua, Guatemala
Cerro de la Cruz (Cross on the Hill)
A short hike to Cerro de la Cruz rewards you with panoramic views over Antigua, framed by the Volcán de Agua in the background.
It’s a short 15–20 minute uphill walk from the center of town. There’s a paved staircase that will lead you to the top. It’s the perfect spot for sunrise or sunset photos and doesn’t require much time or effort to reach.
Hobbitenango
You have likely seen photos of Hobbitenango on social media. It’s a quirky eco-park high in the hills above Antigua known for its “hobbit house” aesthetic, giant swings, trails, games, viewpoints and photo spots like the “hand in the sky” platform.
It’s a 30 minute drive from Antigua and costs Q55 to enter (approximately $7 USD). Although we didn’t make the trip up the mountain to visit Hobbitenango, it seems like a fun place for photos and lunch with a view.
Earth Lodge
Just outside town, Earth Lodge offers daily yoga classes, hiking, Shaman led Mayan ceremonies, ATV tours, a Mayan Temazcal sauna and ice bath, and farm-to-table meals. You can also expect an amazing view over Antigua.
Spend an afternoon here by purchasing a day pass or stay overnight in their treehouse cabins.
Wellness and Relaxation in Antigua Guatemala
After sightseeing, Antigua is also a great place to unwind. Yoga studios and boutique spas offer massages, facials, and temazcal (Mayan sauna) sessions that will refresh your body and mind. Many hotels offer access to these types of wellness experiences or you can find spas and studios in the city center.
Many boutique hotels feature courtyards or rooftop terraces, perfect for relaxing with a book and taking in the views. We spent most evenings relaxing on the rooftop of our hotel, Meson Panza Verde.
Practical Tips for Visiting Antigua
Best Time of Year to Visit Antigua, Guatemala
The best time to visit Antigua is during the dry season, from November to April, when you’ll enjoy sunny days, cool evenings, and clear volcano views. This is also the most popular travel season, so expect more visitors and slightly higher prices.
The rainy season (May to October) brings lush green landscapes and fewer tourists, but afternoon showers are common. It can still be a good time if you don’t mind a bit of rain.
Getting Around the City
Getting around Antigua is easy and affordable. The city is compact and walkable, we were able to walk everywhere we wanted to go within 20 minutes or so.
For longer distances or when you’re tired, tuk-tuks are a fun and inexpensive way to zip around town.
If you’re interested in exploring beyond the city, plenty of guided tours and day trips are available to nearby volcanoes, coffee farms, and villages.
Antigua is one of those rare destinations that truly has it all: adventure, beauty, culture, and an incredibly welcoming vibe. This is a destination I still dream about returning to! Whether you’re hiking a volcano, sipping coffee, or wandering ancient ruins, you can’t help but fall in love with Antigua.
🇬🇹 If you’re planning a longer trip, check out my Complete 2-Week Guatemala Itinerary for ideas on combining Antigua with Lake Atitlan, Tikal, and more!
Save & Share 🤗
