Guatemala · October 2025
Overview
Antigua is one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Latin America: cobblestone streets, colourful one-storey houses, ruined churches and three volcanoes on the horizon (Agua, Acatenango and the active Fuego, which you can sometimes see erupting at night). It is touristy and has a big expat community, but it is still charming and a great base for the rest of Guatemala.
The Spanish founded Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala here in 1543, and it was the capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, which covered most of Central America, for over 200 years. A series of earthquakes in 1773 destroyed much of the city, and the capital moved to today's Guatemala City in 1776. The old town was partly abandoned and became "La Antigua" (the old one), which is why its ruins are so well preserved. It became a UNESCO site in 1979.
How long to stay: 3 to 4 days, including Acatenango or Hobbitenango.
Last updated: October 2026
Quick Facts
Location
In the central highlands, in the Panchoy Valley, 40 km west of Guatemala City and about 2.5 to 3 hours from Lake Atitlán.
Budget
Per person, per day.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Comfort | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed | Q100–200 ($13–26) | Q600–1,100 ($79–145) | Q1,800+ ($237+) |
| Food | Q100–180 ($13–24) | Q250–450 ($33–59) | Q700+ ($92+) |
| Activities | Q50–100 | Q150–300 | Q500+ |
| Daily total | Q250–480 ($33–63) | Q1,000–1,850 ($131–243) | Q3,000+ ($395+) |
Things to Do
Antigua is a UNESCO cobblestone grid ringed by three volcanoes. Photograph the Santa Catalina arch at first light with Volcan Agua behind it, then walk to the ruins of Convento Santa Clara and Iglesia La Merced.
The trip everyone remembers is the overnight hike up Volcan Acatenango; from base camp you watch Volcan de Fuego erupt lava into the sky through the night. Book with a reputable operator like Tropicana or Ox.
The yellow arch with a clock, built in the 17th century so the nuns of the Santa Catalina convent could cross the street without being seen. It frames the Volcán de Agua perfectly.
Price: free · Tip: take your photo early in the morning, before the street fills up.
A bright yellow baroque church (completed in 1767) covered in white stucco decoration, with a large fountain in the ruined cloister.
Price: church free; cloister small fee.
The main square with its mermaid fountain, the Palace of the Captains General and the Cathedral of San José. Behind the cathedral you can walk through the huge earthquake ruins of the original building.
Price: square free; ruins small fee.
The best-preserved convent ruins in Antigua (1736), with a circular cloister of nuns' cells and gardens.
Price: about Q40 · Time needed: 1 hour.
A viewpoint with a big stone cross overlooking the whole town and the Volcán de Agua, about 20 minutes uphill.
Price: free · Tip: go with others or with the tourist police escort (ask at the INGUAT office).
The most famous hike in Guatemala: you climb about 1,600 m to a camp at around 3,600 m and watch Volcán de Fuego erupt during the night, then reach the summit (3,976 m) for sunrise. It is hard and very cold at night.
Price: overnight tours about Q500–1,200 with camp and food, plus park fees · Tip: rent warm clothes in Antigua; choose an operator with good reviews.
An easier half-day hike on an active volcano, where you can sometimes roast marshmallows over hot volcanic rock.
Price: tours about Q100–200 plus park fee.
Antigua's volcanic soil produces some of the best coffee in the world. Visit a farm like Finca Filadelfia or a small cooperative to see the process from cherry to cup.
Price: about Q100–300.
During Holy Week, the streets are covered in colourful carpets (alfombras) made of sawdust, flowers and fruit, and huge processions walk over them.
Tip: book accommodation many months ahead.
A hobbit-themed eco-park in the hills above town. See the Hobbitenango guide.
Transit Tips
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Fly into Guatemala City (GUA).
From the airport: tourist shuttle (about $15–25 per person) or Uber (about 1 hour, more in traffic).
To Lake Atitlán: shuttle about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Walking: the centre is small; watch your step on the cobblestones.
Tuk-tuks and Uber: for short trips; agree tuk-tuk prices before getting in.
Keep in mind that Antigua is at 1,500 m: warm days, cool nights. Bring a jacket, and of course sunscreen.
Helpful Words
A few basics in Spanish can make everyday conversations much easier.
Where to Stay
Plan & Book
Explore accommodation options and open hotel details directly from the map.
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