Jump to:
A colonial gem and the original capital of Guatemala, Antigua has been destroyed many times by earthquakes and mudslides. For this reason the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1773.
Despite what nature has thrown at it, Antigua has always sprung back, lovingly restored and it is now recognized and protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and one of the most atmospheric cities in Central America.
Its setting is truly stunning, surrounded by the volcanoes of Agua, Acatenango and Fuego, which still occasionally sends up a cloud of ash. Cobbled streets thread past colorful colonial buildings, topped with terracotta tiles, leading to the many plazas which are perfect for sitting, relaxing and people-watching.
Around Antigua
Surrounding the city you can explore quaint Mayan villages, colorful local markets, sweet smelling coffee farms and the climbable — and still active — Pacaya volcano.
Just an hour’s drive from Guatemala’s international airport, Antigua is a fabulous first stop in the country, and is also one of the best places in Central America to learn Spanish.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Antigua by contacting one of our Guatemala specialists
- 617-223-4785
- Make an inquiry
Suggested itineraries featuring Antigua
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Antigua, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Antigua
- Lake Atitlán 53 kilometers away
- Western Highlands 94 kilometers away
- The Far Northwest 105 kilometers away
- Cobán & The Verapaces 109 kilometers away
- Rio Dulce & Livingston 256 kilometers away
- Flores 278 kilometers away
- Tikal & El Petén 320 kilometers away
Photos of Antigua
Accommodation choices for Antigua
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Antigua. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
-
Hotel Meson de Maria
Antigua -
El Convento Boutique Hotel
Antigua
Ideas for experiencing Antigua
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Antigua, and which use the best local guides.
-
Responsible Travel Coffee Tour Responsible Travel Coffee Tour
Responsible Travel Coffee Tour
Visit coffee farmers in the lush plantations surrounding Antigua and see how the families pick, pulp, ferment and roast the fresh beans to produce some of the finest coffee in Guatemala. Your visit will also help support a local charity working to improve the lives and pay of the farming families.
View details -
Pacaya Volcano Hike Pacaya Volcano Hike
Pacaya Volcano Hike
Hike up the smoldering cone of the active Pacaya volcano to see small eruptions and glowing hot lava flows, all framed by magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and imposing, distant peaks of neighboring volcanoes.
View details -
Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour
Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour
Travel through the stunning scenery of the highlands passing local communities farming their land using traditional methods, for about an hour, before reaching San Juan Comalapa.
View details -
Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion
Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion
This morning you will be met at your hotel by a local NGO representative and driven by local 'Chicken' bus to Ciudad Vieja.
View details -
Antigua City Tour Antigua City Tour
Antigua City Tour
Stroll through the beautiful cobbled streets of Antigua and visit the city's highlights, including the Church of St. Francis, the Central Plaza, the San José Cathedral and the Church of La Mercedes.
View details -
Antigua Valley Mountain Biking Antigua Valley Mountain Biking
Antigua Valley Mountain Biking
This is a great way to explore Guatemala and see how the local people live. You visit tranquil villages and churches, coffee plantations and come into contact with the local Mayans.
View details -
Street food tour of Antigua Street food tour of Antigua
Street food tour of Antigua
This is the perfect tour for any foodies with a flair for local flavor and an adventurous attitude toward cuisine!
View details -
Acatenango Volcano Hike Acatenango Volcano Hike
Acatenango Volcano Hike
Trek through open fields, farmland and Pacific cloudforest with spectacular views over the Antigua valley area.
View details -
Antigua Textile Tour Antigua Textile Tour
Antigua Textile Tour
In the morning, you take a guided tour around Antigua, with the focus on learning about the complex Guatemalan and Mayan textiles and folk art.
View details