Great post Shannon! Antigua, Guatemala. No need to decide now and pay for it in advance which is great if youre feeling too tired (the hike is HARD!) Hope this helped you plan what to do in Antigua and gave you some ideas on how to best enjoy your time! For nearly five years, this contemporary art foundation has led Antiguas growth as a creative destination through open studios and exhibitions. I love walking so I only walked, the entire time. I get to experience this city again and again through their eyes and always find inspiration. 2a Avenida Norte at 2a Calle Oriente. When there are no clouds, you should be able to see Lake Atitlan and the surrounding villages that dot the hillside. I went to Reillys Irish Tavern and its one of the top spots for a good night in town. The first high season coincides with Guatemala's dry season, so sunny days are pretty much guaranteed. Something to note: This volcano is active, but its not constantly spewing out lava. Many locals I met were proud of their country and wanted a willing and receptive ear. Get your chocolate fix at the Antigua Chocolate Museum, a venture that lets you learn more about the wonderful world of chocolate. The best place to snap photos near the terraces is atop a natural limestone bridge that rises 100 feet (30 m) above the water. Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. A portion of the plantations profits benefits local education programs focused on the preservation of the environment and Guatemalan culture. There's a huge number of things to do in Antigua Guatemala, from visiting some of the city's many historic houses, churches, and former convents, to shopping for traditional handicrafts, to experiencing Guatemala's home-grown coffee culture in the many cafes, to hiking up some of the nearby . Since Im crazy, I went for the volcanos but this was high on my list, I just ran out of time. There wasnt lava when I was here, but it was still worth the trip! Dont miss dinner at La Cueva, the propertys restaurant, which serves dishes such as fresh mango, shrimp and avocado salad and creamy oyster pasta beneath a vaulted stone ceiling. The cheapest way to get from the airport to Antigua is by chicken bus. Classic Guatemala for Families: Culture, Cuisine & Nature Family Fun in Guatemala: Nature, Ruins & Culture - 14 Days, How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Semuc Champey, How to Get from Guatemala City to Lake Atitln, How to Get from Guatemala City to Semuc Champey, How to Get from Guatemala City to Panajachel, How to Get from Lake Atitlan to Tikal National Park, How to Get from Antigua to Guatemala City, How to Get from Tikal National Park to Guatemala City, Arrive in Antigua, Walking Tour & Traditional Guatemalan Cooking Class, Visit the Iximch Maya Ruins & Chichicastenango Market, Transfer to Lake Atitln & Enjoy a Free Day, Kayaking & Hiking at Lake Atitln, Transfer to Antigua, Transfer to Lanqun, Explore the Biotopo del Quetzal, Day Trip to Semuc Champey, Transfer to Cobn, Transfer to Flores, Tubing & Candelaria Caves Visit, Transfer to Tikal & Explore the National Park, Transfer to Flores, Tour Yaxh Maya Ruins, Best of Guatemala: Antigua to Flores - 10 Days, Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan cooking class in Antigua, Paddle Lake Atitln in a kayak, taking in a new perspective, Thrill to an underground tubing adventure in the Candelaria Caves, See how the Maya lived at the historic site of Yaxh. I always have travel insurance through IMG Global, as well as gear insurance when I am on the road, so I generally rate places against the threat of real bodily harm. Your description of Antigua is now firmly listed on my 'check it out' list and I'll be researching cost of housing there. This one is easy, by foot or tuk-tuk! Whats more, after expenses and staff are paid, the property donates all remaining profits to Ninos de Guatemala, a nongovernmental organization that offers educational assistance to local youth. Some are even the same price as a hotel for better vibes and a full kitchen. Also, there really is a great expat community there, soyou would be in good company! Your RSS feeds suddenly appeared in my reader over the weekend, all at once! It is fringed by one of the Caribbean's best beaches. Many travelers look to fulfill a narrative they wrote before they left home. Once here, you'll embark on a one-hour nature hike to a 45-foot (13 m) waterfall plunging into a lagoon. Near the structures courtyard framed by an arched colonnade and a wall of bougainvillea is a museum that houses one of the citys most important permanent exhibitions of colonial-era art and pre-Hispanic pottery. In fact, I just bought beach property on Cebu Island where I own a business that employs 22 awesome staff. Going to Flores, Antiqua and Lake Atitlan. The vast lake is surrounded by sweeping hills and valleys and the notable volcanoes that dot the skyline no matter where you look. Later in the day, a driver will take you back to Antigua from Panajachel at Lake Atitln. This bird is Guatemala's national symbol and has been revered since the time of the ancient Maya. On your private guided tour, you'll learn the history, symbols, and legends preserved here. