Antigua, Guatemala: 14 Unique Things to Do

On our two-week adventure to Guatemala, we spent an entire week exploring Antigua and cannot recommend it more. In combination with the side trips we took, our stay in Antigua was one of the most memorable experiences in Central America. We settled into a cozy colonial hacienda decorated with Guatemalan art and peeled back one fascinating layer of Antigua at a time.

This former capital of Guatemala was founded in the 16th century, and although it has been through multiple devastating earthquakes, it screams with color-splashed colonial charm and breathtaking volcanic landscapes. If you are planning a trip to Guatemala, Antigua should be at the top of your must-visit list.

To help you travel better, we put together a comprehensive guide to the most unique things to do in Antigua, Guatemala’s gem. Including free activities, romantic experiences, and the best day trips you can take from Antigua.

[If you want help planning your vacation to Guatemala, use this guide that includes Guatemala’s top attractions]

14 Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala

Take a Stroll Around Antigua’s Colonial Architecture

The best thing to do for free in Antigua is probably walking around the colonial streets, admiring the architecture, which is so beautiful you won’t ever get bored. Its rich history and heritage are protected by UNESCO, and you can learn all about it by visiting some of Antigua’s Museums.

Learn about Antigua’s History 

A fascinating history of Mayan culture and Spanish colonialism emerges from Antigua’s cobbled streets, but to take a closer look, add these museums to your self-led walking tour. Venture into the Museum of Colonial Art, formerly a university, and wander around its beautiful courtyard adorned with a fountain as you admire 17th-century religious paintings and statues commissioned by the Spanish.

Finish your excursion at Casa Santo Domingo, which is not only a six-part museum complex with a collection of artifacts but also a boutique hotel with an extensive spa menu and restaurant with spectacular views of the volcanic landscape. So, if you are looking for romantic things to do in Antigua, make a day of Casa Santo Domingo and take advantage of its indulgent facilities.

Take a Photo Under the Iconic Yellow Arch

It’s more than likely that you’ve seen the famous snap of Antigua, where the yellow Santa Catalina Arch frames Agua Volcano wrapped in clouds. Whether you want to replicate the shot or simply visit Antigua’s most iconic landmark, head to the city center. Beyond the Instagram hype, Santa Catalina Arch is Antigua’s symbol of resilience, as it is one of the structures that survived the devastating earthquake in 1773. 

Fun fact: this arch was once used by nuns to cross the street privately!

Hike to Cerro de la Cruz

Cerro de la Cruz is a hill with a large cross on top located on the outskirts of Antigua. It takes only 30 minutes to walk up the hill, with quite a bit of stair climbing, but the views you get over the city backed by Agua Volcano are breathtaking. Alternatively, you can catch a tuk-tuk and spend more time taking in the views instead of walking.

Spend an Afternoon at Hobbitenango

Not only is Hobbitenango Nature Reserve the perfect place to visit for Lord of the Rings fans, but it is also a photographer's heaven. The park is full of quirky installations, such as wooden troll hands and tree swings overlooking the valley and volcanoes, which make for epic photos. There are also tiny houses with round doors, resembling hobbit holes from Lord of the Rings, where you can stay overnight.

Visit Historic Ruins 

Many of Antigua’s landmarks were destroyed by earthquakes, but luckily, many remains still stand majestically as a testimony of history and are worth your time and admiration. 

Convento Santa Clara, located in the city center, tells a story of a convent that dates back to 1538. Standing in its garden courtyard, it’s not hard to imagine its former grandeur. And if you want more, venture out to Convento de las Capichinas, which used to be home to a large community of nuns but was abandoned after the earthquakes. It is a peaceful place to spend an afternoon, paired with learning about the lives of nuns in colonial times and terrific views from the roof. Near Plaza Mayor, you will find Catedral de San Jose, formerly the most spectacular colonial building in Central America, that still strikes visitors despite standing in ruins. On the way to Cerro de la Cruz, you can marvel at the ornate façade remaining of Iglesia de la Candelaria. 

