Antigua, Guatemala: 3-Day Itinerary
Destination – Guatemala
After much research and consideration, we decided to travel to Guatemala—specifically to Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The affordable ticket prices also played a role in our decision. However, we did have some concerns about safety, particularly in Guatemala City.
Our research indicated that Antigua is a safer destination, offering a range of activities while maintaining its well-preserved colonial charm. With its UNESCO-protected city center and a steady influx of international visitors, we felt reassured in planning our trip!
Arriving in Guatemala
Our trip took place in February and began in Los Angeles, where we took a direct flight to Guatemala City, arriving at 6:30 AM. We knew Guatemala was generally affordable, but reviews varied on whether cash was essential or credit cards were widely accepted. After arriving, we exchanged a small amount of cash at the airport, only to quickly realize the unfavorable exchange rate and additional fee. In hindsight, it wasn’t necessary, as we soon discovered we could easily manage without local cash.
Transportation to and from Antigua
Going through customs in Guatemala City took a while, but we weren’t in a rush. Once we left the airport, we booked an Uber after reading it was the safest way to travel between the two cities. The 60-minute ride was very reasonably priced. Our driver shared his WhatsApp number in case we needed a ride back, and we decided to take him up on the offer. On our return from Antigua, we paid him in US dollars—another confirmation that we could manage without local currency.
Antigua
Antigua is a vibrant city full of life, rich history, and stunning scenery. Towering volcanoes and mountain ranges create a breathtaking backdrop. Once the capital of Guatemala for centuries, Antigua lost its status after a series of devastating earthquakes.
Officials ultimately decided to relocate the capital to Guatemala City, considering it less vulnerable to seismic activity.
Three volcanoes—Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango—surround Antigua, with Fuego being the most active. The region’s constant tectonic activity makes earthquakes more frequent and sometimes severe. On a clear day, you can see all three of the volcanoes towering over the landscape.
Tip: If you enjoy hiking and have time during your trip, consider trekking to Acatenango. This trail offers the closest and most breathtaking view of Fuego’s eruptions
Day 1
When we arrived in Antigua—the same day we landed in Guatemala—the hotel couldn’t check us in early, so we dropped off our luggage and went out for lunch. We quickly discovered that Antigua has a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and clubs. The city impressed us with its cleanliness and felt very safe to explore on foot. The only time we felt slightly on alert was one night while walking back to our hotel from the city center. However, this was mainly due to the quiet streets and the lack of people around.
The lunch spot had fantastic food, and after refueling, we explored the city center by joining a free walking tour. It began at Central Park, home to the Royal Palace and Cathedral. The Royal Palace (Real Palacio de los Capitanes Generales), now a UNESCO-protected heritage site and museum, is well worth a visit.
Next, we visited Tanque La Unión, a historic site that once served as a communal washing area during colonial times. Though simple, it was fascinating to see and imagine life in that era. We also stopped by the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, one of the city’s most distinguished landmarks, along with several other churches and museums along the way.
We ended the day at a great bar with live music and a beautiful rooftop view.
Day 2
The next day, we started with a delicious breakfast at our hotel before heading to Cerro de La Cruz for its renowned panoramic view of the volcanoes. Rather than taking a taxi, we opted to walk through the city and hike up to the viewpoint. The hike was easy and well worth it for the breathtaking scenery.
On the way down, we stopped by two different ruins, one of which was La Casa de La Ruina, though it could only be viewed from the outside. Next, we visited Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo. Our GPS led us to a back entrance that looked a bit sketchy, but luckily, an employee returning from lunch kindly guided us inside. This hotel-museum is a must-see in Antigua and well worth a visit.
Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo
This hotel was built on the grounds of the Santo Domingo Monastery, which was severely damaged by the Santa Maria earthquake in the late 1700s. The developers transformed the ruins into a stunning five-star hotel with three museums, a beautiful garden, a chapel, and even a chocolate factory! You could easily spend a few hours exploring its fascinating grounds.
The hotel’s owners passionately preserve the land’s history and promote art and culture. Their dedication creates a memorable and heritage-rich experience for guests, which deeply moved me.
There’s so much I could say about this hotel-museum, but words simply can’t do it justice—it’s an experience that must be felt in person. It’s no surprise this hotel stands out as one of Guatemala’s most unique and historic stays.
We chose to have lunch at the hotel restaurant, where the server warmly welcomed us by bringing out the national flags of our home countries—a unique and thoughtful touch. After enjoying a delicious meal and refreshing drinks, we set off to continue exploring the streets of Antigua.
Tip: Try to avoid visiting Antigua on weekends. Being a short drive from the coast, the city sees an influx of tourists from cruise ships, making it significantly more crowded with busloads of visitors.
In the evening, we took a chocolate-making class at a shop in Central Park. The experience was informative, interactive, and a lot of fun! We even got to create our own custom chocolate bars and treated ourselves to some ice cream on the way out.
Day 3
On our last day in Antigua, we had just half a day before catching an Uber back to Guatemala City. After visiting a few shops and sites, we took a stroll to a nearby farm that offered farm-to-table meals. To our surprise, it was a bustling and popular lunch spot for tourists. Fortunately, the service was efficient, and we didn’t have to wait long for a table.
The farm had live music and served delicious food, making for a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend it!
Guatemala City
We chose a charming and affordable hotel in Zona 10 (here is the link), known as one of the safer areas to stay. The hotel also offered complimentary transportation to the airport, making our stay even more convenient.
Our stay in Guatemala City was brief, and we didn’t explore much due to safety concerns. However, Zona 10 felt well-developed, modern, and clean. We also visited a local mall, where the food court impressed us with its variety of dining options.
This trip was unexpectedly remarkable, with so much to see and uncover in the city, from its vibrant culture to its lively atmosphere. If you are looking for more trip ideas, check out my other blogs here.