8 Reasons to Visit Antigua, Guatemala

If there’s one city in Central America that completely stole my heart, it’s Antigua, Guatemala. Tucked away in a valley surrounded by three volcanoes, this charming colonial town blends centuries-old history with modern charm. Once the colonial capital of Guatemala, Antigua has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts travelers from all over the world. The best part? Antigua is small and walkable, so you can soak up its beauty without the stress of navigating a big city. If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala (or still deciding where to go), let me give you eight solid reasons why Antigua deserves a spot on your itinerary.

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What’s Inside

1. Admire 500-Year-Old Buildings.
2. Explore a Walkable City.
3. Eat World-Class Cuisine.
4. Witness the Continent’s Most Active Volcano.
5. Gateway to Central America’s Largest Lake
6. Take Instagrammable Pictures
7. Enjoy Maya Culture
8. Admire Guatemalan Art

1. Admire 500-Year-Old Buildings.

Santa Catalina Arch

There’s something magical about walking through streets that are hundreds of years old. Antigua, Guatemala was founded in 1542, and despite numerous earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, many of its colonial buildings are still standing. Every corner feels like a history lesson come to life. I loved wandering into the old churches and monasteries; many of which were exceptionally maintained while others were in various state of disrepair. La Merced Church, with its bright yellow façade was breathtaking, as was the Santa Catalina Arch (pictured above). You don’t just see Antigua’s history— you walk right through it. Take a guided walking tour or explore on your own. Other historical spots of interest are:

• Convent of the Capuchins
• San Jose Cathedral
• Central Park & its mermaid fountain built in 1737.

2. Explore a Walkable City.

Starbucks Antigua at night

One of my favourite things about Antigua is how easy it is to get around, much like the Incan citadel of Cusco in Peru. Forget taxis and buses—just bring a comfy pair of shoes and you’re set. Most places of interest were within a 15-minute (1km) radius of Casa Mia, my hotel for 6 nights in Antigua. The city is compact, and the uneven cobblestone streets make every stroll feel like an adventure. It’s easy to spend hours just wandering aimlessly, browsing artisan markets, stumbling upon hidden courtyards and ducking into coffeeshops. In fact, Starbucks Antigua was voted as one of the world’s most photogenic Starbucks. You’ll never be bored because there’s always something to do around every corner.

3. Eat World-Class Cuisine.

Guatemalan churrasco from El Punto Restaurant

Food lovers will quickly discover that Antigua is an excellent culinary destination, much like Lima in Peru. Thanks to its international community and rich local culture, the city boasts an impressive range of dining options. You’ll find everything from traditional Guatemalan dishes and American fast food chains, to gourmet international fine dining such as Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indian, Italian, French and Middle Eastern cuisine. But, I didn’t travel to Guatemala to eat other cuisines so I sought out all the traditional restaurants I could find. Restaurante el Punto was my favourite. I ordered beef churrasco, a style of barbecuing which originated in Brazil while my husband had the puyazo, a specific cut of beef from the rump of a steer. Both cuts of beef were incredibly juicy and flavourful, and the entire meal for two (including drinks and gratuities) costed only US$50.

Pepian, Guatemala’s National Dish

We had a traditional Guatemalan breakfast at our hotel most mornings, consisting of scrambled eggs, refried beans, fried plantain, fresh cheese, artisanal bread, fresh fruit and Guatemalan coffee. Guatemalan coffee was very rich and flavourful; the closest coffee I’ve ever tasted to Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee. The National Dish of Guatemala, pepian, also didn’t disappoint. Pepian is a rich hearty meat stew with potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sesame seeds, dried chilies and other spices. We had this at La Cocina de Mary, but consider a food tour to sample everything.

4. Witness the Continent’s Most Active Volcano.

Witnessing a volcano erupt is now my top travel moment, even more exciting than it was to watch a total solar eclipse last year. Antigua sits right next to Volcán de Fuego, the most active volcano in the Americas which erupts every 15 to 30 minutes. You can hear and see it erupt from Antigua, but the real adventure is hiking to the peak of the dormant Acatenango Volcano at 3,976 meters (13,045 feet) above sea level for sunrise to witness Fuego’s fury. It’s a tough climb, but spending the night on the mountain and watching Fuego erupt against the night sky is now the most unforgettable experience of my life. It was well worth every sore muscle (full recap coming soon), and this tour company took good care of me.

5. Gateway to Central America’s Largest Lake

Antigua isn’t just amazing on its own— it’s also the perfect base for exploring other parts of Guatemala. One of the easiest daytrips from Antigua is to Lake Atitlán, the largest lake in Central America (and one of the most beautiful lakes in the world). It’s about a 2.5-hour drive, and once you’re there, you can take a boat to explore the small Maya villages around the lake. Each one has its own vibe, from artsy San Juan La Laguna to spiritual San Marcos. Spending a day or two at the lake would be the perfect complement to Antigua’s charm, but if you’re short on time like I was, this day trip is good enough!

6. Take Instagrammable Pictures

Hobbitenango

Antigua is ridiculously photogenic. Between the cobblestone streets, colourful colonial houses, and volcanoes towering in the background, every corner looks like a postcard. The Santa Catalina Arch is probably the most famous photo spot—it perfectly frames Volcán de Agua in the background. But honestly, just walk around and you’ll find photo opportunities everywhere: flower-covered balconies, rooftop views, and bustling markets full of color. Or, pay a visit to Hobbitenango, a whimsical eco-park and mountain retreat located just outside Antigua, Guatemala. As the name suggests, Hobbitenango is inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, complete with hobbit-style houses built into the hillside.

7. Enjoy Maya Culture

Demonstration of traditional Maya weaving

Antigua might be known for its colonial charm, but it’s also a place where Maya traditions are alive and well. The local markets are filled with handwoven textiles, intricate beadwork, and pottery that showcase incredible craftsmanship passed down through generations. Or, pick up souvenirs in the Maya villages surrounding Lake Atitlan– honey, artisanal chocolates, handmade scarves, bags, you name it.

8. Admire Guatemalan Art

Art lovers will be in heaven here. Antigua is packed with galleries, artisan shops, and even museums that showcase both traditional and contemporary Guatemalan art. I only had time for the National Museum of Guatemalan Art (MUNAG) but there’s also the Chocolate Museum, Casa Santo Domingo and Jade Museum, a museum and workshop dedicated to the history and cultural importance of jade, a stone deeply valued by the ancient Maya.

Wrap Up

When I flew to Antigua, Guatemala from Cancun, I didn’t expect it to steal my heart, but it did. Between the history, the food, the art, and the adventure, it’s a place that really does have something for everyone. Whether you’re hiking volcanoes, sipping coffee in a courtyard, bar-hopping at night or just wandering the colorful streets, you’ll fall in love with its charm. So, if you’re planning a trip to Central America, make sure Antigua is at the top of your list. I couldn’t have rang in my 30th birthday at a better place. Have you visited Antigua, Guatemala before or would you like to visit? Sound off in the comments section below.

If you enjoyed this post, you may also like:

• 48 Hours in Panama City
• Elle’s Guide to Machu Picchu
• 8 Reasons to Visit Medellin, Colombia
• Is Tulum, Mexico Still Worth Visiting?

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