Best Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala: More Than Just Acatenango

If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, Antigua should absolutely be one of your main stops. With colourful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, centuries-old ruins and volcanoes towering in the distance, Antigua ended up being one of my favourite places to simply wander around and explore.

A lot of travellers use Antigua as the starting point for hiking Acatenango. Don’t get me wrong, hiking Acatenango was incredible, but there’s so much more to do in Antigua Guatemala than climb a volcano.

Once the capital of Spanish colonial Guatemala, Antigua was devastated by a series of earthquakes, particularly the Santa Marta earthquakes of 1773. The capital was eventually relocated to present-day Guatemala City, leaving behind the churches, convents and ruins that make Antigua so unique today. The historic city is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From exploring centuries-old ruins and drinking locally grown Guatemalan coffee to rooftop cocktails and adventurous day trips, here are 15 of the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala beyond Acatenango.

1. Visit the Santa Catalina Arch

Of course, you can’t visit Antigua without seeing the Santa Catalina Arch.

The bright yellow arch with Volcán de Agua towering behind it is easily the most iconic view in Antigua, and probably one of the most recognizable photos from Guatemala.

But the arch is more than just a photo spot.

It was originally constructed to connect the Santa Catalina convent with a building across the street, allowing the cloistered nuns to cross without being seen in public.

Today, Calle del Arco is one of the liveliest streets in Antigua, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants. It acts as a symbol of the city’s resilience and endurance, as it’s one of the few structures that survived the catastrophic earthquakes that devastated Antigua in 1773.

☁️Pro Tip: Head here early in the morning if you want a photo without a street full of people. On a clear morning, you’ll also have a much better chance of seeing Volcán de Agua without clouds covering the peak.

2. Walk Up to Cerro de la Cruz

For one of the best views over Antigua, head up to Cerro de la Cruz.

The viewpoint sits on a hill overlooking the city with Volcán de Agua almost perfectly centred behind Antigua’s colourful rooftops.

From downtown Antigua, it’s roughly a 20 to 25-minute walk to the viewpoint, depending on where you start. You can also drive or take a tuk-tuk most of the way if you don’t feel like walking.

The walk isn’t particularly difficult, and the panoramic view from the top makes it well worth the effort.

I’d recommend going earlier in the day when the skies tend to be clearer. It also makes a great first stop in Antigua because you can see just how compact the historic centre actually is.

3. Explore Antigua’s Colonial Ruins

One of my favourite things about Antigua was finding old colonial ruins tucked between colourful buildings and down quieter streets.

Many of Antigua’s churches, convents and monasteries were badly damaged during the earthquakes of 1773. Rather than completely rebuilding everything, many of the ruins were preserved, which is a huge part of what gives Antigua its character today. UNESCO specifically recognizes sites including Santa Clara, La Merced and the Cathedral as part of Antigua’s important architectural heritage.

Half the fun for us was simply walking around the city and seeing what we stumbled across.

Santa Clara Convent

If you only have time to explore one set of ruins in Antigua, I’d make it Santa Clara Convent. This was easily my favourite!

The complex is much bigger than it looks from the street, with old stone archways, peaceful courtyards, gardens and the remains of the church and convent to wander through.

What I especially loved about Santa Clara was how quiet and secluded it felt. There were very few other visitors when we were there, and it almost felt like we had the place to ourselves. With so many different rooms, passageways and courtyards to explore, you could easily spend an hour or more wandering through the ruins.

Admission was approximately Q40 per person when we visited, although I’d recommend confirming current prices before you go.

Antigua Guatemala Cathedral Ruins

If you have time for a second set of ruins, I’d recommend exploring the remains of the original Antigua Guatemala Cathedral.

While the front of the cathedral facing Parque Central has been restored and is still used for worship, the enormous ruins behind it tell a completely different story.

