Antigua in Spanish means ‘old’, so Antigua Guatemala literally translates to Old Guatemala.
Once the country’s capital, this UNESCO World Heritage city in Guatemala still feels steeped in history, with cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and dramatic ruins left behind by centuries of earthquakes.
Antigua Guatemala has been our base on multiple trips to Guatemala, the most recent one being for over a month. It is one of the easiest places in Guatemala to settle into, for its walkable streets, good gastronomy scene, great cafes, diverse local markets, interesting day trips and epic volcano adventures.
In this guide, we share with you our top things to do in Antigua Guatemala, for first-timers on short visits, as well as for people staying for longer.
We have grouped all activities in Antigua by interest, and have included practical tips to help you plan.
Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala: A Quick Overview
🏛️ Walkable Highlights: Explore the historic ruins and cobblestone streets, and admire the architecture. Start with this guided walking tour.
🌋 Volcano Hikes:
🥘 Food Experiences:
- Try traditional food, at local restaurants, markets, street
- Learn to make traditional dishes at this Guatemalan cooking class with a view
- Learn to make chocolate from beans at this chocolate workshop
- Sample Guatemalan coffee
➡️ Read our complete guide on Antigua Guatemala
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We originally published this blog post after our first trip to Antigua Guatemala by collaborating with fellow travel bloggers. Since then, we have returned to Antigua multiple times and have now updated this post with all our new discoveries.
Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala: Planning Tip
The Antigua town is walkable and easy to explore on foot, and the best things to do fall into a few buckets:
- history through streets and ruins
- volcano hikes
- viewpoints for sunrise and sunset
- food-focused experiences like chocolate and farm-to-table spots
Planning Tip: If you are short on time, prioritize one volcano hike, explore the ruins, and one viewpoint like Cerro de la Cruz, then fill the rest with food experiences and slow wandering on your own.
We organized this by category to help you quickly plan whether you are in town for a few days or staying longer.
Walkable Highlights of Antigua Town
Antigua Guatemala is compact, so most of the best in-town spots are easy to reach on foot from Parque Central.
This section focuses on walkable highlights, the places you can combine into a half-day or a full day exploration, without needing a shuttle or ride.
If you are short on time, start with the Santa Catalina Arch, a ruins stop and a viewpoint.
Go on a walking tour in Antigua
We like to start exploring a new city with a walking tour, especially for places like Antigua Guatemala, where history and culture run deep.
Why go: The quickest way to get oriented and understand Antigua’s history while seeing key highlights.
Time needed: 2 to 3 hours.
Cost: USD 25 per person.
DIY or tour? Guided tour. Check availability and book here.
Our tip: Do this early on your trip so you can revisit your favorite spots afterward on your own.
The 2 to 3 hours guided walk is worth the time to get oriented, learn the basics of Antigua’s past, including the earthquakes that shaped it, and learn about several of the main sights in one go.
We also love that it helps you figure out which places you want to return to later, once you are exploring at your own pace. It is also an easy, accessible way to meet other travelers, which is perfect if you have just arrived.
The tour leaves from Iglesia de la Merced, twice a day. We recommend taking the morning tour if your itinerary suits the timing, so that you have rest of the day to plan your activities accordingly.
Check availability of the Antigua walking tour here →
With inputs from Lara of The Best Travel Gifts.
Explore Antigua’s cobblestone streets & colorful architecture
One of the things we enjoy doing regularly in Antigua, is simply walk, slowly.
The cobblestone streets, old architecture, and colorful buildings, with views of the towering Agua volcano, and the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes in the distance, are what give the city its charm.
Why go: Antigua’s wonders are spread across the town, and often, we have found and observed interesting things by walking with no strict plan.
Time needed: An hour to a few hours, easy to stretch into a half-day.
Cost: Self-guided.
DIY or tour? DIY. Start around Parque Central and head toward Calle del Arco.
Our tip: Use the Parque Central as your focal point and plan your walking route.
