GT
Antigua
A cobbled colonial city of baroque churches and ruined convents, ringed by volcanoes
A cobbled colonial city of baroque churches and ruined convents, ringed by volcanoes
The yellow 17th-century arch that once let cloistered nuns cross the street unseen, now the city’s best-known sight.
Come early in the morning for clear views of Agua volcano behind it.
Photo: Rene Hernandez, CC BY-SA 2.0
A richly decorated yellow-and-white baroque church; the ruined cloister beside it has a large fountain.
Photo: Bruno Rijsman, CC BY-SA 2.0
A hilltop cross with the classic view over the city’s rooftops to Agua volcano.
Go in daylight and in company.
Photo: amslerPIX, CC BY 2.0
Try pepián (a spiced meat stew), jocon, tamales, and Guatemalan coffee from the surrounding farms.
Antigua has a wide choice of cafés and restaurants; the market near the bus terminal is the cheapest place to eat.
Antigua is about an hour from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, more in heavy traffic. Tourist shuttles link Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango and Guatemala City airport; they are safer and easier than public ‘chicken buses’. The centre is compact and best explored on foot; tuk-tuks cover short trips.
Citizens of the UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit Guatemala visa-free. Stays are covered by the CA-4 agreement, which allows up to 90 days in total across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. The US government rates Guatemala at Level 3 (reconsider travel) and advises against travel to San Marcos and Huehuetenango departments, Zone 18 in Guatemala City and Villa Nueva. Check current advice before you travel.
Antigua is Guatemala’s priciest town but still good value.
Churches, ruins and volcanoes.
Walk the Parque Central, the cathedral, the Santa Catalina Arch and La Merced, then climb Cerro de la Cruz.
Visit the ruined convents of Las Capuchinas and San Francisco, then a coffee farm tour.
Hike Pacaya for a short trip, or take the overnight Acatenango hike for views of Fuego erupting.
Acatenango is strenuous; go with a reputable operator and warm layers.
Use registered shuttles and taxis or Uber, avoid travelling after dark, and keep valuables out of sight.
Carry quetzales for markets, boats and small shops; use ATMs inside banks or malls.
Holy Week brings huge processions over carpets of coloured sawdust and flowers; book months ahead.
The cobbled streets are uneven; wear sturdy shoes.
Quick answers for planning time in Antigua.
Citizens of the UK, US, EU, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free; the CA-4 agreement allows up to 90 days across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Antigua is one of the country’s main tourist areas, with tourist police; take normal precautions and avoid walking alone late at night.
Yes, Fuego erupts frequently and is best seen on the overnight Acatenango hike.
About an hour by shuttle or taxi, longer in heavy traffic.
Holy Week, in March or April, with processions through Lent.
Google Maps works for towns and walking; tourist shuttles are booked through agencies or your hotel.
Free
Spanish is the main language, alongside many Mayan languages; English is spoken in tourist areas.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Guatemala travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.