Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide

  La Merced
by Jim_Eliason
 
  • La Merced
      La Merced
    by Jim_Eliason
  • El Arco and Volcan Agua
      El Arco and Volcan Agua
    by tlcstork
  • Seen just walking the streets
      Seen just walking the streets
    by Suzie3
  • looking south on Aveinda 5
      looking south on Aveinda 5
    by marktynernyc
  • the Cathedral and Central Park....
      the Cathedral and Central Park....
    by marktynernyc
 

Pro

Hopkid profile photo

  Colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, history 


Con

gfinesilver profile photo

  Very touristic, lots of gringos, expensive (comparatively) 


In a nutshell

stevepreece profile photo

  A perfect place to study and practice Spanish. 

 

Explore Antigua Guatemala

Things to Do  

Pacaya Volcano

Pacaya Volcano, Antigua Guatemala

 27 Reviews  I found a great trip regarding a volcano hike and a thermal waters and spa bath, this was amazing and I truly recommend it for everyone!.. it was excellent. I found it on a website called www.aroundantigua.com. Here I leave the link to the tour I am talking about:... 

Antigua Ruins

Antigua Ruins, Antigua Guatemala

 40 Reviews  A collection of small museums housed in the 5-star hotel Casa Santo Domingo. The hotel, which is very upmarket, is built on and incorporates the ruins of the old Dominican church complex. Of the museums, I think the best is the one housing a collection of pre-Columbian art and modern glass work.... 

Churches

Churches, Antigua Guatemala

 37 Reviews  Yes, I am lazy period end of report. Use your guide book/internet if you want the facts on them. I came here to take some pics....not a very religious person except when I travel as these seem to be the oldest standing structures for some reason..Maybe just maybe there is a god???? Sorry could not... 

Parque Central

Parque Central, Antigua Guatemala

 16 Reviews  Central Park is a great place to get a quick feel for Antigua or if you get lost head here as it is a great reference point for to reorient yourself. Come here to relax, buy an ice cream off a local vendor or get your shoes shined by one of the local kids. One thing I do like about the local kids... 

Colonial Architecture

Colonial Architecture, Antigua Guatemala

 22 Reviews   This is perhaps the defining symbol of Antigua. It is a remnant of the once-enormous Convent of St. Catherine. This convent was founded in 1613 with only four nuns, but by 1693 its numbers had swelled and its buildings lay on both sides of 5a Avenida Norte forced it to expand across the street. The... 

Markets

Markets, Antigua Guatemala

 8 Reviews   Antigua might strike you at first, as it did me, as something of a museum piece, but you only have to walk a few blocks from the centre to discover that “real” life happens here too. The market on the western fringes of the old town is totally non-touristy and is a great place to explore when... 

Nuestra Señora de la Merced

Nuestra Señora de la Merced, Antigua Guatemala

 10 Reviews   The “Iglesia y Convento de Nuestra Señora de la Merced”, to give it its full name, is one of the loveliest in Antigua, and unlike many has been fully restored. On a sunny day its vibrant yellow paint and intricate white carvings are truly stunning. Notice how short the bell-tower is – a necessary... 

Language Schools

Language Schools, Antigua Guatemala

 12 Reviews  I chose this school on the advice of a friend and it is working out very well. It is relaxed with 1-on-1 tuition and happens at tables under awnings or in the garden. The individual tuition allows one to choose exactly what and how one wants to study. The school offer 4/5/6 hours per day. As a... 

Hotels  

Palacio de Dona Leonor

 6 Reviews and 42 Opinions  On a business trip we stayed at the Palace Hotel Dona Leonor. I really liked the decoration of the... 

Casa Santo Domingo

 19 Reviews and 259 Opinions  An incredible atmosphere transports you to the colonial era, we provide everything that needs... 

Restaurants  

Frida's

Frida's, Antigua Guatemala

 10 Reviews   We had read good reviews of Frida’s on both VT and elsewhere and as it was just up the road from our hotel we were keen to try it for ourselves – and we were not disappointed. Frida’s is a Mexican restaurant themed around the life and work of Frida Kahlo, although the décor is such an eclectic mix... 

Cafe Sky

Cafe Sky, Antigua Guatemala

 5 Reviews  A great view of the city and volcanos. Be sure to go all the way to the roof - there is a small spiral staircase on your right when you reach the second floor. The chips - guacamole - salsa platter with a Zacapa rum makes for a pleasent afternoon nibble. Some backpacking aquaintences ordered the... 

Casa Santo Domingo

Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua Guatemala

 6 Reviews  The Casa Santo Domingo Hotel is set amidst the ruins of the former church and convent. The grounds are fun to explore with fine gardens set amongst crumbled walls and restored walkways. The hotel is considered one of the best in Antigua. And it has a restaurant to match this reputation. While we did... 

