Antigua is a city where volcanic peaks frame every sunset, and each cobblestone street whispers tales of Spanish conquistadors.
I recently returned from a two-week solo trip there and just have to rave about some of the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala, in this blog.
This guide is your passport to the best experiences Antigua has to offer.
From hiking volcano trails and exploring boutique coffee farms to learning traditional weaving and tasting the city’s legendary pastries, you’ll fall in love the minute you land in Antigua.
Ready to start planning your trip to this underrated Central American city? Here is what to do in Guatemala’s Panza Verde (Green Belly).
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Where to Stay in Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is a premier location for beginner backpackers, but if you’re looking for something more comfortable, consider these accommodations.
After spending two weeks in Antigua and not wanting to change a single thing about my trip, here are my top picks.
Eagle’s Nest All-inclusive Yoga Retreat, Lake Atitlan
Eagle’s Nest was my choice in Lake Atitlan because I was seeking a calm resort after my busy travel schedule, and it delivered.
Not only do you get breathtaking views of the bright blue lake and volcanoes, but it is also all-inclusive.
This means you’ll receive three hearty meals daily, yoga classes, and access to the sauna.
Check rates and book on: Booking.com
Greengo’s Hotel, Semuc Champey
Greengo’s Hotel is my top pick if you plan to visit Semuc Champey in Lanquin.
This oasis is just a 10-minute walk from the renowned cascades and is surrounded by jungle and mountains, yet it doesn’t skimp on modern amenities.
It offers Wi-Fi, shuttle service, solar power, a bar, and a restaurant.
Check rates and book on: Booking.com | Hostelworld.com
La Fortuna at Atitlan
This boutique eco-hotel was my second accommodation during my visit to Lake Atitlan.
The suites are made of natural materials such as wood and bamboo and perfectly blend into the area’s abundant greenery.
On-site amenities include a hot tub, kayaks, paddle boards, and a VW bus converted into a temazcal.
Check rates and book on: Airbnb.com
14 Best Things To Do in and Around Antigua
These are the top Antigua, Guatemala activities, whether you’re a foodie, adventurer, or a more slow-paced traveler hoping to recharge in nature.
1. Enjoy Live Entertainment at Caoba Farms
This organic farm with a restaurant is almost always buzzing. In between the live music, fitness classes, and farmer’s market every Saturday, you’ll find organic farm-to-table meals.
Caoba Farms’ atmosphere perfectly matches the vibe, surrounded by nature, with guests sitting in the shade of overhanging trees and umbrellas.
Its wood-fired ovens also deliver the best, crispiest pizzas, with the perfect cheese stretch every time.
2. Visit Antigua Brewing & Ulew Cocktail Bar for Sunset Views
If you’re looking for bars, Antigua has many. But few places offer better vibes and sunset views than Antigua Brewing Co. (ABC) and Ulew Cocktail Bar.
ABC offers regular DJ Sunset sessions on the rooftop and live performances from local artists alongside its wide variety of craft beers.
Ulew Cocktail Bar, on the other hand, specializes in cocktails in a cozy, vintage building.
3. Dine in Fernando’s Kaffee Courtyard
Blink, and you might miss this cozy coffee roastery and chocolate factory along the cobblestone paths. Its courtyard is the perfect place to enjoy Antiguian sunshine and fresh air.
Of course, coffee and chocolate are at the forefront, but you can also find fresh juices, breakfast, and light lunches on the menu.
Note: You can also join a two-hour chocolate workshop, where you’ll not only learn the process but also take a few treats home.
5. Go to Doña María Gordillo for Local Sweets
If you have a sweet tooth (or are looking for tasty souvenirs), you’ll love this quaint family-owned sweets shop that’s been running since 1872.
The entire shop is filled with vintage art and statues from floor to ceiling. Its display cases stretch from wall to wall, packed with traditional treats from Canillitas de Leche to Dulces de coco.
6. Take a Cooking Class
While here, I booked a rooftop cooking class in Jocotenango village as a fun introduction to Guatemalan cuisine.
The experience was a fun mix of dishes, prepared with hands-on chefs, overlooking the Agua Volcano.
You can choose from a variety of well-known Guatemalan dishes, including Pepián, Jocón, Kak’ik, Subanik, Tamales, Chiles Rellenos, and traditional Guatemalan desserts. All the dishes can be vegetarian, too.
7. Dine at Casa Escobar Steakhouse
If you’re looking for a perfectly seared steak in the city, consider Casa Escobar Steakhouse. It’s been running since 1996, and its chefs take their jobs seriously.
Walking in, you’ll be greeted by sleek, dark-wood walls with abundant greenery to offset the hard surfaces.