You stumble on pretty doorways, courtyards, and volcano views when you least expect it, discover and observe the little things during the walk.
If you want to start simple, use Parque Central as your starting point and wander outward toward Calle del Arco, 5a Avenida Norte and Iglesia de la Merced.
Explore the significant spots on the other side of the town, like the Parque Union, the Tanque la Union and the ruins of Santa Clara.
Early morning is best if you want quieter streets and cleaner photos. But we like it even at busier times, with the street vendors, occasional temporary markets, and the regular life that get mixed with the travelers wandering the streets.
Visit the Santa Catalina Arch
Without question, one of the most popular things to do in Antigua Guatemela is to visit the Santa Catalina Arch. This iconic structure can be seen on everything from postcards to decorative plates.
Why go: Antigua’s most iconic landmark and one of the best photo spots in town, especially with the Agua Volcano in the background.
Time needed: 10 to 30 minutes, if you wait for photos.
Cost: Free, can be viewed from the street.
DIY or tour? DIY, located on 5 Avenida Norte, Calle del Arco.
Our tip: Go there at least twice, during the day and after dark, the experiences and views are different.
Santa Catalina Arch is a beautiful example of Spanish architecture and one of the many reasons to visit Guatemala.
It is located on 5 Avenida Norte, also known as Calle del Arco.
Although beautiful, the arch was not originally constructed for decorative purposes. It was actually built in 1694 to connect a convent and a school.
Through a hidden passageway, cloistered nuns could walk back and forth between the two buildings without having contact with the outside world.
Nowadays, the Santa Catalina Arch is a symbol of resilience for the people of Antigua. It has stood tall over the centuries despite many earthquakes.
For visitors, it is a great photo opportunity. On clear days you can see the massive Agua volcano through the arch.
Because the arch is so iconic, there is always a crowd of people waiting to get a picture in front of it. You can visit early in the morning if you wish to get a photo with less people in the background.
With inputs from Vicky of Buddy The Traveling Monkey
Visit the old ruins
As Antigua Guatemala was built in a very unstable area: it is surrounded by impressive volcanoes and has dealt with many earthquakes in the past, the result is a town filled with the most stunning ruins to visit during your stay.
Why go: The ruins show you how earthquakes shaped Antigua, and they are some of the most striking places to explore in town.
Time needed: 1 to 3 hours, depending on how many ruins you visit.
Cost: Paid entry for some sites.
DIY or tour? DIY, easy to visit on foot once you are in the town center.
Our tip: What works best is choosing a couple of ruins and taking your time, instead of trying to see too many in one day and rushing through them.
As Antigua used to be Guatemala’s capital, it was filled with the most stunning monuments and impressive buildings. But the 1773 earthquake pretty much destroyed all of Antigua, leaving its monumental buildings in ruins.
The ruins were never cleared and only partly restored. Most of them are still there today and you can visit many of them.
The San Jose Cathedral and Santo Domingo Convent are our top picks. These ruins are not just about the culture, but also places to experience the impact of earthquakes on the city.
The San Jose Cathedral is one of the biggest ruins to visit. It is partly restored and still being used as a cathedral, but most of it is still in ruins. The entrance where you buy your ticket is to the right. You can walk around the ruins for about an hour. Sometimes concerts are organized in the main hall.
Another interesting ruin, is the Santo Domingo convent, now part of a luxury hotel. It is open for non-guests, so you should definitely pay it a visit. You can visit the old crypt and there are free museums with artifacts that were found right here.
With inputs from Maartje of The Orange Backpack.
Sunset at Cerro de La Cruz
Antigua is full of incredible spots to watch the sun go down, but this one has to be the best: Cerro de La Cruz.
Why go: The best classic viewpoint over Antigua, especially at sunset with the Agua volcano in the backdrop.
Time needed: About 1.5 to 2.5 hours round-trip including time at the top.
Cost: Free.