Nightlife  

Monoloco

Monoloco, Antigua Guatemala

 6 Reviews  Make sure you stop by the Monoloco while in Antigua. It's a great place to get a good meal, meet interesting travelers, and watch sports. There is always something fun going on whether it is Ladies' Night, a 4th of July party, or the Superbowl or World Cup. The food is great- large portions and... 

Transportation  

Buses

Buses, Antigua Guatemala

 21 Reviews  The best way to get to Antigua from Guatemala city is to arrange for a shuttle to pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. Antigua is located about 45 minutes from the capital, and a private bus should cost around $7-12 per person. 

On Foot

On Foot, Antigua Guatemala

 2 Reviews  Antigua is a perfect city to see by walking. It is fairly compact and is almost completely flat. The main hazard is the uneven surfaces of the cobblestone streets. But as long as you bring some comfortable, flat-soled shoes/sandals, you should be fine. There are also the 3-wheeled scooter taxis... 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Cerro de la Cruz

Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua Guatemala

 6 Reviews  There will be tour guides wandering the parque, but they will ask for money to take you up to the cross. The tourismo police escort tourists for free 10am/3pm each day. Or better yet, walk up there yourself. From the park, head up north on 4a ave norte, until you hit the end, make a right turn, for... 

Tourist Traps  

Street Vendors

Street Vendors, Antigua Guatemala

 3 Reviews  They would give you the better price if you are interested in. However, the price is much higher than everywhere. Give them 55% discount of the price. Tell them that you've bought a lot of similar souvenirs. 

Off The Beaten Path  

Outskirts of Antigua

Outskirts of Antigua, Antigua Guatemala

 14 Reviews   From San Pedro we drove through the old (that is the second) capital of Guatemala, Ciudad Vieja to this, the final village on our route. It was interesting to see that the abandoned capital was still a lively place, but with little of the grand architecture that makes its successor so special. On... 

Valhalla Experimental Station

Valhalla Experimental Station, Antigua Guatemala

 6 Reviews  The Valhalla Macadamia Nut Plantation is an organic farm. The nuts fall to the ground when ripe, and they are harvested by hand. They have an outer husk as well as a hard shell. These guys built a husking machine that can process 1 ton per hour, and an old tire is one of the main parts. The nuts are... 

Favorites  

Shopping

Shopping, Antigua Guatemala

 3 Reviews  If you go to Antigua, Guatemala, do not hesitate in buying some indian handcrafts. It is amazing how racist mexican population is. Despite our indian roots, we are taught since we are children, to neglect the indian influence in our culture, and mainly to deny the existence of indian blood in our... 

Cathedrals & Cloisters

Cathedrals & Cloisters, Antigua Guatemala

 10 Reviews  The cathedral located at the east side of the Parque central dates from 1680 after the first one was demolished a few years before. It's certainly not the most beautifull church in town, but it's worth to take a look inside. 

 
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The Place

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The People

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Our Members Say
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 Watch out! Keep your valuables safe as there are teams working at the local mercado who slash bags and pick pockets! This happened to my wife recently. They... 

26 members live in Antigua Guatemala

 

Questions and Answers

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Q:  I am planning my first trip to Antigua Guatemala in June and July and am looking for suggestions on lodging. I'm not interested... 

gmontoya profile photo

A: Hi. I´ve read your post. I´ve some options for you to rent, however it´s very important for me to know: What´s your budget?, the reason why, is because ou might find... 

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Top Antigua Guatemala Writers

1

Whole Lotta Shaking Going On

Hopkid profile photo

 The Spanish colonial capital of Guatemala was based in Ciudad Vieja on the lower slopes of Volcan Agua. As one might expect, this wasn't the best location as a large mudslide devastated the town in...... 

2

A colonial gem

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  Antigua was our base for the first few days in Guatemala, and although I loved everywhere that we visited in the country, it was probably my favourite. I imagine that must be true of many visitors to... 

3

Antigua

Jim_Eliason profile photo

 Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial cities I have ever visited! It's small, compact and easily walkable. Around every corner are colorful architecture and ruins from a once great city. I...... 

4

UNESCO World Heritage Site

VinTolucci profile photo

 This is the wonderful view from el cerrito in Antigua. This is the same place where the monumental cross is located up on the hill. 

5

Step Back in Time in Antigua Guatemala

thelukey profile photo

 Antigua Guatemala seems to be the most talked about "must-see" destination in all of Central America. Wary of such fame, imagining that the town couldn't possibly live up to most travelers'... 

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