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Having thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring Beast Wildlife Adventures of K’uk Tours  invited us to spend 0 days on a customized adventure, we leapt at the opportunity.

We’ve long been fascinated by history, from the ancient and modern-day Maya peoples to the mingling of indigenous and colonial influences after the Spanish conquest led by 6th century conquistador Pedro de Alvarado.

Our action-packed itinerary gave us time to explore ancient Mayan settlements such as El Mirador and Tikal (posts on both coming soon). We also visited tourist attractions such as Lake Atitlán, the charming small town of Flores, and the National Archaeology Museum in City.

But, for our money, the can’t-miss tourist attraction in is Antigua, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua (whose name means “old ”) offers an incredible array of activities for a town with just over 45,000 residents, with colonial architecture, rich indigenous culture, massive volcanoes, colorful wildlife, and more. 

Here’s a look at our picks for the Top 5 things to do in Antigua, , with an emphasis on natural and historical attractions. 

Getting from City to Antigua

Top 5 Things To Do in Antigua

Best Hotels in Antigua,

READ MORE: 40 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to

The Iconic Arco de Santa Catalina

FROM GUATEMALA CITY TO ANTIGUA

Antigua is located approximately 35 kilometers (2 miles) southwest of City, which makes it easy to visit Antigua during your vacation.

But if you’re coming from La Aurora International Airport, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get there quickly. Depending on traffic, road conditions, and other unpredictable factors, getting to Antigua could take anywhere from 40 minutes to several hours.

Here’s a quick look at the various ways to get from City to Antigua: 

• Take the Chicken Bus: Although this option is cheap (around $.25 US) and rich with local flavor, we don’t recommend using the public bus. For one, crime can be an issue, as can the language barrier unless you’ve mastered Spanish. 

• Book a Shared Shuttle: This is the best budget-friendly option– usually $0 to $5 per person– and can be reserved in advance. There’s even an eco-friendly option, READ MORE: Things to Do in for Nature Lovers

  5 THINGS TO DO IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA

The fantastic facade of the Antigua Cathedral

. Visit the Antigua Cathedral

Also known as the Saint Joseph Cathedral (or Catedral de San José in Spanish), the Antigua Cathedral is located right on the city’s popular Parque Central. 

The original church was built on the site sometime around 54, but suffered through a number of devastating earthquakes and was ultimately demolished in 669. It was rebuilt over the next decade, and by the mid-700s it was one of the largest 773 earthquake, which began on July 29 and lasted through December. Antigua (then known as Santiago de los Caballeros de ) was at that time the colonial capital of Central America. But the earthquake’s destruction was so bad, Spanish authorities decided to move the capital to what is now known as City.  

Fortunately, the two front towers remained mostly intact and were extensively restored in the early 800s, and the cathedral was partially rebuilt. Get up close to the gorgeous facade and you’ll notice hands missing from some of the statues of saints, which could not be repaired after the earthquake damaged them.

The inside of the church is now an extremely popular wedding venue (there was one about to start when we visited). And the outside looks especially beautiful at night, when the most beautiful of the many churches in Antigua, is illuminated. 

READ MORE: Inside Urnes Stave Church (The Oldest Church in Norway)

Violet Sabrewing Hummingbird at Finca el Pilar

2. Birdwatching at Finca el Pilar

Visiting Finca el Pilar doesn’t rank anywhere near the most popular things to do in Antigua, on TripAdvisor. That’s because this under-the-radar private nature reserve belongs to the family of READ MORE: 5 Beautiful Birds of the Galapagos Islands

The smoking summit of the Pacaya Volcano

3. Hiking the Pacaya Volcano

Located just over an hour from Antigua, the uber-active Pacaya Volcano has erupted at least 23 times since the Spanish conquered ’s READ MORE: Top 0 Volcanoes in the World (World Travel Bucket List)

Organic vegetables for sale at the Antigua Street Market

4. Shopping at the Antigua Street Market

Looking for fresh READ MORE: 50 Fascinating Facts About n Culture

Chicken Bus ready to roll out

5. Check Out the Chicken Bus Terminal

The Chicken Bus is a memorable, unusual part of the travel experience. These brilliant bursts of color are a common sight throughout the country, but it just so happens there’s an entire terminal of them right behind the Mercado de Antigua.

Known locally as La Camioneta, these vehicles begin their lives as U.S. school buses, which are typically auctioned off after 0 years or 50,000 miles. Most are purchased for under $2000, then driven back to and neighboring countries in Central America.

Once there, they’re transformed into something infinitely more interesting. The yellow paint is replaced by wild designs, with crazy colors running from hood and windshield to bumper. There may be artistic murals or names of the owner’s girlfriend, and you may find the exit doors plastered with wrestling posters.

The insides of Chicken Buses are typically decked out in festive READ MORE: The Chicken Bus, ’s Unusual Mode of Transport

Touring a Coffee Farm

6. Tour a n Coffee Farm 

As diehard coffee devotees, we’ve been blessed to tour some amazing coffee farms during our travels, from Antigua coffee for yourself. 

