Before my visit to Antigua, I read many people claiming it to be the most beautiful city in Latin America. I was excited to visit, but from experience I knew that I should take such a statement with a pinch of salt to avoid disappointment. Secretly, however, I was hoping I would feel the same way.
An hour’s drive from Guatemala City, from the moment my taxi touched down on the cobbled, bumpy streets of Antigua and as I stared out at the colourful buildings and colonial-era architecture, I could see what all the fuss was about. Antigua’s beauty is undeniable.
Adding to the wow-factor are the breath-taking views of the imposing Volcán de Agua to the south and the twin peaks of Volcán de Fuego and Acatenango to the west. A city nestled at the foothill of mountains and erupting volcanoes was always going to sweep me off my feet. How could it not?
Where to stay in Antigua
I stayed in two different hotels because I was in the city during Easter Week – the busiest time of the year. Finding a hotel in the Old Town that had availability for the length of time I wanted proved difficult.
Luckily, this turned out to work in my favour because I loved both hotels. Each were very charming and with enough differences in decor and personality to make me feel like I was experiencing another facet of the city.
The first place I stayed was Hotel la Galeria. The location is perfectly situated within walking distance to all the major attractions. One of my favourite areas was the breakfast area. It’s super charming and they serve up a delicious breakfast providing both traditional and international options. My double room was really spacious and comfortable and the bathroom was decorated with high quality fixtures.
The second accommodation I stayed at was Cissus Hotel Boutique. If you like quirky one-off places, this is probably the place for you. They have lovingly restored this place and left a lot of original features which exude character.
From the moment you step through the large wooden doors, and explore the indoor courtyard overflowing with plants and traditional Guatemalan furniture, a sense of tranquility washes over you. There are only a few rooms, perhaps five or so to give each guest lots of space. Each room have their own little patio and kitchenette area so it’s ideal if you want to cook from home or travelling as a family.
Top Attractions in Antigua Guatemala
1. Wander around the Old Town
Antigua is stacked with so much character you can literally see the layers of history peeling from its city walls. Adding to this is the lively atmosphere and colourful buildings that bring everything to life. As far as first impression go, it certainly makes a splash.
Thanks to a grid system, it’s super easy to navigate. You don’t need a map. All the streets run parallel and perpendicular to each other, with Plaza Mayor right in the centre of the maze.
Wandering around is one of the best things to do in Antigua, and it’s free. Enjoy the cobbled street, brightly painted buildings, colonial architecture and historical sites, all set against a backdrop of volcanoes towering in the distance.
If you want to know the area even better, you can join one of the guided tours, where the guide will tell you about this fascinating place and its long and interesting history.
2. Head to the best viewpoint of Antigua
Whenever I visit a new city, I like to head to a high view point and take in the panoramas. While I go mainly for the views, it’s also a great way to get sense of how the city is laid out. This always helps with navigating the city later on.
One of the other most-photographed spots in Antigua Guatemala is the view from the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint, which sits on a hill just to the north of the city, five blocks north of the Plaza Major.
It’s relatively easy to reach, being a short walk up (approx 15 mins) on a well-marked path to the viewpoint. You’ll find a small park and the large cross that gives the viewpoint its name.
You can see the whole town right below you and the majestic Volcán de Agua towering above the area.
3. Watch the world go by at Plaza Mayor
The heart of Antigua is Plaza Mayor, the town’s main square. It is a pleasant area with Central Park right in the middle, the perfect place to sit down and soak up the atmosphere.
Right in the middle, you can admire the beautiful Fountain of the Sirens, originally from 1738, inspired by the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna, Italy. I’ve got to say, the Siren depicted in this fountain sure knows how to use her womanly ways to attract attention….
If you’re like me, and enjoy a spot of people-watching, here’s the place to do it. The square is alive with life until late night hours, with locals and tourists mingling. If you want to grab something to eat or drink, you will find a few cafes around, too.
Plaza Mayor is surrounded by some of the most important, beautiful colonial buildings in Antigua: the Cathedral, Archbishop’s Palace, and Palace of the Captain-Generals. The last one is especially picturesque, with numerous arches lining the facade of the building.
4. Explore the ruins of Convento Santa Clara
There are many beautiful buildings, monuments and churches in Antigua, and the ruins of Convento Santa Clara is one of the finest without question.
From the outside it’s impossible to see the beauty that awaits inside. As I walked through the main entrance and made me way around the ruins and into the garden, I was completely taken aback by the preservation of such a historic site.
Even if you don’t have long in Antigua, you must make time to visit. I’m certain you’ll be just as charmed and taken by this place as I was. Make sure to explore all the nooks and crannies and walk up and down the various steps to see the ruins from various vantage points. It almost feels like you could be on an archeological tour.