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. He's 11 and we actually set out on a world tour, taking our time. I didn't know people viewed Antigua that way, but this is not the first time I've heard that this town is too touristy / not the real Guatemala, etc. Ive used IMG Globalsince 2011 and highly recommend it! Hi Shannon, thats a good question and I have to say, I do think vaccines are a good idea. Guatemala Travel. Welcome to Guatemala! Check out these other Guatemala itineraries, explore different ways to spend 10 days in Guatemala, or discover the best time to visit Guatemala. The hikes in the park are often overshadowed by some of the more impressive hikes in the vicinity, but not everyone wants to climb a volcano; it isnt for everyone. I use Viator and GetYourGuide! These are the best ways to get around. The best places to visit in Guatemala - Lonely Planet Exactly what I was looking for. At this point, I usually stop all pissing contests by telling people that I am a tourist and I like to do tourist activities. You'll have to remember to let me know downthe line what you think. Palacio del Ayuntamiento is not just a fancy building. How long to spend in Antigua, Guatemala. He listened to what we wanted, made as many modifications as ", Traveled to Guatemala as a couple in June, 2023, "My husband and I booked our trip to Guatemala for Holy Week. Its population is between 45,000 - 50,000, making this a manageable place to visit for a one-day stop or a month-long relaxing time in a city for working remotely.. You can watch local women practice the art of weaving and taste and smell some delicious traditional dishes, many of which are cooked right in front of you. Im not a big traveler so I just went with knowing what I was told. To make the brands line of pillowcases, striped throws and luxurious handwoven cotton bathrobes, Berry partners with Mayan weavers to craft custom designs and sources one-of-a-kind vintage textiles and traditional pieces, which you can browse at her showroom, by appointment only. Half Moon Bay is located at the southeastern end of Antigua. Guatemala doesn't have a traditional high season, shoulder season and low season. (Photos will soon be up on our blog if you want to check them out!). The architecture is astounding, with a mix of cute boutiques and cafes, Baroque Antigueo styled buildings, and ruins from earthquakes that hit the country. The four-hour workshop is taught by native chefs from the Sacatepquez Indigenous community. On your hike, youll traverse high farmland, high alpine forest, cloud forest, and volcanic temperate zones, so youll be experiencing a lot of the Guatemalan landscape in one hike. Enjoy Antigua, soak in the vibes and explore everything this charming city has to offer. My conditions for the area are: it must have a cultural relevance of its country, be near the water, have a vibrant community, embraces the ex-pats living there, and must be easy to travel to and from for my elderly parents. Bring a book or a group of friends, depending on the experience you're looking for and enjoy the literal change of scenery from Antigua. Clearly all the rock climbing is going to my head. :-). Best of Guatemala in One Week: 8-Day Itinerary | kimkim There are the daily infusion of typical backpackers, yes that's for sure. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Antigua - Tripadvisor We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Antigua, which include: Some of the most popular restaurants in Antigua include: Antigua is known for some of its popular attractions, which include: We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Antigua: If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Antigua between September and November, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. If you plan to hike Pacaya, you must dress appropriately, and that includes wearing the right shoeswear hiking boots or shoes with a thick sole. Your home country is full of beauty, culture, and so many kind people. It's a fun day trip from the city and really under-visited by travelers in Antigua considering it's a mere 10 minute bus ride outside of town. A former local's guide to Antigua, Guatemala - GlobetrotterGirls 15 Best Places to Stay in Antigua Guatemala with Kids or Without! (2023) You'll see all the major sites of interest, including Temples I, II, III,IV, and V, the Lost World, Complex Q, The Great Plaza, and The Window Palace. 12. Tropicana Hostel is a friendly and fun place to stay in Antigua, close to plenty of restaurants and bars. I have spent 20 plus years living in 8 different countries btw Asua, Europe, the U.K. and the USA and I think Central America us my top pick since, at 62, I want to be able to get back to the US every 3 or 4 montgs to see my grand kids. While there are tons of great things to do in Antigua, theres nothing wrong with heading out for the day and experiencing another spot. Best Hotel in Antigua Guatemala: Hotel Museo Casa Santo Domingo. Cheers, I'm a tourist too! Let me know when you make it that way, I've got some fav spots! 8 Things To Do In Antigua, Guatemala For an Unforgettable Trip | Fun Where To Stay In Antigua Guatemala: 12 Best Hotels Expect to be hiking for around 2 hours with some awe-inspiring views. ". If youve dreamed of actually getting up close and personal with the lava, then hiking Pacaya Volcano. To the far west of the city is a local market too. 12 Best Cities to Retire in Central America - Yahoo Finance Both offer good amenities, help booking tours, clean spaces and Yellow House has an amazing breakfast. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way while enjoying the sights and sounds of the jungle. