Antigua Guatemala & Highlands

Antigua Guatemala — or simply Antigua — was three times the capital of the Spanish Captaincy General of Guatemala before a devastating earthquake destroyed it in 1773, and the capital was moved to Guatemala City. What remains are the majestic ruins of baroque churches and monasteries, nestled in a perfect grid pattern of cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings.

Since 1979, Antigua has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city has developed into Guatemala's most popular travel destination — without losing its charm. The 1,530 m elevation provides a pleasantly spring-like climate, ranging from 18–25°C year-round. In the background rise three volcanoes: the conical Volcán de Agua (3,766 m), the active Volcán de Fuego (3,763 m), and the mighty Acatenango (3,976 m).

Plan at least 3–5 days for Antigua and its surroundings. One day for the old town, one for a volcano hike, one for coffee plantations, and the rest for enjoyment — Antigua is one of those places where travelers stay longer than planned.

Arco de Santa Catalina

Antigua's number one landmark: The yellow arch over 5a Avenida Norte was built in the 17th century so that the nuns of the Santa Catalina convent could cross the street without being seen. Today, it is the most photographed motif in Guatemala — especially with the Volcán de Agua in the background. Free, always accessible.

Cathedral San José

The cathedral at Parque Central was built in 1545, destroyed multiple times by earthquakes, and partially rebuilt. The ruins of the original main nave behind the current church are impressive — an open roof structure, ivy-covered walls, and an almost mystical atmosphere. Entry to ruins: approx. 5 GTQ.

La Merced

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Merced has one of the most beautiful baroque facades in Guatemala: intricate stucco decorations in bright yellow and white. The adjacent cloister courtyard with its huge fountain and the ruins of the cloister are a place of tranquility. Entry to cloister: approx. 5 GTQ.

Convento de las Capuchinas

The former Capuchin convent (1736) is the best-preserved monastic ruin in Antigua. The circular washroom with 18 niches and the underground passages are architecturally fascinating. Entry: approx. 50 GTQ.

Convento de Santo Domingo

The once largest monastery in Central America is now a luxury hotel with a museum — but the ruins, gardens, crypts, and the archaeological museum are also accessible to non-guests. A place of quiet beauty. Entry to museum: approx. 40 GTQ.

San Juan el Obispo & Surroundings

Just 15 minutes from Antigua are the villages of San Juan el Obispo, Santa María de Jesús, and San Antonio Aguas Calientes — known for traditional weaving. Here you can see women working on backstrap looms and buy directly from the artisans. Shared taxis from Antigua: a few Quetzales.

Antigua's three home volcanoes are among the highlights of any trip to Guatemala. All can be done from Antigua in day tours or two-day tours.

Acatenango (3,976 m) — The Highlight

The Acatenango night tour is THE experience in Guatemala. You start in the afternoon, hike 5–6 hours through pine and cloud forests to the top, camp on a plateau at about 3,700 m, and watch the lava eruptions of Volcán de Fuego directly opposite at night — every 15–20 minutes, it thunders, fountains of glowing lava rise into the night sky. The next morning: sunrise over the sea of clouds. Difficulty: Challenging — 1,500 meters of elevation, steep paths, cold at night (around freezing). Price: 40–70€ with guide, transport, tent, and meals. Tip: Pack warm clothing and gloves — it gets bitterly cold at night!

Pacaya (2,552 m) — The Introduction

The easiest active volcano in Guatemala and perfect for those who lack the stamina for Acatenango. In 1.5–2 hours, you are at the top, walking over cooled lava fields and seeing (during active phases) glowing lava. Highlight: grilling marshmallows on the hot lava fumaroles. Price: 15–25€ as a half-day tour from Antigua. Entry: 50 GTQ.

Volcán de Agua (3,766 m) — The Challenge

The perfect cone of Agua dominates Antigua's silhouette. The ascent (6–8h round trip) is less spectacular than Acatenango, but the view from the summit is magnificent. Only recommended with a guide (safety). Tip: Start at 2–3 a.m. for the sunrise at the top.

Coffee — Guatemala's Liquid Gold

Guatemala produces one of the best coffees in the world, and the region around Antigua is the heart of it. The combination of volcanic soil, altitude (1,500–1,700 m), constant climate, and traditional cultivation results in a coffee that is renowned among connoisseurs as Antigua SHB (Strictly Hard Bean): full-bodied, chocolaty, with a slight citrus note.

• Finca Filadelfia: The most famous coffee farm near Antigua offers excellent tours through the plantation — from harvest to processing to tasting. 2–3h, approx. 25€.
• De la Gente: Community-based coffee project that works directly with Maya smallholders. You visit their fields, help with the harvest, and taste on site. More authentic and fairer than the large fincas.
• Antigua Coffee Tour: Various providers offer coffee plantation tours starting at 15€ — almost all include transport and tasting.

Dining in Antigua

Antigua has the most diverse restaurant scene in Guatemala — from local comedores to upscale restaurants in colonial courtyards.

• Must-Try: Pepián (thick stew with meat and roasted pumpkin seeds, the national dish!), Rellenitos (fried plantains filled with black beans and chocolate), Chuchitos (Guatemalan tamales).
• Mercado Municipal: The local market offers the cheapest meals — comedores on the upper floor serve full menus from 15–25 GTQ (2–3€).
• Chocolate: Guatemala is the cradle of chocolate — the Maya drank cocoa over 3,000 years ago. In Antigua, there are several chocolate manufactories (ChocoMuseo, Cacao Museum), where you can taste and make bean-to-bar chocolate yourself.
• Rum: Ron Zacapa, Guatemala's premium rum, matures at over 2,300 m altitude — one of the best rums in the world. Try it neat in one of the bars on 5a Avenida.

Semana Santa — The Largest Religious Festival in Latin America

The Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Antigua is one of the most spectacular religious festivals in the world and is one of the experiences for which a trip to Guatemala is worthwhile. The whole city transforms into a living stage:

• Alfombras (Flower Carpets): Residents lay elaborate carpets of dyed sawdust, flowers, fruit, and pine needles on the streets the night before the processions — some are 50 meters long and breathtakingly beautiful. Hours of hard work destroyed in minutes by the procession.
• Processions: Dozens of processions move through the city for days. Men in purple robes carry ton-heavy andas (floats) with figures of Christ and Mary, accompanied by incense, music, and the scent of pine needles.
• Highlight: Good Friday, when the largest processions move through the streets for hours, enveloping the entire city in a cloud of incense.

Important: During Semana Santa, Antigua is fully booked and expensive. Reserve hotels 3–6 months in advance! The atmosphere is nevertheless priceless.

Other Events

• Día de los Muertos (November 1st): Cemetery visits, colorful kites (barriletes gigantes) in Sumpango and Santiago, traditional foods.
• Barriletes Gigantes (November 1st): In Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez, people fly huge, brightly painted kites (up to 15 m in diameter!) — a unique Guatemala experience.
• Quema del Diablo (December 7th): On the eve of the Immaculate Conception, Guatemalans burn the "devil" — fires in the streets, fireworks, and cleansing rituals.