Top Things to do in Antigua
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10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Antigua That You Shouldn't Miss
Antigua Guatamala is known as the best-preserved Spanish colonial city in Central America. Stroll the cobblestone streets, lounge with the locals in Central Park on sunny afternoons or hike up one of the volcanoes overlooking the city for amazing views.
Restaurants in Antigua
1. Acatenango Volcano
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,168 reviews
Reviewed By yesenial557
Tropicana tour agency have one of the best view of the fuego volcano,I took an incredible couple package which I could enjoyed with my partner
2. Caoba Farms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 303 reviews
All organic farm that also offers tours, volunteering, a farm-to-table restaurant, a store, Farmers Markets on Saturdays (live music, vendors, free activities..), Thursday- and Friday night activities and much more! Check out our homepage for more details and follow us on Facebook (caoba farms) and Instagram (caobafarms) to keep posted!
Reviewed By LeilaniRuth - Los Angeles, United States
After living in Antigua for over 3+ years, this is a staple for special occasions, when friends visit, or just needing some solo time. There's a bustling energy about the ground on Saturday's when Caoba throws their famous farmers market, although they're open Wednesday - Sunday and hosts various events throughout. Make sure to bring a camera and enjoy a walk around the property. From the beautifully presented snacks to the farm, it's a photographers dream full of color, life, and the beauty of nature all around. Your visit can be a short stop into the artisanal tienda, although you'd be selling yourself short. If you have time, settle into the restaurant for a full meal, straight from the farm, or just a liquado. There's plenty to do for the entire family if time allows - farm tour, workshops, mariposa garden, succulent plant garden, play area for the kids, live music, and much more. They conveniently offer shuttle service from Parque Central, but it's also a very enjoyable 15min walk from town. Uber is also available if a private ride is more your style.
3. The Plaza Central Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,952 reviews
This town square, with tree-lined streets and old colonial buildings, is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists.
Reviewed By Rolliecole - Austin, United States
The park itself (during Christmas season) was ablaze with Christmas lights at night and children playing, vendors selling, people strolling day and night. It is surrounded by some of the principal sights of the city, including the cathedral, several banks with guarded ATMs, and several highly-rated restaurants. We walked through it or by it every time we walked somewhere in the city, if only to see what was happening. Our favorite was a parade of dancing horses - the caballeros (and one lady) astride each horse would make them do a tap dance on the cobblestone streets to music blaring from a pickup ahead of each of two or three horses. The park is a reason to visit Antigua; if you go there, you would have to work hard to miss it.
4. Iglesia de La Merced
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,077 reviews
Destroyed twice by earthquakes, this 1548 church was rebuilt in the 1700s to withstand earthquakes and boasts a lovely yellow façade and a huge stone fountain, reputed to be the largest in Central America.
Reviewed By 796alvaror - San Salvador, El Salvador
La Merced is a colonial baroque style Catholic Church, well preserved, it keeps its greatness outside and inside. It’s a must visit place in Antigua. In addition to, its Square has delicious Guatemalan food and it’s a nice meeting place for locals and foreigners day and nighttime.
5. Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
One of many ruined churches in the city, this multi-domed church is often visited by pilgrims seeking answers to their prayers from Friar Hermano Pedro, the beatified 17th-century monk buried inside.
Reviewed By T9604IZmattp - San Diego, United States
Make sure you stop here to see the resting place of Hermano Pedro, Guatemala’s first Saint. He was considered the Mother Theresa of his time, and is venerated as such. The church was damaged and eventually destroyed in Guatemala’s famous historic earthquakes, and was rebuilt in the 1960’s. Fun Fact: Scenes from The New Adventures of Tarzan were filmed here when the church was still in ruins.
6. Casa Popenoe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Casa Popenoe appeals to the inquiring mind. It prompts us to ask questions about ideas, about passion, about commitment; about history, art, science, beauty, austerity, proportion. What role does each play in human development? In the development of civilization?
7. Pacaya Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,588 reviews
Reviewed By 177patd - Kent, United Kingdom
I visited Pacaya using a local firm from Antigua. They charged 75 quetzals (£9) to transport me my minibus to & from my hotel. They also included a guide to escort our group (about 10) to the lava sites towards the top of the volcano & back down. I had to pay a further 50 quetzals (£6) entrance fee to the Volcano site. I also hired a wooded walking stick (5 quetzals), which was a very useful aid to get grip/leverage up the sometimes slippery/loose volcanic rock surface. I would say that walking to the main viewing area of Pacaya (not the top or where the lava stream can be viewed) is 'medium' degree in difficulty. You can hire a horse & proceed bu horseback to the viewing area. Didn't to that so not sure how much that cost. However, to get to the lava stream is fairly tough going mainly because the rock surface is very loose in places & you have to scramble on all fours in places. Having said that, some very young children managed it. There is nothing in the way of 'health & safety near the lava streams & you are able to get as close as you dare. I tasted some roasted marshmallows that one of the guides had heated up over the main lava stream visible.
8. Street market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
You'll find textiles, jewelry, clothes and Mayan crafts for reasonable prices at this permanent outdoor marketplace.
Reviewed By schillerla - Australia, null
Great market for getting souvenirs, with a large range and everyone happy to barter! beautiful range of goods showcasing traditional styles. Once you have explored the craft market go into the locals market next door, where you can easily get lost in the winding rows of shops from homewares to fish to shoes and jewelry! Expect to get a few looks, especially if you are blonde!
9. Arco de Santa Catalina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,694 reviews
This monumental arch was built as a passageway between the monastery and adjoining school. The buildings were constructed to accommodate an increase in religious followers during the 17th century.
Reviewed By TimDore - Marana, United States
Guatemala was a stop on our cruise ship so we signed up for a Blue Planet shore excursion which drove us 2 hours to Antigua. There are so many sites to visit in this beautiful city including the Arco de Santa Catalina. The Arch was built in the 1690s so cloistered nuns could walk from the convent to the school without having to cross the streets of the city. You can see the Agua Volcano in the background as you stand under the arch. I highly recommend a short visit for some great pictures.
10. Convento de las Capuchinas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 550 reviews
This massive convent was a thriving community of nuns from 1736 until the 1773 earthquake, after which it was abandoned. Now open to the public, tranquil gardens, sparse nuns’ cells and a terrific view from the roof make this a popular attraction.
Reviewed By RobertAleksandrowicz - San Jose, United States
Let's be honest, you don't want a retelling of the site's history. You want practical information, that's what I'm going to give you here. Let's start with the obvious, the cost: 40 Q to enter, if you want a guide it'll cost you anywhere from 100 to 150 Q depending on your "negotiation skills." Guides ask for 150Q straight up, I paid 110. There is a bit of walking as the tour lasts up to an hour but there are lots of shady places and you shouldn't feel tired. There are serviceable bathrooms on the property, close to the main cloister, which is a real plus. The convent itself has been largely restored and is the jewel of all the abandoned churches of Antigua. If you visit just one, visit this one, and get that guide. It makes the difference, it really does. make sure they take you to the downstairs acoustic chamber, it is unbelievable! Highly recommended.
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