DIY or tour? DIY, walk from town.
Our tip: Do this at the end of a sightseeing day, then try spotting the landmarks you visited earlier from the viewpoint.
Watching the sunset at Cerro de la Cruz was one of my favorite moments from our backpacking trip across Guatemala.
It is a simple stone cross perched atop a hill on the north side of the city, hence the name Cerro de la Cruz which translates to Hill of the Cross.
From there, the view of Antigua’s landscape looks stunning, especially with the Agua Volcano in the backdrop. The hike itself is not too demanding, much worth the vista at the top!
I recommend planning this sunset rendezvous after spending a day exploring the city. It was a lot of fun trying to spot various landmarks we visited earlier from the top, from the Arco de Santa Catalina to the Parque Central.
Watch the stone monument become a simple yet beautiful stunning silhouette as the warm orange glow makes way for the night sky.
Whether you are here with a loved one, some friends, or even alone, the spectacle is truly one to remember. Do not forget to bring a nice drink to enjoy up there!
With inputs from Bradley of Dream Big, Travel Far.
Explore Iglesia de la Merced and climb for rooftop views
The Iglesia de la Merced is famous for its bright yellow facade, detailed baroque styling and the roof-top views.
Why go: Iglesia de la Merced is one of the most beautiful churches in Antigua Guatemala, and the rooftop and upper-level views are a bonus.
Time needed: 45 to 90 minutes.
Cost: Small entry fee with rooftop access.
DIY or tour? DIY, easy to visit on your own.
Our tip: Take your time up there and look out toward the surrounding hills and the Agua volcano.
Start outside to appreciate the ornate facade and the way the building glows in the sun, then step inside for the quieter details and the atmosphere.
If you can, go up to the roof or upper levels. It is one of our favorite views in the city, apart from the Cerro de la Cruz.
You get a different perspective over rooftops and courtyards of Antigua, and it is a great place to snap a few skyline shots without committing to a bigger hike or viewpoint trip.
We liked hanging out around the church, which is also the location of the street food stalls and an uninterrupted street view of the Santa Catalina arch.
Browse Antigua’s artisan markets
Antigua’s artisan markets are one of the easiest ways to shop for Guatemalan handifcraft in a single place, whether you want a high-quality textile, a small gift, or just enjoy browsing the colors and patterns. A lot of these items are designed and made at home.
Why go: You will see stalls with dresses, shirts, woven bags, scarves, table runners, coin purses, jewelry, and sometimes ceramics and leather goods.
Time needed: 45 minutes to 2 hours, longer if you like shopping.
Cost: You can spend very little, or a lot.
DIY or tour? DIY. Best for shopping at your own pace.
Our tip: Do one lap first to compare prices and quality, then come back and buy. Bring small bills and bargain politely, especially if you are buying more than one item.
We enjoyed visiting markets the most when we treated it like browsing rather than a mission to shop. Along the way, we chatted a bit, and picked one or two pieces we actually planned to use or gift.
If you are buying textiles, check the quality of weaving and stitching.
Even if you do not buy anything, it is still a fun way to experience the local color and get ideas for meaningful souvenirs that are easy to pack.
You can pick these places to browse and buy souvenirs and dresses:
- Stores along the street from Parque Central to Santa Catalina Arch
- Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen
- Mercado Municipal de Artesanias, next to the Central Market
Volcano Hikes from Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala is an excellent base for going on volcano hikes with adventure experiences and amazing views.
Acatenango Volcano Hike
Even after multiple visits to Antigua Guatemala, the Acatenango volcano hike is our favorite activity in Guatemala and one of our top activities in Latin America.
Why go: A bucket-list overnight trek, camping on Acatenango Volcano, with unmatched, close-up views of the neighboring, highly active Fuego volcano erupting day and night.
Time needed: Overnight with a sunrise Acatenango volcano summit hike and optional Fuego volcano hike.