Once one of the grandest churches in Central America, much of the original cathedral was destroyed by the devastating earthquakes of 1773. Today, you can wander through the remains of its massive stone arches, columns and former chambers.

It’s incredible to see the sheer scale of what once stood here, and it gives you a real appreciation for just how much of Antigua was lost to the earthquakes.

Casa Santo Domingo

For something completely different, visit Casa Santo Domingo.

The luxury hotel was built within the remains of the former Santo Domingo convent and monastery, which was nearly destroyed by the 1773 earthquakes. Today, the property incorporates the archaeological remains alongside gardens, museums, crypts and hotel spaces.

Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth visiting the archaeological area and museums.

4. Wander Around Parque Central

Parque Central, also known as Plaza Mayor, is the heart of Antigua and has been the centre of the city since the colonial era. You’ll probably end up passing through it multiple times without even trying.

The plaza is surrounded by some of Antigua’s most impressive architecture, including the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, Antigua Guatemala Cathedral and historic government buildings.

Grab a coffee, find a bench and spend some time people-watching. You’ll see local families, street vendors, travellers and musicians passing through throughout the day.

It’s also a great starting point for exploring Antigua on foot since many of the city’s major attractions are only a few blocks away.

5. Get Lost in Antigua’s Markets

If you want to experience a completely different side of Antigua, spend some time wandering through its markets.

The Mercado Central is more of a traditional local market, where you’ll find everything from fresh produce and spices to clothing and everyday household goods. It’s busy, colourful and a lot less polished than the tourist shops around Parque Central.

For souvenirs, head to the Mercado de Artesanías. You’ll find colourful Guatemalan textiles, ceramics, leather goods, jewellery, bags and other handicrafts.

Guatemala was one of my favourite places to shop for souvenirs because there are so many beautiful handmade items, particularly the colourful woven textiles. Give yourself time to look around before buying anything. You’ll often see similar products at several stalls, so it’s worth comparing before deciding what you want to bring home.

6. Take a Guatemalan Coffee Farm Tour

Guatemala produces some incredible coffee, and Antigua is surrounded by coffee-growing country.

The combination of elevation, climate and volcanic landscapes makes the Antigua region particularly well known for Arabica coffee.

A coffee farm tour lets you see the process behind your morning cup, from growing and harvesting the coffee cherries to processing, roasting and eventually tasting the finished coffee.

Even if you’re not a huge coffee drinker, it’s an interesting way to learn about one of Guatemala’s most important agricultural products.

Recommended tour: Coffee Tour in Antigua Guatemala

7. Make Your Own Guatemalan Chocolate

If coffee isn’t your thing, chocolate might be.

Cacao has a long history in Mesoamerica, and a chocolate-making workshop is a fun way to learn about its importance while also getting hands-on.

Depending on the workshop, you’ll roast and peel cacao beans, grind them and learn how cacao is transformed into chocolate. Some workshops also teach you how to make traditional drinking chocolate and your own chocolate bars.

Best of all, you usually get to take some of what you make home with you. It’s a particularly good activity if you happen to get a rainy afternoon in Antigua.

Recommended workshop: Chocolate Workshop

Get the best of both worlds and do a combined Coffee Farm and Chocolate Tour.

8. Take a Food Tour or Guatemalan Cooking Class

One of my favourite ways to experience a new country is through its food, and Antigua is a great place to do exactly that. A food tour will usually take you away from some of the more touristy restaurants and into local markets, street-food stands and small family-run restaurants.

Another option is a traditional Guatemalan cooking class, where you can learn how some of the country’s staple dishes are prepared.

A few Guatemalan foods worth looking for while you’re in Antigua include:

• Pepián: A rich traditional stew usually made with meat, vegetables, roasted spices and seeds.
• Hilachas: Shredded beef cooked in a tomato-based sauce and usually served with potatoes and rice.
• Handmade tortillas: You’ll see fresh corn tortillas being prepared everywhere.
• Tamales: Guatemalan tamales come in several varieties and are wrapped in banana leaves or corn husks.
• Rellenitos: Mashed plantain filled with sweetened black beans and fried.
• Guatemalan coffee or Hot Chocolate: Obviously.