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. There are also many shady squares begging for you to cozy up under a tree with a good book. Antigua Guatemala - Wikitravel July 1, 2023 Antigua is the beautiful old capital of Guatemala and is surrounded by volcanoes. For pretty much one of the coolest experiences youll ever have, hike Acatenango Volcano for the views of Volcano Fuego. Go on a nature hike at the Biotopo del Quetzal, see beautiful Semuc Champey, and explore the Candelaria Caves, ending your trip with Tikal National Park and the Yaxh Maya ruins. For hardcore backpackers, it can be quite a turn off. Escape the crowds at the Corazon de Agua Ecological Park, a hidden gem outside Antigua. 23 Adventurous Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala (GUIDE) - Bucketlist Bri Sometimes if these aren't initially visible, they declare it as not real and go searching for what you want to find. Lastly, Centro Comercial la Fuente is a beautiful spot with some handicrafts and cute cafes in a courtyard setting. The Guatemalans I met worked hard to avoid the stereotype that they lacked what we have in the West, or that they felt in anyway inferior because theyre Guatemalan. Youll see signs all over Antigua offering packaged treks to Acatenango, so shop around and find a good deal. Those are the best options. Visit the Old Ruins. Copyright 2023 Where in the World is Nina? Get oriented today with a guided walking tour of the colonial city of Antigua. Sure, the streets of Antigua are touristy and there are touristy restaurants, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's a beautiful place with real people and real experiences. A lot of people go traveling with pre-concieved notions of what they want to see and wha thte place will be like. Cerro de la Cruz Cerro de la Cruz translates as "hill of the cross", and it is quite clear to see why. A mighty cross stands imposingly atop a massive hill just outside the city. 10 Best Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala - Paradise Catchers Guatemala nominada en el Best Tourism Villages 2023 Beyond the citys verdant Parque Central, these new additions are taking root near 17th- and 18th- century buildings in the Baroque Antigueo style, with decorative stucco ornamentation and low bell towers designed to withstand earthquakes such as Las Capuchinas, a former convent that is now a colonial-era art museum. What are the best places to eat in Antigua? Bao privado, balcn, llena de luz, color y detalles! RELATED: Your Perfect Guatemala Itinerary: 1-3 Weeks + Tips! Once you arrive, settle into your accommodation. To improve your online experience, we use cookies for enhanced functionality and analytics. If you want to wander around souvenirs, nick nacks, and grab some local produce; this is the spot. This is the flagship hotel of Antigua because its construction has preserved the heritage of its history and developed. An offbeat activity is to visit a macadamia nut farm, which has amazing pancakes. That was a very real issue in my many conversations with locals. There are dorms and private . Activities I requested with local insight in to where to go, where to stay and what to do. The restaurant and bar on-site are . It includes everything you should know before you go: responsible travel, book recs, what to see and do, where to study Spanish. 17 Best Restaurants Not to Miss in Antigua Guatemala - Bucketlist Bri There are tons of cute shops and restaurants down here as well. Places to see, ways to wander, and signature experiences. Uber here is easy, efficient, and cheap. The entrance to Antigua's historic Cathedral de Santiago Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala. Left: Molly Berry. Pickpocketing is the biggest threat here, but I dont weight that against my big should I travel here lists because its mostly opportunistic crimes versus violent, thus not really affecting my core safety. It's so funny how highly personal travel can be I fully loved Antigua, andwent to ChiChi and was fully ready to leave within a few hours! Located on a quiet stretch of bustling Fifth Avenue, this boutique property opened in 1986 as the first luxury hotel in Antigua derives its name from panza verde, a term meaning green belly that Antigeos once called themselves when locals subsisted on an overflowing bounty of avocados. Iximch Ruins and Antigua City Tour from Guatemala City. Rainbow Caf & Bookshop, 7a Avenida Sur No.8, Antigua, Guatemala +502 7832 1919. Reillys turned out to be a perfect place to meet other locals my age; Guate City isnt exactly a hub of safe partying. These are illnesses we can actually prevent. The weather, the views, the architecture and safety. I bet that stops them in their tracks :-) Anyway, as you said they are tourist activities for a reason and usually because they're pretty freakin neat things! I chose to walk since the base was only 10 minutes from my hotel. If you want comfort and convenience, then try this hotel in Antigua Guatemala. Declared a Guatemalan National Monument in the 1960s, this archaeological site includes various pyramid temples, palaces, and two Mesoamerican ballcourts. Catherina did a wonderful job planning a week in Guatemala with an itinerary that was customiz", Traveled to Guatemala as a family in April, 2023, "Catherina put together a great trip for us and was very responsive to our feedback and worked super hard to give us a unique trip within budget.