Built in the 17th century, the Convento Santa Clara stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Spanish colonial rule in Guatemala. Originally established as a convent for Franciscan nuns, the complex served as a place of worship, education, and contemplation for centuries, providing a sanctuary for devout women seeking a life of religious devotion.
Sadly, peace did not last. The town was hit by multiple severe earthquakes, including both 1717 and 1773 that left it in ruins.
Today, Convento Santa Clara has been lovingly restored and continues to be a place of tranquility amidst the bustling streets of Antigua. Visitors can explore its cloisters and gardens, soak in the serene atmosphere, and reflect on the centuries of history that have unfolded within its walls.
5. Hike Acatenango Volcano
6. Learn how to make chocolate
Did you know that the Mayas invented chocolate? I must confess that I didn’t despite indulging in this heavenly treat on a daily basis. This was just one of the many facts I discovered while learning how to make chocolate at the ChocoMuseo.
The most surprising fact was learning that mosquitoes are responsible for chocolate. That’s right, those little midges that we all know and hate actually bring a lot of joy to our lives as well. Consider my loathing for mosquitoes officially over.
While the Swiss and Belgians might be chocolatier powerhouses, none of it have been possible without the Mayas. Now that I was in the birthplace of where it all started thousands of years ago, it was the perfect opportunity to participate in a hands-on chocolate-making workshop. I got to roast, grind and temper some cacao beans – and most enjoyably – create my own chocolate bar.
At the end of the workshop I was able to to take my chocolate home with me. Honestly, I’m not one to usually toot my own horn, but it tasted phenomenal if I do say so myself!
7. Soak up the beauty of Católica San Francisco el Grande
The imposing Iglesia Católica San Francisco el Grande sit high on the list of Antigua’s most beautiful churches – and there are many of them.
The church was built by Diego de Porres and inaugurated in 1702. The twisted salomonic columns of the facade are typical of the Spanish-American Baroque style and contain sixteen vaulted niches, each but the lowest two containing a saint or a friar. It’s the best example of this architecture that you’ll find in town.
Subsequent earthquakes damaged the structure severely, and the church has since only been reconstructed in parts. You can wander the ruins (in silence, as requested) and see some of the vivid frescos that still remain amongst the earthquake rubble.
Unlike many of Antigua’s other old churches, this one is still very much in use. It is visited by locals frequently to worship the shrine of Santo Hermano Pedro. He is popular with locals because it’s the final resting place of Brother Pedro de San José de Bethancourt, a Franciscan monk who dedicated his life to helping Antigua’s poor.
His tomb is in a separate building next to the church, and visitors often come to pray for favours and miracles.
8. Indulge in scrumptious food
Since Antigua is a popular place among tourists, there are numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes to satisfy your taste buds.
Adding to the pleasure of eating is the casual yet charming environment that seemingly comes natural to almost every eatery in Antigua. In other words, Antigua is a city that understands the power of interior design. Even a simple fast food store could be mistaken for a fancy boutique hotel – I’m not kidding. Take a look at this Starbucks.
If you’re looking for something tasty and affordable, Cactus Taco Bar is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only do they serve up the best tacos that you’ll find South of the Mexican border, their other dishes are just as tasty and filling.
If you’re looking for something truly special, and willing to spend a bit more than average, book a table at Meson Panza Verde. The delectable menu is topped off by its stunning ambience and romantic soft lightening.
While there are many places to pick up sweet treats, there’s no better place than Dona Maria Gordillo. As soon I took a bite into one of the syrupy sweets, my eyes rolled to the back off my head like I had just had an out-of-body experience. I can’t tell you what I had, I just pointed to the ones which set my tongue wagging the most and the shop lady popped them into a cute little box for me. The whole place is a little slice of heaven. Trust me on this – it’s worth breaking your calorie count!
9. Visit Hobbitenango & experience a slice of New Zealand in Guatemala
For something quirky head to Hobbitenango, a Lord of the Rings–themed eco-park on the outskirts of Antigua. It’s the brainchild of two American and two Guatemalan mountain biking enthusiasts.
It might sound a bit gimmicky, and while it is fun, it’s foremost a place to unwind and bask in nature. Impressively, the property generates all of its electricity through solar and wind.
Sure, it’s not the same as visiting New Zealand’s Hobbiton, but it’s the next best thing. From the small hobbit houses (which you can actually stay in) to the awe-inspiring mountain views, the founders of Hobbitenango created a unique space for people to enjoy and lap up nature’s finest views. To get to Hobbitenango, you can take an Uber for about $15 USD.
Are you planning a trip to Antigua in Guatemala?
Make sure to read all my travel blogs from Guatemala for more inspiration.