Cost: Varies by tour company and inclusions, USD 85 to USD 150+ person.
DIY or tour? Guided tour from Antigua. The trailhead is about 25 km (15 miles) away, roughly 1 hour by road.
Our tip: Plan for it like a serious hike, not a casual day walk, since it is steep, at altitude, and weather can change fast.
The hike itself is not within the city, but Antigua is the launchpad for it. The trailhead lies about 25 km (15 miles) from Antigua and can be reached in about an hour by road.
On the trail, you pass through four different ecosystems: farmlands, cloudforest, coniferous forest, and volcanic sands and rock, before reaching base camp on Acatenango Volcano, and then camp overnight.
For the summit, most tour companies do a sunrise hike, while some offer a sunset option. Some companies also offer a Fuego hike add-on.
The best part is the close view of the Fuego Volcano and its eruptions, one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala and Central America.
You can see eruptions every few minutes from base camp and from the summit.
Whether emitting clouds of ashes into the air during day, or spewing lava and displaying fireworks at night, the sights of Fuego volcano are unparalleled and something that you will remember forever.
As exciting as it sounds, Acatenango is also a grueling hike thanks to steep slopes, high altitude, quick elevation gain, and varying weather.
For a visual feel, watch our Acatenango Overnight Hike YouTube video here:
➡️ Related Reading: Packing is an important step for this difficult hike. Here is our Acatenango hike packing guide.
Pacaya Volcano Hike
If you want to go for a easy-moderate volcano hike from Antigua Guatemala, go for the Pacaya volcano hike.
Why go: A great ‘first volcano hike’ from Antigua with dramatic smoke, lava terrain, and the fun option to toast marshmallows in hot lava vents.
Time needed: Around 6 hours including transfer from Antigua plus hiking and time on the volcano.
Cost: Tours start from about USD 25, optional horse-ride not included.
DIY or tour? Take a guided tour from Antigua including transport.
Our tip: If you are unsure about the uphill section, you can rent a horse at the start of the trail so you still get the experience without burning all your energy.
You can alternate pleasant and relaxing walks around the city’s cobblestone roads with outings in the surrounding area, and a hike to Pacaya Volcano is one of the easiest adventure options.
If you want to prepare for the more challenging Acatenango, Pacaya is a perfect trip and one of the least challenging hikes in Guatemala.
➡️ Related Reading: Hikes comparison: Acatenango vs. Pacaya
Hike Starting point: We were picked up from Antigua in a shared minivan. The transport was included in the tour. After about a 30 minute ride to the starting point and the park entrance, the hike begins on a narrow, steep path.
The uphill hike: The hard part is relatively short, and after roughly a little over an hour, we reached a plateau, the highest point of the uphill hike.
The highest point: Pacaya volcano was right in front of us and we had 360 degree views of the volcano, the lava fields, the towns around and the Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes in the distance.
The downhill hike: From the plateau, the route continues around the foot of the volcano. You get closer to the hot spots, stepping across dried lava stones, until you reach areas where steam escapes from cracks.
The fun part: We roasted marshmallows over the heat and smoke in the lava vents, which turned out to be a surprisingly memorable reward.
After spending about an hour relaxing and taking in the views, you descend via a different route that is more panoramic and feels much easier. If the hike still feels like too much, you can rent a horse at the beginning of the trail and have a guide take you around with minimal effort.
With inputs from Isabella of Boundless Roads.
Food & Coffee experiences in Antigua Guatemala
From traditional local eateries to making chocolate to visiting coffee plantations, there are quite a few food and coffee experiences to absorb in Antigua.
Chocolate Workshop
Chocolate was ‘invented’ by the Mayans, so what better place to learn how to make it than Guatemala?
Why go: Guatemala has deep cacao roots where chocolate traces back to the Mayans, and this is a hands-on, fun way to learn about the full bean-to-bar chocolate making process.