Admire Antigua’s Most Beautiful Historic Church

Located three blocks from the center, you'll find the stunning Iglesia de la Merced. Looking at her intricate floral patterns against the yellow façade, you cannot resist reaching for your camera. Just like the Santa Catalina Arch, this church is a symbol of resilience, having survived multiple earthquakes. Climb to the top of the bell tower for panoramic views of the city, the convent ruins on one side, and Parque la Merced on the other, where you can head after your visit for delicious treats.

Eat Your Weight in Street Food at a Parque la Merced

We struck gold during our visit to Iglesia de la Merced to find a street food market in the park next to the church, Parque la Merced. Turns out it is one of the most popular food markets in Antigua, set up every weekend, and is the best place to try Guatemalan street food. We gorged on tostadas heaped with fresh toppings, chicken drenched in local mole, and sweet doughnuts stuffed with beans. It was a treat for the senses!

[Embed your YouTube video of the experience]

Participate in a Guatemalan Cooking Class

Since we travel light, we have to get creative with the type of ‘souvenirs’ we bring back. Taking cooking classes at every destination has done the trick for us. Not only do we get to bring back an authentic recipe to treat our family, but also learn about the culture and history of the place through food. We whipped up tamales with a view of Lake Atitlan, but in Antigua, we recommend booking your class with Cuscun Cooking Workshops, which also offer food tours.

Join a Chocolate Making Class

Did you know that Guatemala is the birthplace of chocolate? We were thrilled when we found out and embarked on a chocolate tour right away. We watched the process of making this decadent concoction, said to be the ‘food of gods’ in Mayan history, and tried it in its standard form and as rum. You can embark on a chocolate adventure of your own by visiting Choco Museo and participating in a chocolate making class where you get to take home what you make.

Learn about the Art of Traditional Guatemalan Weaving

Mayan textile weaving in Guatemala is an ancient craft and an incredibly intricate process. We learned about it while visiting Mayan villages on Lake Atitlan, but in Antigua, you can do so by visiting Museo Casa del Tejido. Walking through the museum, exploring the market, and maybe even partaking in a workshop, you discover the significance and the history of different Guatemalan weaves and the different types of indigenous wear. 

Best Day Trips from Antigua, Guatemala

Visit the Incredible Lake Atitlan

Undoubtedly, Lake Atitlan has to be at the top of the list. No trip to Guatemala is complete without a visit to Lake Atitlan. It is the jewel in Guatemala’s crown and the reason many travelers flock to the country. Considered one of the most beautiful lakes out there, fringed by volcanoes, it was nominated as one of the seven wonders of the world! We were captivated by its beauty and took an entire week to take in its magic, but if you are pressed for time, you can absolutely see it in a day. And it makes for the absolute best day trip to take from Antigua. 

To enjoy a seamless experience rather than rush, book a tour where you get picked up from your accommodation in Antigua and get taken to the best Mayan villages around Lake Atitlan, including Panajachel, San Juan la Laguna, and Santiago. Here is the day tour we recommend, where you’ll experience all the highlights of our stay on Lake Atitlan. 

Hike Up Pacaya Volcano 

Since Antigua is surrounded by epic volcanoes, there are a few options that you can hike. While conquering the dormant Acatenango to watch Fuego Volcano erupt is the most popular hike in Guatemala, it is a multi-day adventure, and the trail is hard. If you prefer something breezier, then hiking up to Pacaya may be more suitable. This hike is still quite challenging, but if you get tired, you can hop on a horse at an extra cost. The experience is just incredible; you get to enjoy stunning views from the summit and marvel at spewing lava.

Take a Coffee Plantation Tour

Guatemala is home to some of the best coffee in the world thanks to its volcanic highlands that grow a delicious bean. If you are a coffee fan like us, embarking on a tour of a coffee plantation from Antigua is the perfect way to spend the day. Learn about the history and production of coffee in Guatemala, pick your own beans, watch the preparation methods, and max out your caffeine intake for the day. We recommend doing your tour with De La Gente in Antigua, a company that supports small local coffee-growing communities.

We hope these unique Guatemalan things to do will help create unforgettable memories. We wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to return to Antigua, so if there is something you enjoyed that we missed, we would love to hear about it!