Places / North & Central America / Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
Visited in 2009 and 2020
At a glance
- Country
- Guatemala
- Region
- Sacatepéquez Department
- Population
- 59,091
- Best time to go
- November to April
- Main airport
- None — nearest is La Aurora International, Guatemala City (GUA)
- Coordinates
- 14.55°N, 90.73°W
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Overview
Antigua was the capital of Spanish Central America until earthquakes in 1773 persuaded the authorities to move. What they left behind is a grid of cobbled streets, pastel houses and roofless churches, all overlooked by the volcanoes Agua, Acatenango and Fuego.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the base for most trips in Guatemala. Spanish schools, coffee farms and rooftop bars keep it lively, but early mornings in the ruins are still blissfully quiet.
Things to see
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Photo: Juan Francisco, CC BY-SA 2.0 Santa Catalina Arch
The yellow arch over 5a Avenida Norte, with Agua volcano lined up behind it, is Antigua's defining view.
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Photo: Rambling Traveler derivative work: MrPanyGoff, CC BY-SA 3.0 La Merced
A church covered in wedding-cake plasterwork in mustard yellow and white, with a ruined cloister and fountain behind.
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Photo: amslerPIX, CC BY 2.0 Parque Central
The leafy main square, with the Palace of the Captains General on one side and the cathedral on another.
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Photo: Willyman, CC BY-SA 4.0 Convento de las Capuchinas
Atmospheric ruins of an 18th-century convent, including a curious circular tower of nuns' cells.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Simon Burchell, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cerro de la Cruz
A hilltop cross above the north of town, a short climb for a view across the rooftops to Agua.
Things to do
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Photo: Murray Foubister, CC BY-SA 2.0 Overnight hike on Acatenango
A tough two-day climb to camp within sight of neighbouring Fuego as it throws glowing lava into the night sky.
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Photo: Adalberto.H.Vega uploaded and derivative work: MrPanyGoff, CC BY 3.0 Learn Spanish
Antigua has dozens of language schools offering one-to-one lessons, often with a homestay included.
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Photo: C. E. Andrews (engraver), Public domain Visit a coffee farm
Several fincas on the edge of town show how beans are grown, picked and roasted on the volcanic slopes.
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Photo: NASA, Public domain Day trip to Lake Atitlán
A volcano-ringed lake of Maya villages, about three hours away by shuttle and worth a night if you can spare it.
Where to stay
Around Parque Central
Close to everything, with the widest choice of hotels and restaurants.
Hotels in Around Parque CentralNorth of the arch
Quieter streets near La Merced, a short walk from the centre.
Hotels in North of the archEdge of town
Garden guesthouses with volcano views and more space, for those happy to walk a little further.
Hotels in Edge of town
Getting around
The centre is compact and best explored on foot; the cobbles are uneven, so bring sturdy shoes. Tuk-tuks cover short hops.
Shared shuttles and private transfers from Guatemala City airport take about one to one and a half hours.
When to go
The dry season from November to April is sunny and mild. Semana Santa, the week before Easter, brings famous processions over carpets of dyed sawdust, so book well ahead. Afternoon rain is normal from May to October.
Plan your trip to Antigua Guatemala
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.