Time needed: ~2 hours
Cost: Check price and availability here
DIY or tour? Go for the guided workshop at Choco Musuem, offered twice daily in English and Spanish
Our tip: Add the experience on the day you are exploring the town, and the hand-made chocolates will be great as energy boosters.
The ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum) offers chocolate-making workshops in Antigua and they are highly recommended. The workshop begins with an introduction to cocoa plants, pods, and beans. You’ll watch a demonstration of toasting the beans, then de-husk the toasted beans and grind them into a paste.
From that paste, you make a chocolate tea and a couple of different hot chocolates, one a bitter “Mayan” hot chocolate, and another one, sweetened.
Finally, you get to make chocolate truffles with flavors of your choice (there are 15 flavors available), pouring chocolate into molds and adding fillings like chili, cardamom, or coconut. Later in the day, you return to pick them up.
With inputs from James Ian of Travel Collecting.
Try Guatemalan traditional food in Antigua: Our Suggestions
We have tried traditional dishes at various types of restaurants and from the street food stalls in front of the Iglesia de la Merced, and here are our picks.
Why go: Try traditional Guatemalan dishes at different types of restaurants in Antigua, ranging from street food to local markets to fine-dining restaurants.
Time needed: 0.5 to 2 hours per meal depending on the type of eatery.
Cost: Dishes from 30 GTQ at street stalls, 50-80 GTQ or more at the restaurants.
DIY or tour? DIY, just pick a spot and order a few classics to share.
Our tip: Central market, street food and local comedores are budget-friendly, nicer restaurants cost more. Start with the popular Guatemalan dish, pepian.
Rinconcito Antigueno has a casual garden setting, offering traditional Guatemalan dishes with a daily changing menu and other dishes that are available everyday. We have been there multiple times during our stays. We loved the Pepián, the chicken roast and the Estofado.
Madre Tierra is another option that offers traditional dishes along with different types of grilled meats.
Central Market of Antigua has several local family-run food stalls, great for simple, budget-friendly dishes, like pepiáns, hilachas, different types of stews and grilled chicken, served with tortillas. You can go around the place, pick a comedor you like and try the food.
Street food: There are several food stands outside Iglesia de la Merced. We tried shucos, pupusas, tacos, prepared in Guatemalan style, among others.
La Cuevita de los Urquizu has several dishes on display and you can make your own combo of main dish and sides.
El Comalote offers traditional Mayan dishes with beautiful decor and interesting presentation.
We had planned to eat at these two restaurants, La Cuevita and El Comalote, but did not get the chance, because Pubali ended up being in a dental emergency on our last trip to Antigua, limiting our food exploration for a few days and weeks.
📃 Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We use:
- Heymondo Travel Insurance (get 5% discount, auto applies), OR
- SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
* Discount not applicable for US residents
Learn to cook Guatemalan food in Antigua
Apart from trying Guatemalan dishes at local restaurants, attending a cooking class in Antigua is another great way to understand what goes into the food and why these flavors are so central to everyday life in Guatemala.
Why go: The fastest way to understand Guatemalan food culture is to cook it, especially sauces and stews that take technique and tradition.
Time needed: 3 to 4 hours.
DIY or tour? Tour or Class.
Our tip: Start with a cooking class, then try more dishes in the traditional restaurants to have a better perspective.
This experience takes you to a cooking school in the neighboring town of Jocotenango, just outside Antigua.
You will choose from a range of typical Guatemalan dishes, then cook them hands-on while picking up insider tips from local hosts.
Once everything is ready, you will sit down and enjoy your meal on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Agua volcano.
Try Guatemalan coffee at a local roastery
We liked the coffee (or cacao beverages) at most cafes that we visited in Antigua, with some having excellent decor, beautiful settings or amazing views of the town and the volcanoes.
Why go: Guatemalan coffee is good, tasting it brewed well and comparing different cafes is a mini-experience.
Time needed: You decide.
DIY or tour? DIY, just pick a spot and order a few classics to share.
