Guatemalan chocolate is definitely an awesome souvenir! A few years later, the Spanish crown ordered the city abandoned. Overall, hiking Acatenango was one of the best things I did in Guatemala. Check Out Central Park (Parque Central) 4. If you dont land a room with your own spa, no worries theres a fantastic spa here for all guests to access. The fine folks at Simoon have a few different options for you to choose from for an exciting day trip. Caoba Farms is farm to table in the reality of an Antigua setting. The cathedral was first built in 1545, but since the construction was so poor, it did not last in the 1583 earthquake. On the weekends, there are events such aslive music, afarmers market, and much more. La Antigua Guatemala Walking Tour | GetYourGuide Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. Thanks to this free natural light show, a trip to Cafe Sky deserves its spot on this list of things to do in Antigua Guatemala. It is the place where you can feel the energy of Antigua come to life. Cuscun is a local cooking workshop thats taught by locals who you cook alongside. Many people think the Cerro de La Cruz viewpoint is a great sunset spot, but I recommend visiting during the day or for sunrise. Pick up any travel guide to Guatemala, and youll likely see the image of the arch on the cover page. I took a 2-hour chocolate workshop at Finca La Azotea, the above-mentioned coffee farm. Casa de Artes is part shop and part museum. The meeting point will be at La Merced Church. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Guatemala | PlanetWare My tour guide, Alfredo, showed us around the cobblestone streets of Antigua Guatemalan coffee is said to be one of thebest coffeein the world. When to go November - April. There is no better place to discover the coffee experience than visiting a coffee plantation. Tours of the coffee farm last about 2 hours and youll learn about the entire process. From exploring beautiful cobblestone streets and trying delicious Guatemalan food to hiking magnificent volcanoes and discovering the ruins, there are so many incredible things to do in Antigua, Guatemala! This hike takes you from the base of Volcano Acatenango at about 12,000 feet, up through farmlands, jungle, and forest, and eventually to a base camp. Although the arch sustained some damage in the huge earthquake of 1773, it has survived and grown to become a symbol of the citys resilience. Compared to Guatemala City, the safety of Antigua is much better. The best places to visit in Guatemala - Lonely Planet Since the nuns were not supposed to go out in public, the arch allowed them to go between buildings without needing to go out on the street. I dont know about you, but I love a good rooftop Happy Hour with friends. Rinconcito Antigeo is the second Guatemalan restaurant. Visitors are allowed to tour around the garden and see the type of product they are growing. Otherwise, you might end up hiking your way to the top like I accidentally did. In these processions, each church parades elaborate altars throughout the city. How Many Days To Spend In Antigua Guatemala? You can always just grab a chicken sandwich and fries to go, though. Antigua, Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage site. PeruRomaniaColombiaGuatemalaHong KongMalaysia. Spanish lessons are usually set in week-long increments and last a few hours each day. After my recent trip exploring Antigua, I wrote this post to share best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala! The best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala. Learn how your comment data is processed. Once the bars close at 1AM on Saturday night, night owls can head out to La Piscina the infamous pool party. Your email address will not be published. Visit the Church of La Merced on weekend evenings for street food and an even more local Guatemalan food experience. However, dont mistake this as a dangerous activity. Level Up Your Travel Skills With Our Newsletter. The restaurant servespescatarian foodand vegetables grown in their organic garden. For such a small city, Antigua really packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do. Besides all the bustling activity going on, the Central Park is surrounded by architectural gems. Google Maps | Phone: (+502) 3090-8812 | Website | Hours: 8 am 6 pm Weekdays, 8 am 8 pm Weekends | Entrance: $6.40, adults, $3.80 children. 