You can arrange a tour with breakfast or lunch included for an additional charge. Or, if you’re a serious connoisseur, splurge for a Professional Coffee Tasting Session, where you’ll learn all about identifying characteristics such as acidity, aroma, flavor, fragrance, and aftertaste. 

READ MORE: Best Coffee in the World (A Gourmet’s Guide to 30 Types of Coffee)

The Ruins of San José el Viejo

7. Explore the Ruins of San José el Viejo

Located just around the corner from the Antigua Cathedral in the READ MORE: 0 Ancient Archaeological Sites for Your World Travel Bucket List

A Child Vendor in Parque Central

8. Have a Picnic in Antigua’s Parque Central

Located at the bustling epicenter of Antigua, Parque Central (READ MORE: Complete List of US National Parks By State

Antigua’s empty streets at sunrise

9. Stroll the Empty Streets at Sunrise

If there’s any complaint to be made about the ancient city of Antigua, it’s that the tiny town (population of around 45,000) is in danger of being overwhelmed by READ MORE: 0 Simple Responsible Wildlife Photography Tips

Jade Mask at Jade Maya

0. Visit Jade Maya

Jade is a generic term used to describe two different types of stones, both of which are best known for their green varieties. Jadeite is a silicate comprised of sodium and aluminum, while nephrite is contains calcium and magnesium. Jadeite is the denser of the two, and comes in a more brilliant range of colors. 

Jade has been a prized part of Jade Maya was founded in 974 by archaeologist Mary Lou Ridinger with her husband, Jay. Mary Lou was the first to discover jade quarries in that had been lost for hundreds of years, since the time of the Spanish Conquest. As a result, Jade Maya feels as much like a museum as it does a store. 

We learned a lot about the history of Jade, not just in Latin America but also in Asia, as well as how to differentiate between the different types. (Let’s just say that nephrite doesn’t stand up nearly as well to a good hammering!)

There are some incredible jade artifacts and reproductions on display, as well as a slick modern shop offering jade jewelry, carvings, and museum replicas for almost every budget. Our favorites were the Mayan astrology jade necklaces, with signs based on the actual day (including year) you were born. 

READ MORE: Museo Maya de Cancun (Cancun’s Mayan Museum of Archaeology)

  . Eat at Restaurante Posada de Don Rodrigo

One of our favorite Antigua, restaurants, Restaurante Posada de Don Rodrigo is attached to the hotel of the same name. The hotel consists of three restored colonial residences, one of which, (the 300-year-old “Casa de Los Leones”) is a n National Historic Monument.

Located two blocks north of the Parque Central, the complex boasts an exquisitely landscaped courtyard with colorful flowers and a fountain at its center. Sitting outdoors on the shaded patio, it made a picturesque setting with Volcán de Agua looming large in the background. 

If stunning scenic views aren’t your thing, lunchtime at the romantic restaurant features lively music from a live Marimba band. Dinners is usually accompanied by a performance of n folk dancing (in traditional costume dress) by Baile de los Moros. 

But our favorite thing about this taste of old world Antigua was the tipical food. Traditional dishes such as Plato Chapin (barbecue platter), Chiles Rellenos, and Pepian (a spicy chicken stew that should be ’s national dish) were fresh and incredibly delicious.

As were the piping hot tortillas being made by hand right by our table!

READ MORE: 5 Weird Foods the French Consider Delicacies

Antigua seen from the Cerro de la Cruz Lookout

2. See the City From Cerro de la Cruz Lookout 

Wherever you go in Antigua, you’ll likely notice the Cerro de la Cruz (Cross on the Hill) on the north side of town.

The massive cross was installed in honor of the city’s patron saint in 930, and the hill was where American helicopters landed to deliver emergency supplies after roads from City to Antigua were destroyed by the 976 earthquake. 

Several years ago the road to Cerro de la Cruz from Antigua was the site of several muggings, but these days police officers patrol the area from 8AM to 4PM daily. We heard that police will also escort tourists up to the landmark from the Parque Central at certain times, but our tour guide took us up. 

Entrance to the site is free, but there is a 5 Quetzal (around 65¢) parking fee. Once you arrive, you’ll see numerous vendors selling water, snacks, and souvenirs as you make your way down to the Mirador de la Cruz (Cross’ Lookout).

The view from here is positively breathtaking, with the entire colorful city surrounded by the three dramatic volcanoes. The best time of day to visit is the morning, before the crowds arrive and the clouds gather to obscure the mountains’ summits. 

READ MORE: Ecotourism in Costa Rica (The Ultimate Guide)

Iglesia de la Merced

3. Visit Iglesia de la Merced

Semana Santa in Antigua, is widely considered to ranks among the world’s great cultural festivals. The exquisitely designed Iglesia de la Merced, which is located on the city’s north side, is where all of the pageantry begins. 

The Mercedarians (a.k.a. Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy)– a Catholic order established in Barcelona in 28– were the first to establish a monastery in the city formerly known as Santiago de . The church’s remarkable Baroque-style façade features an effigy of order founder San Pedro Nolasco, flanked by two Mercedarians and the order’s crest. 