Our tip: Try at least two cafes to really taste what the bean is doing.
We can write about many cafes in Antigua. Usually, these are some of the highlights at the cafes, sometimes with more than one of the below.
- Just the coffee with street view
- Beautiful interiors, patio or courtyard, or an old house
- Terrace views
- Good for remote work
Here are a few of our cafe picks for Antigua Guatemala:
Cafe Condesa: It is right beside the Parque Central and we loved their cheese cake and hot chocolate.
Fernando’s Kaffee: This is a classic Antigua coffee stop with a long-time following. Their coffee is excellent and we liked their traditional breakfast as well.
Cafe Boheme: We went for coffee and cacao in the afternoon, and stayed for the sunset over the volcanoes.
Caoba Farms
Caoba Farms is located on the edge of the city and is a working farm with an onsite restaurant. Much of what they serve is grown onsite.
Why go: One of the best farm-to-table experiences near Antigua. Fresh, local, and set on a working farm.
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours, or more, for checking out the farm and other activities and events.
Cost: Free to explore the farm and Saturday market. Dishes at the restaurant starts from ~100 Quetzales.
DIY or tour? Self-guided.
Our tip: Give yourself time to browse the store and wander the farm, apart from a farm-to-table lunch there.
There are so many great places to eat in Antigua Guatemala it can be hard to pick just one. If you want a wonderful food experience in a great setting, then visit Caoba Farms.
If you want to add to the experience, go on a Saturday. We checked out the Saturday Farmer’s Market featuring local food and crafts. There was also live music.
The farm has its own organic store, which is a great place to find organic food, and much of it is grown on the farm.
You can walk around the farm after you are done shopping and eating. You can see what they are currently growing and how it all works.
Walking to Caoba Farms is possible depending on the location of your hotel in Antigua Guatemala. It is a great walk to the farm mostly on cobblestone streets and there are signs as you get closer.
With inputs from Tiffany of A Girl and Her Passport.
Visit a Coffee Plantation
The high, fertile volcanic soil of Antigua Guatemala is the country’s best known coffee region. Coffee is one of the main exports for Guatemala, one of the largest coffee exporters in the world.
Why go: Antigua’s volcanic soil produces some of Guatemala’s best, world-class coffee, and you can experience the process end-to-end on a coffee plantation visit.
Time needed: About 4 hours.
Cost: From USD 40 per person.
DIY or tour?: Guided tour of the coffee plantation.
Our tip: Visit a local coffee farm where you get to interact with the local community, like on this coffee tour in Antigua.
Coffee in Antigua is world-class, and a visit to a coffee plantation to see the life cycle of coffee first hand is a great experience for any lover of coffee.
You will visit one of the coffee plantations in the outskirts of Antigua.
If you happen to visit from November to March you will be able to pick the ripe red berries of the coffee bush and crush them together in your hand to reveal the coffee beans within. You will be surprised by how sweet the juice is that runs across your palm, a sharp contrast to the more bitter flavor of the coffee.
Your tour will take you through the plantation through every stage of the production, washing, husking, drying, roasting and packaging for export, before you finish with your own fresh brewed coffee straight from the ground you are standing upon.
With inputs from Holly of Globeblogging.
Breakfast at Tenedor del Cerro
One place recommended by many locals is Tenedor del Cerro restaurant, which is a perfect place to go for breakfast, or even lunch if you cannot make it in the morning.
Why go: A restaurant with views of volcano, beautiful garden with art and sculpture exhibit, and a delectable breakfast menu.
Time needed: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Cost: Beverages from USD 4 and breakfast options from USD 12.
DIY or tour?: DIY.
Our tip: Plan for additional time to explore their garden and the art installations.
Whilst in Antigua and on the lookout for things to do be sure to transport yourself up to Tenedor del Cerro.
Tenedor del Cerro is a swanky restaurant that also serves as a cultural center where you can learn about local Guatemalan art.