Recommended Tour: Antigua Street Food Tour

9. Have a Drink on a Rooftop Terrace

After spending the day walking Antigua’s cobblestone streets, find a rooftop and order yourself a cold drink.

Antigua is surrounded by Volcán de Agua, Acatenango and Fuego, which means some of the rooftop terraces around the city have incredible views. A few places worth checking out include Café Sky, Aqua Antigua 360° and Las Tartines.

If the weather cooperates, try to time your visit around sunset. And keep an eye on Volcán de Fuego. On a clear day you may be able to see smoke rising from it in the distance.

10. Explore Antigua Guatemala at Night

Antigua is just as beautiful at night as it is during the day, and the historic centre really comes alive after sunset.

Once the sightseeing attractions close, take a stroll through Parque Central to see the colonial buildings illuminated at night. The streets are often filled with music, and there’s no shortage of restaurants and rooftop bars where you can grab dinner or enjoy a drink overlooking the city.

It’s a completely different atmosphere from exploring during the day and a great way to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.

11. Visit Antigua’s Churches

You won’t have to look very hard to find a church in Antigua.

Some are beautifully restored, while others remain partially destroyed from centuries of earthquakes. Even if you’re not particularly interested in churches, the architecture alone makes several worth visiting.

Antigua Guatemala Cathedral

Located directly on Parque Central, Antigua Guatemala Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Its beautiful white facade, with intricate architectural details and towering columns, makes it a striking contrast against the colourful colonial buildings surrounding the square.

The cathedral is still an active place of worship and is worth stopping to admire while exploring Parque Central.

Iglesia El Carmen

You can’t go inside the ruined Iglesia El Carmen, but its elaborate facade is beautiful.

The weathered stone, columns and detailed architecture make it one of those buildings that’s worth stopping at even if you’re only walking past.

There’s also an artisan market around the El Carmen ruins, particularly on weekends and holidays.

Iglesia de La Merced

Another church you shouldn’t miss is Iglesia de La Merced.

Its bright yellow facade covered in intricate white stucco makes it one of the most recognizable buildings in Antigua. The detailed architecture is absolutely beautiful and worth stopping to admire, even if you don’t plan on going inside.

12. Visit Hobbitenango

About 25 minutes outside Antigua you’ll find one of the more unusual things to do in the area: Hobbitenango.

It’s a fantasy-inspired eco-park high in the mountains, complete with hobbit-style houses, forest trails, viewpoints, restaurants, games and a giant swing.

Yes, it’s touristy. But it’s also fun.

The real reason I’d visit is the setting. On a clear day there are panoramic views toward several of Guatemala’s volcanoes, including Agua, Fuego, Acatenango and Pacaya. The park currently recommends allowing anywhere from half a day to a full day if you want to explore properly.

If you don’t have your own transportation, Hobbitenango also offers a shuttle from Antigua, or join a tour. This one includes an ATV mountain tour along with entry to Hobbitenango if you’re looking to add some adventure.

13. Hike Pacaya Volcano

If an overnight Acatenango hike sounds like a little too much, Pacaya is another popular volcano hike from Antigua. The hike is ~5-8km (3.2-5miles) depending on the route and starting point.

The experience is much shorter and can generally be done as a half-day or day trip, making it easier to fit into a Guatemala itinerary. One of the quirky experiences Pacaya has become known for is roasting marshmallows using heat from the volcanic ground.

If you want to hike a volcano while you’re in Guatemala but don’t have the time, or desire, to tackle Acatenango, Pacaya is the more accessible option.

14. Take a Day Trip to Iximché

If Antigua is as far north as you’re travelling in Guatemala, consider making a day trip to the Iximché archaeological site.