25+ Things To Do In Antigua, Guatemala For An Unforgettable Trip The Best Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala. Pepian is a delicious chicken stew thats cooked in a pumpkin and sesame sauce. Climbing up here and taking in the scenery is certainly one of the best things to do in Antigua. Typical dishes include rice, beans, and a side of meat such as chicken, chorizo, longaniza and so on. Antigua is surrounded by volcanoes Agua, Fuego, Acatenango, and Pacaya. In addition to that, this is a great place to watch how the locals live. Antigua is home to several excellent Spanish schools you can choose from. Visit The Iconic El Arco De Santa Catalina 2. This extraordinary hike is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The Santa Catalina Arch, or Arco de Santa Catalina, is one of Antigua's most iconic landmarks, and a must-do on your list of best things to do in Antigua. Expect to be hiking for around 2 hours with some awe-inspiring views. This makes Guatemala a popular place to learn and partake in salsa. Youll learn about the history and production of cacao during the 2-hour workshop. Caoba Farms is anall-organic farmlocated just 20 minutes away from Antigua on foot. Theres a paved staircase just past the office for Hobbitenango, which by the way is one of the coolest places to visit in Antigua. This volcano towers above the city at just about 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). The hill boasts fantastic views across the city and on a clear day of the volcano in the distance and as the name suggests, there's a big cross at the top. This helps preserve the architectural integrity, history, and beauty of Antigua. Villa Bokh: a lush oasis just outside the city of Antigua. You can also go to the second level of the convent for some rooftop views of Antigua. Rooms are large and perfectly combine modern elements with medieval touches. At the time, the nuns who lived on one side of the arch took a vow of seclusion. You can visit the museum for free and sample some different chocolate products. Paying a visit to Ulew is a great way to kick off some nightlife in Antigua or just enjoy a drink with friends. 27 Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala (in 2023) - Travel Lemming Ideal length 10 nights. Having just spent some quality time in the city, Im excited to share with you some of the top things to do in Antigua. If you want to attend next year, its a good idea to start planning early. My advice is if you want to visit Hobbitenango, you should do it on theweekendsbecause there will be more activities going on. How many people can say they have seen an actual volcano erupt and live to tell the tales? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It is one of the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala if youre interested in Antiguas religious history. Theres just something fun about watching the day turn into night with a few drinks and good conversation that never gets old. Whichever Lake Atitlan village you decide to explore, there is nothing but sunshine, culture and the gorgeous water from the crater lake await you! You might arrive intending only to stay a few days, but the exciting attractions and dramatic scenery can easily entice you to stay weeks, or even months. Many of the citys ruins and museums are located within a short walk of Central Park as well. Google Maps | Phone: (+502) 7832-0909 | Entrance: $2.50 (ruins portion). Google Maps | Tours: $35-$85 + $13 national park fee | Browse Pacaya Volcano Tours on Viator. Many spots around Antigua have rooftop views, but a few popular places are Antigua Brewing Company and Sky Cafe. Theyve got beautifully-appointed rooms full of local art and weavings, some of which even have their own jacuzzi and sauna. Compared with its Central American neighbors, Guatemala remains a relative secret. Antigua, Guatemala: A Complete Guide - Be My Travel Muse Here at the ChocoMuseo chocolate museum in Antigua, visitors can learn about the significance of cacao and the entire process of turning a cacao bean into a chocolate bar! The Santa Catalina Arch was built in 1694 for practical purposes. It was good while it lasted! The beautiful arch, built in the 17th century, crosses 5th Avenue North just above 2nd Street. La Esquina shouldnt be there, but it is. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can choose to ride on the back of the ATV if youre not comfortable steering it yourself. They also have a lovely rooftop terrace with excellent views of the volcanoes. Thankfully, youve got plenty of options for drinks with a view in Antigua. You can purchase a ticket to wander the convents ruins for $2. Guatemalas Spanish accent is said to be one of the most neutral in the world. Its definitely one of the best places to visit in Antigua. Making it! The Union Tank The Church of San Francisco The tour will take around 2 hours. 33 FUN Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala - Destinationless Travel Is Antigua, Guatemala an expensive place to visit? It features an ornate baroque-style yellow facade with unusual proportions, due to the structural design that was meant to resist the earthquakes in the region. Here are some of the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala: Above is an interactive map featuring all of the attractions weve talked about. The church and convent of La Merced are two beautiful sites to visit while in Antigua. You can find this awesome local restaurant at 7a Avenida Norte 5. Visit a hobbit-themed park located high up in the mountains above Antigua. