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Antigua, Guatemala is a great destination for a short weekend trip, or as the starting point for an adventure around Guatemala. It’s a charming colonial town with colorful architecture and breathtaking churches and cathedrals. Walking through the cobblestone streets, you’ll find welcoming parks, trendy coffee shops and unobstructed views of Volcan Agua, which towers over the city in the distance.

Despite being a small city, there are lots of things to do in Antigua, Guatemala. I’d recommend spending at least 3 days in Antigua- 2 for exploring the city and 1 for the hike to Volcan Acatenango (more on that below!).

If you’re interested in exploring more of Guatemala, like the beautiful towns of Lake Atitlan, check out my complete 10-day Guatemala Itinerary.

10 Best Things to do in Antigua Guatemala

1. Visit the Santa Catalina Arch

The Santa Catalina Arch is Antigua’s most famous landmark and photo spot. This vibrant yellow arch, dating back to the 17th century, was built to connect a convent to a school, allowing nuns to cross over the street unseen. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds of tourists. And if you want a perfect picture with Volcán de Agua visible in the background, try to go when the skies are clear!

2. Hike Volcán Acatenango

An overnight hike to Volcán Acatenango should be on the top of your Antigua, Guatemala bucket list! Acatenango is an inactive volcano that offers unparalleled views of the active Volcán Fuego’s fiery eruptions, which happen ever 10-15 minutes. It’s an incredible sight to see, especially under a star-studded sky at night. If you are up for it, you can also hike to Volcan Fuego to see the lava up close, and hike to the summit of Volcan Acatenango at sunrise.

Make sure you book with a reputable company that will provide necessary hiking gear and warm clothes, so you don’t have to pack these on your trip. I hiked with Wicho & Charlies, who offer comfortable cabins to sleep in and serve vegan food!

3. Walk Through Antigua’s Central Park

Central Park (Parque Central) is the beating heart of Antigua, where you’ll find locals and tourists relaxing and socializing. The park is surrounded by cafes, museums and colonial buildings, including the beautiful Catedral de San José. There’s street vendors selling snacks and souvenirs, and on some nights, there’s live music, making it the perfect place to hang out.

4. Visit Starbucks

Although I prefer to support local companies when traveling internationally, this Starbucks is definitely worth a quick visit! Antigua’s Starbucks is set in a restored colonial courtyard, with amazing interior design and murals of Guatemala’s national bird, the Quetzal. It’s located right in the heart of Antigua, just a block away from the Santa Catalina Arch. You don’t have to buy anything to look around the beautiful interior. Once you’re done with your visit, grab a coffee at a nearby local coffee shop such as Fat Cat Coffee House, Cafe Sky Bar, or El Portal Cafe.

5. Visit Caoba Farms

Caoba Farms is a sustainable farm oasis on the outskirts of the city. This working farm has a farm-to-table restaurant, a lively Saturday farmer’s market, educational workshops and workout classes. I’d recommend looking at their calendar of events before your visit to Antigua so you can see if there’s anything that interests you!

You can also just visit for the restaurant, which serves healthy, colorful food straight from the garden. I ordered this delicious mediterranean spread with some of the freshest vegetables I’ve ever eaten! After my meal, I strolled around the property to take a look at the farm, flower gardens and animals they had.

6. Walk Up to Cerro de la Cruz

Cerro de la Cruz offers one of the best panoramic views of Antigua, with the city laid out below and Volcán de Agua in the background. The walk from the city to the top of the hill is about 1 mile but the last bit is steep. Make sure you visit in the morning or afternoon when there are police patrols keeping the area safe. I heard from locals that the viewpoint can be unsafe at night.

7. Stay at Casi Casa Hostel

Casi Casa is one of the prettiest hostels I’ve ever stayed at, which is why I had to include it on this list of things to do in Antigua! It has a lush courtyard with colonial architecture, a fun pool, and a rooftop with unobstructed views of Volcan Agua. The free breakfast was delicious, especially with that incredible view!

I stayed in the female only dorm which had an ensuite bathroom and curtains on the beds. However, if you’re not into shared hostel dorms, they also have private rooms. Check out HostelWorld to see the availability during your trip!

8. Explore Convento Santa Clara

Visit the ruins of Convento Santa Clara, an 18th century convent and church destroyed by multiple earthquakes. The ruins are so peaceful and well-maintained, with serene courtyards and gardens covering the whole property. It’s a great place to take some Instagram pics! If you want to learn more about Antigua’s colonial past and the earthquakes that shaped its history, book a tour or hire a tour guide when you get there.

9. Take a Chocolate Class

Doing a chocolate-making class in Antigua, Guatemala is a fun way to learn about the rich history of cacao in the region. Guatemala has deep roots in chocolate-making, as cacao was sacred to the ancient Mayan civilization.

I highly recommend taking a class at Ekchuah, which you can book here. The workshop will teach you out about the full chocolate-making process, including roasting, peeling, and grinding the cacao beans just like the Maya. Then you’ll create traditional drinks and your own personalized chocolate bars from scratch. I loved that the experience blended history, culture, and food, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for chocolate and Mayan culture!

10. Shop!

Antigua has amazing artisan markets with handmade Guatemalan goods, such as textiles, leather goods, and ceramics. I was also super impressed by the vintage stores and sustainable shops. Here were some of my favorite stores I visited in Antigua.

Antigua, Guatemala truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re an adventurer, history lover, foodie, or just someone looking to soak up the charm of a colonial town for a few days. Its colorful streets, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes make it a must-visit destination in Central America. Whether you’re planning a short trip or using Antigua as your base to explore more of Guatemala, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in this magical city!

Where to next?

Do you want to explore more of Guatemala? Check out my other Guatemala blog posts here!

• 10-Day Guatemala Itinerary Perfect for Solo Travelers: Explore Lake Atitlán, Antigua, and More
• A Solo Female Traveler’s Ultimate Guide to Guatemala
• Attending Spanish School in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

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