Its menu features a range of steaks, including sirloin and black angus cuts, as well as a selection of regional wines.
8. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee at Artista de Café
Artista de Café is a sweet, simple café designed to create, share, and build community.
They have a café in the city and another branch just 9 minutes outside of Antigua.
Both offer superb coffee, a great atmosphere, and an aesthetic worth a few spots on your Instagram feed.
9. Go on a Coffee Farm Tour
Central America is renowned for its rich, high-quality coffee. So, taking a coffee farm tour is one of the more fun things to do in Guatemala.
I took this Coffee Tour Adventure just a short drive from Antigua and got to see where the magic happens from seed to cup.
Not only can you support small farmers and the local community, but you can also participate in the process by roasting and grinding our own coffee beans.
10. Do the Acatenango Overnight Hike
Guatemala has 37 volcanoes. Three of which are in Antigua. So, of course, I had to see one up close.
Fortunately, Acatenango, a stratovolcano, is nearby, and I had the chance to hike it overnight with Lava Trails.
This was definitely one of the more unique things to do in Antigua. The hike has plenty of rest stops, but the terrain can still be challenging, so it’s not ideal for beginners.
Tip: If you plan to hike, spend two to three nights in Antigua to acclimate yourself.
11. Swim and Hike Lake Atitlan
If you visit Antigua, Guatemala, make sure you take out time in your itinerary to visit Lake Atitlan.
I came here on a 4-day Lake Atitlan itinerary to relax and recharge. It is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Antigua, so it’s not ideal for quick day trips.
The lake is surrounded by numerous small towns and villages, offering many pockets to explore.
Of course, the main attraction remains the blue waters, so take your time swimming, diving, and kayaking.
If a volcano hike is too challenging for you, Lake Atitlan is the perfect place to explore for a beginner hiker. Here are a few easy to moderate hikes to do in the area:
- Cristalino Hill
- Hiking loop from Jaibalito
- Nariz del Indio vía Santa Clara La Laguna
- San Juan La Laguna Viewpoint
12. Go Cliff Jumping in the Cerro Tzankujil Nature Reserve
The Cerro Tzankujil is a nature reserve for thrill seekers who enjoy swimming and cliff diving.
It’s cliff jumps from about 32–66 feet platforms into the crystal-clear waters, and offers a few tranquil spots and sun-warmed rocks to relax on afterward.
13. Explore Semuc Champey
Semuc Champey is about 200 miles from Antigua, so it’s not exactly a daytrip.
I took a 10-hour bus ride from Antigua to Semuc Champey, and it was absolutely the highlight of my trip.
The best part of the trip was, without a doubt, the tour of Kanba Caves. It sits in the jungle, with waist-high, dark waters.
While not for the faint of heart, it is an amazing experience filled with rock ledges, waterfalls, and rope ladders.
Book a full-day tour of Semuc Champey and the caves here.
14. Visit the UNESCO-listed Tikal National Park
Tikal National Park is one of the best Antigua, Guatemala attractions because it is one of the largest archaeological sites of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.
The UNESCO World Heritage site is located in the Petén rainforest of northern Guatemala, so it will take some planning to get there. But it will be so worth it.
The ancient metropolis is a complex network of structures interwoven with foliage, with some still hidden underground.
Taking a day trip like this one is ideal because it includes flights and lunch, reducing coordination stress for you.
FAQs About What To Do in Antigua, Guatemala
I’ve answered a few common questions about things to do in Antigua, in case you need them.
What is the Best Time To Visit Antigua, Guatemala?
The dry season, roughly December through April, offers the most reliable weather with sunny days and minimal rain.
If you want fewer crowds but still pleasant weather, consider shoulder periods: late October to November or February to April.
What Is Antigua Best Known For?
Antigua is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture with a UNESCO-listed center that exudes historic charm.
The city serves as a gateway to nearby volcano hikes and cultural experiences, churches, and well-preserved ruins.
Is Antigua Safe for Tourists?
Antigua is generally considered safe for most travelers, with common-sense precautions advised. Watch for petty crime in crowded areas and markets, and use trusted transport late at night.
As with any destination, stay informed about local updates and take standard safety steps, such as securing valuables and avoiding isolated areas after dark.
Ready for your Antigua, Guatemala Vacation?
Antigua, Guatemala, has something for every kind of traveler.
It’s a living tapestry of volcanic drama, colonial splendor, and warm-hearted locals that lingers in your soul long after you’ve left.
Don’t let Antigua remain a bucket-list dream. Book your tickets, pack your sense of adventure, and dive into its wonders today. You’ll return home transformed.