Of all of the locations we visited on my latest whirlwind tour of Guatemala and Belize, Antigua was my favorite. I beloved the sights, I beloved the smells, I beloved the folks and I beloved the placing structure. I beloved the cobbled streets and the rainbow of colored partitions round each nook. It felt like entering into a movie set. Antigua is a spot of a lot vibrancy and character, and it’s fairly presumably essentially the most Instagrammable city I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
Regardless of being a tourism sizzling spot, Antigua seems like it’s frozen in time and nonetheless embodies a sure colonial appeal that has undoubtedly been round for 1000’s of years. Courting all the way in which again to 1541, Antigua is the oldest city in the entire of the Americas and is a melting pot of Mayan and Spanish cultures. It’s a city laced with fascinating political and cultural historical past, which now sits alongside quite a lot of boutique inns, outlets, eating places and factors of curiosity.
Right here is my boutique information to Antigua Guatemala;
High 10 Sights and Issues to do in Antigua
1. Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint
Earlier than exploring Antigua, head to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint for a panoramic perspective of the town and it’s breathtaking backdrop of volcanos. The distinguished crucifix overlooking the town is dedicated to the town’s patron saint. Police patrol is on from 8am to 4pm each day for vacationer security.
Methods to get there: Entry through footpath/path on the finish of 1st Avenida. Alternatively, drive by following highway to El Hato.
Entry: Free
2. Santa Catalina Arch
Antigua’s most iconic landmark, courting again to the 17th Century. Avenue distributors, vacationers and locals alike collect round this space, creating an actual buzz. Stroll underneath the arch and alongside the cobbles to tick this prized Guatemalan landmark off your bucket checklist.
Tackle: 5ta Avenida Norte, between 1ra and 2da Avenida Poniente
Entry: Free
3. La Merced Church and Cloisters
An iconic Baroque church simply minutes away from the Santa Catalina Arch. Vivid yellow in color with intricate white coving, it’s not exhausting to search out this ornate and historic church. Related to La Merced Church are the Cloisters of the Monastery La Merced, which is now in ruins. Head to the highest stage of the cloisters for wonderful views over the town.
Tackle: 6ta Avenida Norte and 1ra Calle Poniente
Entry: 7 Quetzales
4. Choco Museo
A enjoyable shop-turned-museum specialising in home-grown Guatemalan chocolate and cocoa. With a connecting espresso store, boutique and 2-hour chocolate workshops, it’s a enjoyable various in amongst all of the sight seeing. You may as well e book a full day Cacao tour with them and go to the native cocoa plantations.
Tackle: 4a Calle Oriente, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
Entry: Free (workshops and excursions varied costs)
5. Nim’Pot Handicrafts Market
This massive warehouse is a cooperative for native artists promoting their vibrant creations. Right here you’ll discover clothes, residence ware and the whole lot in between. It’s the right place to choose up some quirky souvenirs, however be warned that as it is a retail retailer, they don’t settle for barters (in contrast to the central market)
Tackle: 5ta Avenida Norte (proper subsequent to Santa Catalina Arch)
Entry: Free
6. Parque Central and Antigua Cathedral
Parque Central is within the coronary heart of Antigua and a terrific place to go to to get a really feel for the town. Within the centre lies inexperienced manicured gardens that always come alive with avenue entertainers and distributors. Sheltering the sq. on two sides are the official Parliament buildings with their grand colonial structure. On one other aspect of the sq. lies the principle Cathedral de Santiago, which was partially ruined by the earthquake in 1773. The cathedral and ruins are each nicely value a go to.
Tackle: Within the centre of the Outdated City
Entry: Free to enter the Catherdral. $1 US greenback to go to the ruins
7. Mercado Central
That is the principle market in Antigua the place your haggling expertise actually are available to play! The out of doors part has one central avenue of stalls all promoting related clothes, leather-based and memento items. The central market sells flowers, fruit, and greens and in addition has an fascinating and genuine meals courtroom of eateries. Even for those who don’t intend on shopping for something, exploring the market is an Antigua expertise.