Iximché was a Kaqchikel Maya city and is located roughly 56 kilometres from Antigua, with the drive taking around 1.5 hours. It’s much smaller than Guatemala’s famous northern Maya sites, but it gives you the opportunity to see Maya ruins without travelling all the way to Petén.

However, if your Guatemala itinerary already includes Tikal or an El Mirador trek, I wouldn’t consider Iximché essential. We visited the much larger Maya sites farther north during our trip, and they’re on a completely different scale.

Read next: Visiting Tikal, Guatemala: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Read next: Hiking to El Mirador, Guatemala: What It’s Really Like to Trek to the Lost Mayan City

15. Visit Chichicastenango Market

Another possible day trip from Antigua is Chichicastenango, home to one of the best-known Indigenous markets in Central America.

The market is packed with colourful textiles, handicrafts, produce, flowers and everyday goods. It is farther from Antigua, so expect this to take up most of your day. If you’re interested in Guatemalan textiles and Indigenous culture, though, it can be worth making the trip.

Make sure you plan around market days, the main market traditionally operates on Thursdays and Sundays

🛕Pro Tip: Combine Iximché with Chichicastenango market to make it a full day trip! It’s a long day, but a convenient way to visit both without arranging separate transportation.

What About Lake Atitlán?

You’ll see Lake Atitlán advertised as a day trip from Antigua, but I wouldn’t recommend visiting it that way. The lake deserves much more than a few rushed hours.

Instead, spend at least a couple of nights there and use the public boats to explore the different villages around the lake. San Marcos, San Juan, Santiago and Panajachel all offer completely different experiences.

After several busy days in Antigua, Lake Atitlán is also a great place to slow down for a while.

Hike Acatenango Volcano

Of course, you can’t write a guide to Antigua without talking about Acatenango.

This is the adventure that brings many travellers to Antigua in the first place, and if you’re physically prepared for it, it is absolutely worth considering.

Most Acatenango trips are overnight hikes. You’ll climb to a mountainside camp overlooking neighbouring Volcán de Fuego, one of Guatemala’s active volcanoes. Watching Fuego erupt from across the valley was one of the most incredible experiences of our entire trip to Guatemala.

But Acatenango isn’t an easy hike. Between the elevation, steep climb, cold temperatures and early-morning summit push, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into before you book.

Read next: What to Expect Hiking Acatenango Volcano: My Honest Experience

Where to Stay in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua is very walkable, so I’d recommend staying somewhere within or close to the historic centre. That way you can explore most of the city on foot without constantly relying on tuk-tuks.

Luxury: Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo

The hotel incorporates the ruins of the historic Santo Domingo convent and has an archaeological area, museums, courtyards and gardens throughout the property. There are six permanent museums and rotating art galleries on the grounds.

It’s definitely a splurge, but you’re staying in part of Antigua’s history rather than just another hotel.

Mid-Range: Hotel Mesón de María

For something more affordable while still keeping the colonial feel, Hotel Mesón de María is only about 150 metres from Plaza Mayor and has a rooftop terrace overlooking the surrounding volcanoes.

Modern Boutique: Good Hotel Antigua

If you prefer something more modern, Good Hotel Antigua is a stylish boutique option inside a converted private mansion. It’s still within the historic centre but has a much more minimalist feel than Antigua’s traditional colonial hotels.

Budget: Yellow House Hostel

For budget travellers and backpackers, Yellow House Hostel is a popular hostel near the centre of Antigua with both social spaces and private-room options.

How Many Days Do You Need in Antigua Guatemala?

I’d recommend spending at least three days in Antigua Guatemala to properly explore the city and enjoy a few activities without feeling rushed.

If you only have one day, you can still see many of the highlights, including the Santa Catalina Arch, Parque Central, Cerro de la Cruz and some of Antigua’s beautiful colonial ruins.

With two or three days, you’ll have time to explore at a more relaxed pace and add experiences like a coffee farm tour, chocolate workshop or a visit to Hobbitenango.