Part of Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo, the site of the restaurant itself is home to a selection of permanent and contemporary sculptures, art installations, and other mosaics that are on rotation through the calendar year.
With a spectacular view of two volcanoes, this high mountainside location makes the ideal spot to get some beautiful shots of the Acatenango volcano.
Before breakfast or lunch at the restaurant you are able to walk around the grounds free of charge without even entering the restaurant, however, note that some of the best views of the volcanos are found from inside the restaurant.
There is a bit of a hike involved to get to the restaurant but Hotel Santo Domingo offers a free shuttle ride every hour on the hour, which is available for all travelers to the restaurant.
With inputs from Daniel of Layer Culture.
Day Trips from Antigua Guatemala
While there are plenty of things to do in Antigua Guatemala, you can venture out of town to explore some of the popular attractions nearby.
Half-day Trip to Hobbitenango and/ or Altamira
Hobbitenango is a hilltop viewpoint park in the hills above Antigua Guatemala, built around playful, Hobbit-inspired structures, quirky photo setups, and wide-open lookouts over the valley.
The main draw is the scenery. On a clear day you get sweeping views of multiple volcanoes, including the Agua, Acatenango and Fuego Volcanoes.
Why go: One of the most popular day trips from Antigua for volcano views, fun photo spots, and an easy outing that does not require hiking.
Time needed: 3 to 6 hours.
Cost: From16 USD for entry and transport, and you will likely buy food or drinks.
DIY or tour? DIY, shuttle or taxi, or tour from Antigua.
Our tip: Explore the photo spots, including the ‘Hand’ structures at both places, Hobbitenango and Altamira.
For visiting Hobbitenango, we treated it like a slow afternoon trip and enjoyed wandering from one viewpoint to another, taking our time, and exploring the hobbit-homes while the lighting changed over the volcanoes.
If you are traveling with friends or family, this is an easy trip because there is no big hike required and there are lots of natural stopping points for photos and snacks.
If you want something similar but a little less theme-focused, Altamira is another viewpoint-style attraction nearby that some travelers prefer for its simpler, more scenic feel.
Either is a great choice for an easy nature outing with the Antigua volcano views without committing to an all-day excursion. Or visit both.
This guided tour with transportation takes you to both Hobbitenango and Altamira on a half-day trip. They have tours in the morning and in the afternoon.
Day Trip to Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is one of our top destinations in Guatemala. The deep blue lake ringed by volcanoes and hills, with small towns dotted along the shore, rich in culture, is something to experience.
Why go: Lake Atitlan is one of Guatemala’s most iconic places, with volcano views and lakeside villages that each feel different.
Time needed: Full-day trip from Antigua, 10+ hours
Cost: USD 140+
DIY or tour? Tour is easier for the day trip as the land and water transportation are taken care of.
Our tip: If you can, give Lake Atitlan at least 2 nights. Sunset and early morning light are when the lake feels most magical, and you get to experience the town(s) more closely.
If you are on a short trip, go for the Lake Atitlan day tour from Antigua that touches some of the popular towns of diverse cultures and views. However, if you have the time, we recommend staying overnight, and if possible, spend at least 2 to 3 nights.
The day tour includes transportation from Antigua to Panajachel, the busiest town of Lake Atitlan. From there, you visit the other towns by boat, like San Juan La Laguna, San Pedro La Laguna and Santiago Atitlan, which have their own culture, highlights, views and activities.
The highlights of the trip are:
- The boat rides between towns
- Volcano views from different towns
- The art and culture of the Mayan culture that differs from town to town
The day trip can be your introduction to the Mayan towns and life on Lake Atitlan. Come back for a longer stay on this wonderful lake which is an interesting mix of nature, art and culture.
Chichicastenango Market (Thursday and Sunday) and Iximche Ruins
Chichicastenango, often shortened to ‘Chichi’ is home to the largest traditional market in Central America and two churches that bring together Mayan and Catholic traditions.