Tackle: Many entrances, however simpler through Calzada Santa Lucia, entry factors positioned on the finish of third Calle Poniente and 4th Calle Poniente.
Entry: Free
8. Espresso Excursions
Antigua is positioned within the centre of the Guatemala highlands and is surrounded by espresso plantations. There are numerous firms who promote espresso excursions that embrace an tour to espresso plantations the place you may study the whole coffe-making course of. Espresso tastings are in fact included within the excursions and latte artwork courses are additionally out there.
9. Capucinas Convent
Hidden away off the cobbled streets in Antigua is the Capucinas Convent. With its quiet gardens, intricate structure and completely preserved convent precinct, it’s just a little haven within the bustling metropolis. The nun’s previous dwelling quarters is essentially the most fascinating part.
Tackle: 2da Avenida Norte and 2da Calle Oriente
Entry: 40 Quetzales
10. Climbing volcanos
Antigua is surrounded by 3 volcano’s, so after exploring the town, why not hike up a volcano? You possibly can embark on a hike or pony trek on the Pacaya volcano, reaching the 8,373 foot peak. The reward on your 7 hour hike is a candy and gooey snack of marshmallows toasted proper on prime of the volcano’s orange lava – to not point out the breathtaking views. Many journey businesses in Antigua can prepare guided treks up the volcanoes, beginning round 100 Quetzales.
The place to remain
Lodge El Meson De Maria – 3ª. Calle Poniente No. 8, Antiga Guatemala, Guatemala
I stayed at this lodge throughout my time in Antigua and I couldn’t suggest it sufficient. It’s an enthralling boutique lodge in an unbelievable location, proper across the block from the Santa Catalina Arch. On the coronary heart of the lodge is a lush inexperienced inside courtyard with trickling water options, which is the right place to calm down after a day of exploring. The rooms are designed with pretty consideration to element and the rooftop terrace overlooks the entire of the town and surrounding volcanoes. It’s additionally simply 150 meters from the Most important Plaza
The place to eat / drink
La Fonda de la Calle Actual
A pleasant and intimate restaurant with open air courtyard and greenery. Nice sangria and a variety of dishes. Ultimate for lunch or dinner.
Tackle: 5a Avenida Norte, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
El Sabor Del Tiempo
Excellent for a romantic night meal. This wine bar and Italian restaurant is positioned inside an previous Pharmacists and nonetheless maintains all the authentic options. The previous drugs racks at the moment are used to show the unbelievable choice of wines on provide. There’s reside music and candle gentle and a implausible choice of pizzas and pastas – nice for those who’re craving a change from the standard Guatemalan dishes.
Tackle: 5 Av Y Tercera Calle Poniente, Antigua
Methods to get there
By Airplane
Guatemala Metropolis (GUA) is the closest airport to Antigua, which is roughly 1 hour away by automotive. I’d advise reserving a taxi from a good firm to take you from Guatemala Metropolis to Antigua, particularly for those who’re travelling alone. Nevertheless, a less expensive choice is to take a minivan shuttle. You’ll discover a number of kiosks for these minivan shuttles after clearing Customs in Guatemala Metropolis Airport.
By Shuttle
When you’re travelling from downtown Guatemala Metropolis, Lake Atitlán or Chichicastenango you may also catch a minivan shuttle. All of them cost between Q75 and Q90 ($10-$12/£5-£6) per individual, and can go away as quickly as they’re full, which shouldn’t take various minutes.
What did you consider my boutique information to Antigua Guatemala? Have you ever visited Antigua or is it in your bucket checklist? When you loved this put up please go away me a remark within the field under! Jess x
Need to learn extra? Take a look at my Final Journey Itinerary for Guatemala
Disclaimer: My journey to Guatemala was offered complimentary as half of a blogger press journey with Go to Central America. All views are my very own