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala Things to Do in Antigua Popular things to do 4WD Tours Bus Tours Churches & Cathedrals Cultural Tours Day Trips Points of Interest & Landmarks Hiking Tours Half-day Tours Speciality Museums Full-day Tours City Tours Historic Sites Mountain Bike Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Historical Tours Multi-day Tours For those who hope to travel throughout Latin America, ditching your gringo Spanish should definitely be a top priority. 7) Chill Out in Central Park. Read more >. This is a great spot to people-watch and building-watch (we mightve just invented that word). Google Maps | Phone: (+502) 7820-1220 | Website | Museum Hours: 9 am 6 pm Mon-Sat, 11 am 6 pm Sun | Entrance: $6. Guests can relax on the soft grass, soak in the sun and admire the views of Volcano Agua. Its known for its stews, but you can also sample a few different things. The party starts early as the swimming pool here is actually functioning, and it goes all night with a variety of DJs spinning tunes until sunrise. Free Walking Tour Wander cobbled streets and learn about Antigua from a local guide. If you dont have proper attire, many tour operators and hostels rent items like jackets and gloves. The art gallery at Biblioteca Municipal was filled with beautiful work by a Guatemalan artist during my visit. Cerro San Cristobal is anorganic restaurant and farmlocated about 20 minutes drive or an hour walk from Antigua. Take a breather at the chilled Cooperacion Espanola. In 1989, efforts began to recover this part of Antiguas heritage. Volcan Pacaya was our most memorable day trip from Antigua! For example, Maria (pictured above), sells her goods most days on the steps across from Iglesia San Jose El Viejo. If youre ever unsure of what to do in Antigua Guatemala, just head to Parque Central. 17 Unforgettable Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala: A Travel Guide I can say from personal experience that its a very difficult hike, and recommend wearing hiking boots for added stability. What did you like about this post? Activities like archery, a swing, and axe throwing are all available. Some of my favorite souvenirs were purchased from street artisans. Popular dishes are all on the menu here, from pepin to tamales and more. Its. Nowadays, it is not only an icon in Antigua, but the beautiful yellow arch makes it an excellent photo spot! Join the adventures on our YouTube channel! Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. What we see today is what's left of, Originally built as a shrine to house the image of Saint Joseph, this church stood completed for just 11 years before the 1773 earthquake laid it low. If you want to see things on your own, the following descriptions of the main attractions will help you choose what interests you most. A great way to see lots of the ruins is by following this self-guided walking tour from GPS My City. Hobbitenango is a hobbit-themed park located about 30-45 minutes outside Antigua on the mountainside. It is almost like a small city inside a city. If you cannot tell by now, this is aThe Hobbit-themed lodge. Visiting a coffee farm is the best way to learn not only how coffee is made and cultivated, but what makes Guatemala coffee so unique! Learning Spanish in Guatemala is one of the best decisions I made while traveling. 29 Best Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala - My Adventures Across The World It's a beautiful town. Take a Cacao Workshop at ChocoMuseo (Chocolate Museum) 5. Antigua, Guatemala: Best Things to Do and See - Half Half Travel However, budget travelers can enjoy a free walking tour of Antigua, pursue its local markets, and explore Central Park without cost. On my blog, you will find personal information, guides and travel tips as I share my discoveries of the world. Thankfully theres a short and easy hike you can do right in town. Visit Earth Lodge. DestinationsPhotographySustainable TourismAdventure Travel, Adventure ToursStart a BlogTravel TipsSitemap, 2023 NOMADasaurus | Peak Evolution Media, 15 AWESOME Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala (2023 Guide), The Best Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala. Have fun at Hobbitenango. A Top Choice Arco de Santa Catalina The Arco de Santa Catalina is Antigua's most iconic monument, and an early-morning or late-afternoon photo opportunity framing Volcn Agua through its Catedral de Santiago Antigua's cathedral was begun in 1545, wrecked by the quake of 1773, and only partially rebuilt over the next century. From working in Beijing to studying in Bali to traversing the USA on Phish tour, you can follow them on their long, strange tour at Grateful Gypsies. 