The Ultimate Antigua, Guatemala Itinerary: 3 Days
There's something sinfully charming about Antigua, Guatemala. The colonial town of cobblestones and colors, nestled amongst some of Central America's most active volcanoes, is a baroque dream worthy of being on every traveler's list.
Keep reading for a 3-day itinerary to make the most of a trip to Antigua, including how to get there, when to visit, and what to do once you've arrived.
Day 1
Kickstart your day with breakfast at the bright and airy Los Tres Tiempos. Dine al fresco while enjoying Guatemalan cuisine, like the traditional Antiguan breakfast of eggs, black beans, and fried plantains. The service is top-notch and entrees run about $3-7.
Then, hit the cobblestones for some sight-seeing. Los Tres Tiempos is practically beneath the Arco de Santa Catalina, arguably Antigua’s most famous landmark. The bright yellow arch, constructed in the 17th century, was originally built to allow nuns to pass from their convent to a school without having to go out onto the street.
Some other must-sees: La Merced church, the San Francisco church, the Church of Santo Domingo, City Hall, and the Church and Convent of Capuchins.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, break for lunch at cheery Cactus Tacos. Their fish tacos paired with an ice-cold Gallo beer is pretty much what dreams are made of.
In the afternoon, hit the colorful markets for some retail therapy and haggling. There are markets everywhere in Antigua, but two you can't miss are the Handicrafts Market and the Mercado de Artesanias. With paintings, textiles, ceramics, leather goods, and offbeat items like hand-made machetes for sale, you’ll have your work cut out for you collecting fun trinkets and souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Later, hit up Antigua’s ChocoMuseo for their 4pm Bean to Bar chocolate workshop. The 2-hour workshop takes you through the history and production process behind one of Guatemala’s most famous (and delicious!) exports: chocolate!
Through demonstrations and hands-on activities, you’ll learn all about the origins and history of chocolate, including how its taste and form evolved through the years. The staff at ChocoMuseo are incredibly passionate, and they truly make the experience one for the books (shoutout to our guide, Raul - he was the best!)
And what kind of chocolate workshop would it be if you didn’t get plenty of tastings? Not to mention, the highlight of the whole experience - making your very own chocolates to take home!
The workshop costs $25 a person. To avoid your desired time slot selling out, book in advance online.
You may need a little bit of time to digest after all that chocolate overload, so opt for a later dinner at the vibrant Frida’s. The buzzing atmosphere offers delicious Mexican cuisine with massive margaritas in a zillion flavors. Entrees average between $6-12.
Round out the night with a visit to Cafe No Se, a traveler’s favorite and something of revered ground for the best mezcal cocktails in town. A visit here gives you the sense you've stumbled upon a great secret - as if everyone around you knows one another, and they're all in the midst of hushed discussions about some covert operation.
After all, Cafe No Se was the first mezcal bar outside of Mexico, and it became that when its management started smuggling mezcal into Guatemala from Oaxaca. As a result, the bar features its own signature brand of the tequila, aptly called Ilegal.
Its storied history aside, Cafe No Se is just a cool place to be. The graffitied walls and flickering candlelight will have you charmed - as will ducking through the narrow doorways and exploring its eclectic assortment of rooms.
Day 2
Ready for some non-stop adventure?
Get started bright and early with the 9:00 AM zip-lining tour from Antigua Canopy Tours - choose between the 7-line Forest Express or the 2-line Canyon Express. Though the latter features less zip-lines, they’re higher and longer, and include insane panoramic views of the surrounding volcanoes!
The tours depart from the Filadelfia Coffee Resort, located about 15 minutes outside of Antigua. The company will arrange transportation free-of-charge for you and your companions from designated pick-up points around Antigua. You can book the excursion ahead of time, or once you arrive in Antigua through your hotel or a local travel agency.
If you want to keep your morning a little more low-key, opt for a tour of the Filadelfia Coffee Resort instead of going zip-lining. For $20 a person, you can spend two hours exploring the plantation, seeing first-hand how coffee is cultivated and processed. Expect samples along the way 😉
Head back into town for a hearty lunch - you'll need the energy for what's coming next! The rooftop views at Cafe Sky are pretty unreal, while you can't beat the eats at 7A Norte Pizzeria.
Take a quick siesta if you can, because at 2PM you're off on an afternoon excursion up the mighty Pacaya Volcano!
You can read all about what to expect during your hike and my tips for the experience here. Just know you’re in for an absolute treat!
That night, celebrate a successful day of adventuring with a night out on the town. Club-goers will enjoy the massive Las Vibras de la Casbah, while those looking to drink cheaply and mingle on the dance floor will enjoy La Sala. If you’re up for some drinking games, hit up Lucky Rabbit Bar & Game Room. Cheers!
Day 3
Enjoy a lazy morning for your final day in town. Go for a late brunch at the legendary Casa Santo Domingo, an absolute art piece of an atmosphere and the only 5-star hotel in town. Once the mainstay for the Santo Domingo Monastery, the ornate hotel has roots dating back to the 16th century.
Since being converted into a hotel, Casa Santo Domingo now provides an absolutely exquisite hospitality experience for travelers, while also preserving the historical significance of its past. The hotel features multiple museums specializing in art, archaeology and more.
That afternoon, head up to Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views of Antigua nestled amongst the volcanoes. There's a free shuttle to the top that departs from Casa Santo Domingo; alternately, it's about a 30-minute hike to the viewpoint.
End your visit with dinner at Porque No?, a quirky little spot with international cuisine ranging from burritos, to seafood, to pizza. The restaurant only fits 6 tables, but it's a crowd-favorite for a reason - it's artsy and delicious! Entrees average around $5-12.
Where to Stay
There's no shortage of accommodations to choose from in Antigua - and no matter what your taste or budget is, you'll be able to find something to suit you.
As a big backpacker's hub, there are plenty of hostels to fit any social traveler's fancy. If you're looking for charm and old-world beauty in excess, stick to the hotels - many are converted monasteries!
I stayed at the Good Hotel Antigua. Once a private mansion, the reimagined space is minimalistic yet personalized - plus it features a really great mission. Offering hospitality training to long-term unemployed locals and partnerships with NGOs to provide youth education, Good Hotel lives up to its name.
When to Go
Temperatures in Antigua are moderate year-round, averaging in the upper 60s and lower 70s. The rainy season lasts from May through October. The busiest and most expensive time of year to visit is in December. To avoid the crowds and price hikes but still take advantage of the dry season, visit in November, January, or February.
Getting into the city
Antigua is located about an hour from Guatemala City. If you’re arriving by air, you can catch a cab directly from Aurora International Airport (GUA) to Antigua for around 300 quetzales (~$38.) Alternately, you can book a shared shuttle for around 80-115Q (~$10-15.)
Once you clear customs, there’s clear signage directing you towards where you can secure either method of transit.
Getting around the city
Antigua is an extremely walkable city, so be sure to pack some comfortable shoes! The streets are all made of cobblestone, and they're, um...no joke.
If you're not feeling up to walking, Uber is available and a great resource, especially at night. It’s insanely cheap, easy, and reliable.
Tuk tuks and cabs are also fine to use, but avoid the colorful chicken buses that go around town – at least when they’re overcrowded or it’s after dark. They’re a common spot for pickpocketing.
Things to Note
Currency: Guatemalan Quetzal
Tipping culture? Tipping is not obligatory, but appreciated for good service - 10% is customary. Always tip your tour guides.
Don’t forget to pack: Good walking shoes, a small backpack/daypack for hiking, versatile jacket
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Want to visit Antigua as part of a Guatemala adventure? Get in touch and I’ll help you plan something amazing!