The cross in the atrium and the rooms behind the main altar are the oldest parts of the church, dating back to the 7th century. The luxurious sanctuary and cloister were built by Juan de Dios Estrada, who wisely used low height and wide arches and columns to help the building withstand earthquakes. Iglesia de la Merced officially opened to the public in 767. 

The interior of the church is truly a marvel, but unfortunately there are no photographs allowed inside the building. The policy is easy to understand once you’re inside and realize that there are typically multiple different services and going on in the various chapels.

Antigua’s Holy Week celebration is one of the most popular tourist attractions, and it starts right at the church’s entrance. Natural rugs known as alfombras blanket the city’s sidewalks and streets, with vibrantly dyed sawdust, pine straw, fruit, nuts, and flowers arranged into intricate colorful designs using stencils.  

We’re hoping to go back during Easter at some point to see the famed Semana Santa processionals (which include 7,000 pound floats topped by statues of Christian icons) for ourselves.

READ MORE: The World’s Best Cultural Festivals

Photo courtesy of ChocoMuseo

4. Chocolate Indulgence at ChocoMuseo

Though many people associate chocolate with producers of artisanal chocolate (which makes sense, as many experts consider the birthplace of chocolate). This chocolate museum in Antigua is a great place to learn about the history of chocolate, as well as getting a hands-on introduction to the production process. 

ChocoMuseo offers an array of classes and workshops, as well as free museum tours. The most popular is their Beans-to-Bar Workshop, which is offered three times a day and gives guests a chance to make cocoa tea, European and Mayan hot cocoa, and a box of their own handmade chocolates to take home. 

Other offerings include 90-minute and 3-hour cooking classes (with meals included), a 2-hour truffle-making workshop, and a full-day tour that includes visiting a working cacao plantation. 

READ MORE: The History of Chocolate (& How Chocolate Is Made)

Photo by Kevin Sebold via CC BY 3.0

5. Watch Volcan de Fuego Erupt

Antigua has three massive volcanoes that dominate its landscape, with Volcán de Agua to the south of the city and Volcán de Fuego and Acatenango side-by-side to the southwest. Collectively, the later two are known as the La Horqueta complex.

Of these three behemoths, the “Volcano of Fire” (or Chi Q’aq’, which means “where the fire is” in Kaqchikel) is by far the most active. Located less than 0 miles from the city, Fuego lives up to its name by emitting small eruptions of gas and ash approximately every 5 to 20 minutes!

According to most records, it’s been doing this for hundreds of years, since the time of the Spanish conquest of . But occasionally these eruptions (which typically spew andesite and basalt lava) are much bigger, including significant events in June and November of 208.

The first one resulted in nearly 60 deaths and more than 300 injuries, with countless Antigua  residents evacuated and the international airport in City closed. The latter eruption led to preventive evacuations of approximately 4,000 people from communities in and around Antigua. 

In short, this is not a volcano I would personally be willing to hike, climb, or live anywhere close to. But the summit can be almost breathtakingly beautiful at night, when the fiery glow glimmers against the starry sky.  

HOTELS IN ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA

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EL CONVENTO BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Our favorite hotel in Antigua, , this boutique property is a gorgeously restored former convent located four blocks from the Central Park. Rated 9. on Booking.com, the hotel’s spacious rooms offer an elegant mixture of colonial and modern touches, including plush beds and pillows, fireplaces, retractable skylights, and free Wifi. But some of our favorite features were outside the rooms, including the open-air restaurant, posh courtyard, infinity-style lap pool, and spectacular rooftop views of Antigua’s volcanoes.

Filadelfia Coffee Resort via Booking.com

FILADELFIA COFFEE RESORT

Java lovers flock to this family-run historic plantation, which has been producing exquisite coffee beans since 864. The resort (which has an 8.9 rating on Booking.com) features coffee tours, a traditional n café, a French-influenced gourmet restaurant, swimming pool, hot tub, and gym. The posh colonial-style rooms boast Egyptian cotton sheets, fireplaces, and free Wifi. The only downside is that it’s .6 miles from the heart of Antigua, but they offer free shuttles five times a day.

Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo via Booking.com

HOTEL POSADA DE DON RODRIGO

With a 9.0 rating on Booking.com, this charming Antigua hotel is located inside three restored colonial houses, one of which is a National Historic Monument. All of the rooms are decorated in antique colonial style, with antique wooden furniture and original lamps and ceilings (some even have fireplaces). There’s no pool, but there is free Wifi and parking, a spa, a lovely landscaped garden patio, and a courtyard with fountains. But our favorite features were the on-site restaurant (one of the best in Antigua) and the proximity to the heart of the city.

Villas Santa Ines Emekarsa via Booking.com

VILLAS SANTA INES EMKARSA

Perfect for families or anyone interested in a longer stay, Villas Santa Ines Emekarsa ranks among the most highly rated hotels in Antigua, . They have 8 types of villas ( to 3 bedrooms) available for up to 6 guests, with standard, superior, and dormitory-style sizes. All room include fully equipped kitchens, coffee makers, flat screen TVs, and free Wifi. There’s also a patio, great garden views, and free parking. It’s seriously one of the best budget hotels in Antigua!

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