15 of The BEST Things To Do in Antigua, Guatemala 1. Whether youre a history buff, adventure junkie, foodie, or a night owl, Antigua has something for you. This is where youll find most of the foreigners and backpackers. Antiguas Biblioteca Municipal (public library) isnt much of a tourist attraction, but it does have some unique features that make it worth a visit. If you have any questions about Antigua, they are more than happy to answer them for you. It is located on 5 Ave Norte, also known as Calle del Arco. It feels like one of those pop-up shops in New York City if you have ever been. The best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala - We Are Global Travellers Youll especially enjoy Jade Maya if youre a jewelry lover or are interested in learning some bits about Mayan history. Of course, youll probably end up picking up a few things to bring home. Check Out Central Park (Parque Central), 4. There are many little coffee shops that offer amazing coffee. 2) Climb a Volcano (or Two) 3) Experience the Holy Week Processions. If you want to stick around for a while, one of the most popular things to do in Antigua is studying Spanish. Antigua Guatemala - 30 cosas que ver y hacer. - Viajero Errante 10 Best Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala - Paradise Catchers Price From $8,938 pp excluding flights. Overall, this is a great way to explore downtown Antigua and dive deeper into its history. Check out my guide to the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala.. Antigua is probably the most famous place for tourists and backpackers alike in Guatemala! You could take the first day to see the city market, the historic ruins, Parque Central and an assortment of great rooftop cafes and coffee shops. Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is a hotel, spa, museum, and archeological site all in one. Shopping this way allows you the opportunity to talk with locals and learn something new. They run a few other tours as well, including a Sunset Tour and a Mountain Tour. This is because the surrounding volcanoes obstruct the direction of the sunset, so you wont get much of a view. We recommend spending 4 days in Antigua Guatemala if you plan on doing the Volcano Acatenango hike (which you totally should). At the top of Acatenango (3,976 meters/13,044 feet), you will find the best views of Fuego Volcano (3,763 meters/12,350 feet). However, please remember that for many local vendors, selling at markets is their livelihood. With tasty food, a wide variety of craft beers, and amazing views of the city, ABC is surely one of the best places in Antigua. Overall, San Francisco and the Great Sanctuary is a beautiful landmark. The Convent of Santa Clara was started in 1699 by just 5 nuns. Some cost as little as 7Q ($1), while most of them charge 40Q ($6) to enter. Antigua Guatemala, which in English translates to Old Guatemala, is the former colonial capital of Central America and since 1979 a UNESCO World Heritage centre. Wander amongst an ornate 16th-century church and convent. Meander through mazes of colorful textiles, artwork, street food, souvenirs, and more. Cerro de La Cruz is definitely a place you should not miss when you visit Antigua. It is an immersive experience when you stay in Casa Santo Domingo! 8 Things To Do In Antigua, Guatemala For an Unforgettable Trip | Fun Not only is it super cheap and fresh, but youre also really supporting the local economy by shopping here. Take A Cooking Class and Learn About Guatemala Cuisine, 3. If you like a little bit more privacy and personalized attention, we recommend going with a private tour instead. This all-night rave is actually held at an abandoned swimming pool on the outskirts of Antigua. A restoration project began in 1989 to rescue this important piece of Antiguas history and its now the fanciest hotel in town! Cacao is one of the native plants grown in Guatemala. See the ruins of one of Antiguas most architecturally impressive churches. It is a beautiful example of Spanish architecture and one of the many reasons to visit Guatemala. How cool is that?! Put a day trip to Pacaya on your list of things to do in Antigua, Guatemala The tours are based on tips, so if you arent happy about the service you received, you dont have to pay anything! This is one of the most unique experiences in Antigua you must try, especially if you are visiting with kids! Rush hour is horrendous in Guatemala City and we were stuck in traffic for 2 hours one time. Come here, relax, and enjoy a great meal and some of the best views of Antigua!! Throughout the maze-like labyrinth are hundreds, if not, thousands of stalls selling anything you can possibly imagine. This luxury hotel is set in a former convent that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1773. Every bed has its own plug and light. It is where you will find vendors selling local handicrafts and food, locals out enjoying the beautiful weather with an ice cream in their hands, and people out generally having a good time. Near the area, you will find nice restaurants, street performers, cute shops, and much more. Its definitely one of the best places to visit in Antigua. 2023 Lonely Planet, a Red Ventures company. Must see attractions Antigua, Guatemala - Lonely Planet
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