Calling all adventurous and budget travelers, this guide will highlight fun things to do in Antigua, Guatemala! Guatemala has a rich culture, delicious food, and is full of natural beauty that is unlike anything you have ever seen before. Due to limited PTO, I booked a 48-hour weekend trip to Guatemala and it left me wanting more. We stayed in Antigua which is a charming city characterized by colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and massive volcanoes that surround the town. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or a lover of vibrant atmospheres, Antigua has something for everyone.
Important things to know
What to Pack: Check out my Guatemala packing list!
Booking a Flight: I recommend booking a flight that lands in Guatemala City before or after rush hour (avoid arriving between 3-6 PM). Although Antigua is only 24 miles from Guatemala City, the traffic usually takes at least 45 minutes but if you are stuck in traffic during rush hour it could potentially take several hours. Definitely keep this in mind when booking flights in and out of Guatemala City.
Transportation: If you do not speak Spanish, I would recommend using Uber, airport taxis, or book a private driver to ensure you arrive at the right location. Otherwise, if you are confident speaking Spanish or comfortable navigating a new country’s public transportation systems you can book a shared shuttle or use the public transport (aka the “chicken bus”). I used Uber to and from the airport and opted for local taxis while staying in Antigua.
Where to Stay: Antigua is the perfect home base for your weekend trip. I stayed in an affordable private room at the Selina Hostel and absolutely loved it! Selina Hostel is situated in between colorful buildings and is nearby a lot of fun things to do in Antigua, Guatemala. It is close to the heart of the city and only a 9-minute walk from Parque Central. This hostel has free WiFi, on-site restaurants, hammocks/swinging beds in the courtyard, a swimming pool, movie room, library, bar, wellness area, shared kitchen, yoga lessons, and live music.
Things to Do
Highlights
- Volcán Acatenango
- Hobbitenango
- Santa Catalina Arch
- Parque Central
- Frida’s
Volcán Acatenango
I highly recommend hiking Volcán Acatenango for the best view to watch the neighboring Volcán Fuego erupt. This was high on my bucket list and one of the most incredible things I have ever experienced. I cannot put into words what it felt like witnessing a volcano erupt under the stars, hearing the powerful rumbling that echoed through the air, and watching the most beautiful sunrise from the summit of Acatenango. It was so surreal that I encourage you to make this a priority on your trip to Antigua.
This is a difficult hike and you will want to book a tour for it. You can book a tour when you arrive in Antigua or you can pre-book online. Pre-booking will be slightly more expensive but expect to spend $50-150 depending on the tour group. If you want to book the tour when arriving, most hotels/hostels offer daily tours. Since we only had 48 hours in Guatemala, we chose a midnight hike that reached the top of Volcán Acatenango around 4 in the morning. Depending on your hiking capabilities, this hike can take 4-8 hours and is not for the faint of heart. If you have more time and want to make the hike easier, you can go with a tour group that hikes up in the afternoon and camps at the top of Volcán Acatenango. I plan on doing the camping trip the next time I’m in Antigua.
Hobbitenango
Hobbitenango is a Hobbit-themed ecovillage in the mountains 20 minutes from Antigua. Whether you are a fan of the Hobbit trilogy or not, Hobbitenango is a gorgeous spot to enjoy breakfast and Guatemalan coffee with a view. To get there, you can either take a taxi or shuttle from the Hobbitenango office in Antigua. The cost of entry is 50Q or roughly $7 USD. The entrance fee to Hobbitenango includes transportation from the parking lot to the Hobbitenango gate, a welcome drink, games (archery, ax and machete throwing, fairground games; 6-hole mini-golf), and beautiful views. On the weekends and holidays, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet for 130-170Q or $17 – $22 USD. I recommend visiting before 10 AM to beat the crowds.
Santa Catalina Arch
Santa Catalina Arch is an iconic landmark that dates back to the 17th century. This beautiful archway is nestled in the heart of Antigua, with a backdrop of colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and a stunning view of Volcán de Agua in the distance. This is a must-see while in Antigua and it is a popular tourist attraction so I recommend heading over to the Santa Catalina Arch first thing in the morning to miss the crowd.
Parque Central
Parque Central, also known as Plaza Mayor, is a bustling square that is surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and shops. From this beautiful plaza, you can see two famous landmarks: (1) Catedral San José and (2) Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. I enjoyed the afternoon strolling around the plaza, exploring new shops, and enjoying the beautiful architecture.
Restaurante Fridas
Restaurante Fridas is a vibrant eatery that is inspired by the iconic artist Frida Kahlo. They offer a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and creative dishes, served in a lively and artistic atmosphere. I loved the colorful decor, neon signs, and of course the mouthwatering tacos.
In just 48 hours, my trip to Guatemala left me craving more. From hiking Volcán Acatenango to exploring Antigua’s charming streets, every moment in Guatemala is infused with beauty and excitement. With its rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, Guatemala is the perfect spot for adventurous travelers. Hope this guide helped you plan fun things to do in Antigua, Guatemala. Check out my Antigua, Guatemala Pinterest board for more inspiration, and be sure to scope out my other blog posts for more travel recommendations!
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