Stop on the way from Chichi to Antigua to explore the Mayan ruins of Iximche.
Why go: Explore Chichicastenango’s colorful market, experience the mix of Mayan and Catholic traditions, and check out the Mayan ruins at Iximche.
Time needed: Full day, typically 10-11 hours, including travel time.
Cost: USD 100+
DIY or tour? This guided tour with transportation makes it easier, as the sites are away from Antigua, and also, you gain better perspectives from the guide.
Our tip: Chichi market days are Thursday or Sunday. Bring small bills and bargain politely.
We were in two minds about visiting Chichicastenango market as there is a long travel time involved, and then we had seen the traditional markets in Antigua and around Lake Atitlan, but we still went and ended up liking the trip.
We went to Chichicastenango on a day trip from San Pedro La Laguna town of Lake Atitlan. Our highlights were seeing the mix of Mayan and Catholic culture in the churches, and exploring the busy yet colorful market up close.
Chichicastenango comes alive on market days, Thursdays and Sundays. The open air market fills with stalls selling woven textiles, blankets, handmade bags, masks, pottery, carved wooden items and more.
We took our time to explore the churches of Chichi. It was interesting to see devotees worshipping in their Mayan traditions at the Catholic church.
What we loved the most in Chichicastenango, was simply walking the packed lanes, and sometimes browsing slowly and chatting with vendors.
If you are not a big shopper, you can still enjoy the day by trying market snacks, watching the flow of local life, and picking up some souvenirs.
Something you must keep in mind is that the prices at Chichicastenango market are not necessarily cheaper than what you find in Antigua. So shop accordingly.
On this guided tour of Chichicastenango from Antigua, on the way back you also get to visit another cultural sight, the Mayan ruins of Iximche.
We have visited several Mayan ruins in Central America and Mexico, and Iximche is on our wishlist.
What we gathered about Iximche is: do not expect the ruins to be as elaborate as Tikal, but if you have not yet visited many, this can be an impressive visit.
The Mayan culture can be very different when you go from one place to another, which makes their history interesting.
Bonus: Spend New Year’s Eve in Antigua Guatemala
Over the years, we have spent two New Year’s Eves in Antigua Guatemala town, and another year, near Antigua, camping on Acatenango Volcano and watching the natural fireworks displays of the Fuego Volcano eruptions.
You may even say, we are getting into a habit of ending up here for ringing in the new year! Although the town is small, the energy is terrific for the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Antigua Guatemala.
Since morning, you will see a carnival like atmosphere on the street where the Santa Catalina Arch is. Different parades and musical performances by people clad in colorful clothes adorn the street.
Fireworks happen near the Santa Catalina Arch in the evening and the major fireworks with accompanying lighting reflecting the year change happens near Parque Central at midnight.
New Year’s Eve in Antigua is not like your typical year end parties in big cities. But instead, the entire town seems to enjoy an open air party with family, friends and strangers, sharing joy, laughter and happy vibes.
Consider spending a new year’s eve in this little town. New Year’s Eve is one of the best ways to experience the culture and the colors of Antigua all coming together.
Plan Your Antigua Guatemala Trip
- Guatemala City Airport to Antigua
- El Paredon to Antigua Guatemala
- Direct Shuttle between Antigua and San Pedro La Laguna (Lake Atitlan)
- Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide
- Antigua Guatemala Itinerary
- Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala
- Visiting Hobbitenango
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Great article! My husband and I are planning to spend a month in Antigua this fall. Neither of us speak Spanish…at all. Do you think we’ll have a difficult time navigating the city and meeting our needs? We’re hoping to learn some basic phrases before before we go, but are concerned that won’t be sufficient.
Thanks Sarah. Antigua Guatemala is a touristy place, so you can get by with English, but for spending a month there, you will have a better experience if you can learn some basic conversational Spanish. Enjoy your time in Antigua, it is a lovely place! 🙂