If you’re planning on hiking Acatenango, I’d recommend allowing four to five days in the Antigua area. The overnight hike takes up the better part of two days, and you’ll want enough time to enjoy the city itself.

Antigua Guatemala Itineraries

Not sure how to fit everything into your trip? Antigua is a relatively compact city, so you can see quite a bit in a short amount of time. However, I’d recommend spending at least three days here if you want to explore the city properly and enjoy a few activities without feeling rushed.

Here’s how I’d spend your time depending on how many days you have.

1 Day in Antigua Guatemala: The Highlights

If you only have one day, focus on the historic centre and Antigua’s most iconic attractions.

• Morning: Start at the Santa Catalina Arch before the streets get busy, then walk up to Cerro de la Cruz for panoramic views over the city.
• Late Morning: Explore Parque Central, visit Antigua Guatemala Cathedral and wander through the nearby colonial streets.
• Afternoon: Visit Santa Clara Convent ruins, then spend some time browsing the local markets and artisan shops.
• Evening: Finish your day with dinner and rooftop drinks overlooking the volcanoes.

This gives you a great introduction to Antigua’s history, architecture and atmosphere without needing to leave the city.

2 Days in Antigua Guatemala: History, Coffee and Culture

With two days, you’ll have time to explore at a more relaxed pace and add a few experiences beyond the main attractions.

Day 1: Follow the one-day itinerary above, taking your time exploring the historic centre and colonial ruins.

Day 2:

• Morning: Join a coffee farm tour to learn about Guatemala’s famous coffee production, from bean to cup.
• Afternoon: Take a chocolate-making workshop or traditional Guatemalan cooking class.
• Late Afternoon: Visit La Merced Church and explore any ruins or streets you missed on your first day.
• Evening: Head out for dinner, try some traditional Guatemalan dishes and enjoy Antigua’s nightlife.

3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Best of the City and Beyond

Three days is my recommended amount of time if you’re not planning on hiking Acatenango. You’ll have enough time to see the highlights, enjoy some cultural experiences and venture outside the city.

Day 1: Explore Antigua’s historic centre, including the Santa Catalina Arch, Cerro de la Cruz, Parque Central and Santa Clara Convent.

Day 2: Spend the day enjoying Antigua’s food and culture. Visit a coffee farm, take a cooking or chocolate-making class, browse the markets and explore more of the city’s beautiful churches.

Day 3: Head outside Antigua for a day trip. I’d recommend choosing one of the following:

• Hobbitenango: A fun, relaxed day exploring the hobbit-inspired village and enjoying panoramic volcano views.
• Pacaya Volcano: A great option if you’re looking for some adventure without committing to an overnight hike.
• Iximché Ruins: Ideal if you’re interested in Maya history and aren’t visiting Tikal or El Mirador during your Guatemala trip.

4–5 Days in Antigua Guatemala: Add Acatenango

If you’re planning on hiking Acatenango, I’d recommend allowing at least four to five days in the Antigua area.

Spend your first couple of days exploring the city, then set aside two days for the overnight Acatenango hike.

If you have a fifth day, use it to recover from the hike, relax at a spa hotel and explore anything you missed.

Best Time to Visit Antigua Guatemala

Guatemala has two main seasons: the dry season (November to April) and the rainy season (May to October).

The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit Antigua, particularly if you’re planning outdoor activities or hiking one of the surrounding volcanoes. You’ll typically experience more sunshine, clearer skies and less rainfall, although rain is still possible even during the dry months.

The rainy season brings greener landscapes and often fewer tourists. Rainfall frequently occurs in the afternoons, so it’s still possible to enjoy plenty of sightseeing by planning your outdoor activities earlier in the day.

If you’re hoping for those iconic views of Volcán de Agua behind the Santa Catalina Arch or clear views from Cerro de la Cruz, I’d recommend heading out early in the morning before clouds have a chance to build around the volcanoes.

