10 Things to Do in Antigua That You Shouldn't Miss

August 26, 2017 Christa Meece

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

Volcan Acatenango, Antigua 03001, Guatemala
Excellent
84%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 641 reviews

Acatenango Volcano

Reviewed By gildo28

I went Volcán Acatenango tour with Tropicana. The tour was absolutely unbelievable. We got to see so many amazing things from lava explosions to the sunrise at the summit of Acatenango. Our guide Augustin was absolutely amazing. He was so caring, knowledgeable and friendly. We were lucky to have a small group which only enhanced our experience. I would definitely check how big your group is before you do it if you can, as we saw some huge other groups pass us. But either way it’s a must if you are in Antigua. Def ask for Augustin

2. Caoba Farms

5a. Ave. Final sur Sobre Puente Pensativo, Antigua 03001, Guatemala +502 7832 9201
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 174 reviews

Caoba Farms

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 ken48911 - Lansing, Michigan

This garden was a close walk to the wonderful 3 bedroom house we rented ([email protected]). A group of us hmade a reservation for lunch and had salads, pizza and pancakes. The menu was superb. Everything was fresh and presented in a wonderful way. Be sure to tour the Gardens, talk to the staff and go to the store. The owner told us a chocolate making venture will start soon.

3. Casa Santo Domingo Museums

3a Calle Oriente 28, Antigua 03001, Guatemala +502 7820 1220
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Casa Santo Domingo Museums

Reviewed By Elizabeth K - Denver, Colorado

We visited the beautifully restored and serene grounds of this hotel/archaeological site/museum in the evening with the perfect light. Our meal at their restaurant was our best in Antigua. The matched contemporary glass and Classic Period Mayan pottery exhibit was completely unique and a must-see....MoreThank you so much for sharing your opinion, we are glad that you enjoyed our facilities and services.

4. Pacaya Volcano

Antigua 05001, Guatemala +502 2421 2810
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Pacaya Volcano

Reviewed By ilianacg - new york, new york

Hiking Pacaya was something I was most looking forward to in Guatemala. I had read reviews (don't know where!) of people saying it was easy...I disagree with that! However, I'm also a wuss in direct sunlight, that was killing me. And I think the altitude was rough on me as well. There are local guides that follow your group with horses so if you need one you have that option (for 100 quetzales). But it's an amazing experience once you get towards the top and you're walking on lava rock. The marshmallow roasting is a little cheesy. Great day trip!

5. Arco de Santa Catalina

Av. Norte and 2 Calle Poniente 5, Antigua 03001, Guatemala +502 7832 3080
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Arco de Santa Catalina

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 Chip B - Birmingham, Alabama, United States

Our hotel was right around the corner, so we walked under this countless times during our trip. Sometimes it's quiet, sometimes very busy with cameras everywhere. There are many shops and restaurants within a few steps including one of our favorites, Fridas.

6. Convento Santa Clara

Av. Sur at 6 Calle Oriente 2, Antigua 03001, Guatemala 832-0184
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 247 reviews

Convento Santa Clara

These ruins, like so many others in the city, are the effects of several devastating earthquakes over the last 200 years.

Reviewed By Kulbi - Thornhill, Canada

That people destroy places of history by the need to write on walls is terrible. Some of these ruins in Antigua have unfortunately fallen prey to this. The arches, openings, Fountain, and layers of exposed walls are beautiful to photograph. The Catacombs are nothing.

7. Church of San Francisco

Calle Oriente 7 | Calle de los Pasos, Antigua 03001, Guatemala +502 7882 4439
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 443 reviews

Church of San Francisco

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 George B - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

This was part of our walking tour and the Church of San Francisco was really pleasant. Well worth the visit and a colonial masterpiece. Also visited St Peter's Museum next door. This has the Tomb of Central America's first Saint.
Our guide Erwin really brought to life how the areas interacted with each other in past times.

8. Iglesia de La Merced

Antigua, Guatemala +502 7832 0559
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 867 reviews

Iglesia de La Merced

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 George B - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

This church is beautiful both outside and inside and well worth a visit in Antigua. The inside is beautifully designed and really brings home to you the stark architecture of the time. Well worth a visit.
The outside lines are magical and again the architecture is wonderful what an experience in this old city which has been decimated by so many earthquakes.

9. Cerro de la Cruz

Antigua, Guatemala, Antigua 03001, Guatemala
Excellent
53%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Cerro de la Cruz

Reviewed By Michael S - Arlington, TX

Our first full day in Antigua, our daughter took us here. You can drive to the top (or take a tuk tuk) but we walked on the footpath. If you can do it, I think it adds a lot to the experience. It is somewhat challenging and I would not recommend doing it in a wheelchair or with a walker or a cane but there are a lot of benches along the way so you can stop every 20-30 yards and sit and enjoy the sights and the sounds. There were tourist police there so there was no question regarding safety if that's a concern. When you make the top, the view opens up to what, as others have noted, is an incredible view (to the south) of Antigua and the Agua volcano. I do recommend that you go early in the morning and go to the bathroom before you head up. (No facilities that I ever saw.) And you should take a bottle of water though there was a guy at the top selling bottles of water, sodas, etc... This was my favorite thing that we did in Antigua and I highly recommend it.

10. The Plaza Central Park

Plaza Mayor | City Center, Antigua 03001, Guatemala +502 7832 4801
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Plaza Central Park

This town square, with tree-lined streets and old colonial buildings, is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists.

Reviewed By beckyanders - Palmer, Alaska

I love coming here and sitting under the Jacaranda trees with their beautiful purple flowers, and watch the people go by. There are many good restaurants within a 5 min walk and the artisan market is only a 10 min walk away.

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