🧥Pro Tip: If you’re planning on hiking Acatenango, remember that temperatures at higher elevations are significantly colder than in Antigua itself. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll need proper cold-weather clothing for the overnight hike.

Getting Around Antigua Guatemala

One of the best things about Antigua is how easy it is to explore on foot.

The historic centre is relatively compact, with most of the main attractions, restaurants, cafés and markets within walking distance of each other. If you’re visiting primarily for sightseeing, I’d recommend staying somewhere in or near the historic centre so you can easily explore without needing transportation.

Just be prepared for the cobblestone streets! They’re beautiful, but they can be uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

If you’re heading a little farther out, tuk-tuks are a convenient and affordable way to get around. They’re particularly useful if you don’t feel like walking uphill or want to reach somewhere outside the main tourist area.

For attractions outside Antigua, such as Hobbitenango, Pacaya Volcano or Iximché, there are plenty of organized tours, shared shuttles and private transfers available. Most can be arranged through your accommodation or booked online in advance.

Do you need a rental car in Antigua? Not really. Unless you’re planning a larger road trip through Guatemala, I’d recommend skipping the rental car and exploring Antigua on foot. Between tuk-tuks, shuttles and organized tours, it’s easy to get around without one.

Is Antigua Guatemala Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

We originally came to Antigua partly because we were hiking Acatenango, but the city ended up being a destination in its own right.

The old convents and earthquake-damaged churches were some of my favourite places to explore, and Antigua is one of those cities where you don’t really need an itinerary every hour of the day. Grab a coffee and wander down the cobblestone streets, walk into a ruin that catches your eye, browse the markets and finish the day watching the volcanoes from a rooftop.

Acatenango might be what initially puts Antigua on a lot of Guatemala itineraries, but it definitely shouldn’t be the only reason you visit.

Antigua Guatemala FAQ

What is Antigua Guatemala best known for?

Antigua is best known for its colourful Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, historic churches and convent ruins, surrounding volcanoes and the iconic Santa Catalina Arch. It’s also the main starting point for overnight hikes up Acatenango Volcano.

Can you walk around Antigua Guatemala?

Yes. Antigua’s historic centre is compact and extremely walkable, and walking is actually one of the best ways to explore it. Just wear comfortable shoes because the cobblestone streets can be surprisingly hard on your feet after a full day.

Is 2 days enough for Antigua Guatemala?

Two days is enough to see many of Antigua’s main attractions, but I’d recommend three days if your Guatemala itinerary allows it. If you’re hiking Acatenango, add another two days for the hike.

What should I not miss in Antigua Guatemala?

If you’re short on time, my must-do Antigua experiences would be the Santa Catalina Arch, Cerro de la Cruz, Santa Clara Convent ruins, Parque Central and at least one rooftop overlooking the volcanoes.

Do you need a car in Antigua Guatemala?

No. You don’t need a rental car to explore Antigua itself. The historic centre is easy to explore on foot, and tuk-tuks are readily available for shorter trips. Tours and shuttles are also available for many of the major attractions outside the city.

Is Acatenango the only volcano you can hike from Antigua?

No. Pacaya is another popular volcano hike from Antigua and is a good alternative if you don’t want to commit to the overnight Acatenango trek.

Final Thoughts

There are so many things to do in Antigua Guatemala that I’d avoid treating the city as simply somewhere to sleep before hiking Acatenango.

The colonial ruins were some of my favourite places to explore, and Antigua is one of those cities where you don’t need an itinerary for every hour of the day.

Grab a coffee and wander through the cobblestone streets, explore a centuries-old convent, browse the local markets and finish the day watching the volcanoes from a rooftop terrace.

And if you’re up for the challenge, climb a volcano!

Antigua ended up being one of the highlights of our Guatemala trip, and I’d absolutely recommend making room for it on your itinerary.