Exploring Antigua: 5-day Adventure Through History And Culture
Welcome to the colorful and captivating city of Antigua in Guatemala! A place where history and culture come to life in every corner. In this 5-day adventure, you will explore the rich Mayan heritage, Spanish colonial architecture, and vibrant local traditions that make Antigua one of the most beloved destinations in Central America. And above all else, read about the activities around Antigua!
Follow our guide as we take you on a journey through the cobblestone streets and ancient ruins that make up this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the secrets of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina and the imposing Volcan de Agua. Whether you’re a history buff, culture enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, Antigua offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
You might also like: Uncovering the Secrets of Tikal: A Guide to the Mayan Civilization
For your information, all these pictures were taken in April 2023.
Table of Contents
How to get to Antigua?
To get to Antigua, you have a few options depending on your needs and expenses. Guatemala City, or the capital of Guatemala, has the nearest airport to Antigua and is called La Aurora International Airport. As the name says, it’s an international airport where most people start. The transfer takes around 1 hour, depending on traffic. From there, you can take three different types of transportation:
- Shuttle buses: there are many shuttle companies that operate between the capital and Antigua. These shuttles are convenient and easy to book in advance. The shuttle company will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at your accommodation. The drive at fixed times, so sometimes it’s better for a more private one.
- Private transfer: if you prefer a more personalized transfer or your airplane lands at an inconvenient time, you can arrange a private transfer. This will be a bit more expensive, but if you are with a big group, you can split the costs.
- Public transportation (chicken bus): if you’re on a budget or more on the adventurous side, you can take the bus from Guatemala City to Antigua. Buses depart regularly from Terminal de Buses in the main city, so you will need to take a shuttle into the city to the main bus terminal. But I wouldn’t recommend this, especially if you don’t speak Spanish.
Getting around in Antigua
Antigua is a very small city that is easy to navigate by foot. There are also taxis and buses available, but you won’t probably need them! But if you’re planning to visit nearby places, like Hobbitenango, it’s best to take a taxi or an Uber. It’s really not that expensive as it’s a bit out of the way to go on foot!
Best time to visit Antigua
The best time to visit Antigua in Guatemala is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. This is when the weather is the most pleasant, with warmer temperatures and more clear skies (and you will need this for hiking some volcano hikes). That’s why we decided to travel in April, as we wanted to see something when hiking Acatenango.
However, this is also the busiest time to come to Antigua. Especially during the Holy Week, which takes place during the entire week leading up to Easter Sunday. Expect more crowds and higher prices when traveling between these travel dates.
If you’re looking for a quiet experience, consider traveling during the rainy season, which runs from May to October. While the weather can be more unpredictable during this time, you’ll be able to enjoy the lower prices and fewer crowds!
Where to stay in Antigua
Antigua has a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and preference! From luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels, there is something for everyone in this charming city!
If you’re thinking about staying at a luxurious hotel, consider staying at Casa Santo Domingo Hotel! This stunning hotel is housed in a restored 16th-century monastery and features beautiful gardens and a pool. But if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out the Hostal Antigua. This hostel is located in the heart of the city and close to all the activities for such a great price.
Antigua Itinerary Map
Antigua itinerary: Day 1
Antigua’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can immediately see why when arriving. The city’s streets are lined with colorful colonial buildings that are home to shops, cafes, hotels, and many more!
You probably want to take your first day easy after such a long travel day. So, depending on when you are arriving in Antigua, your first day will be a bit more relaxed. This is also the best way to get to know this city.
1 | Explore the city center
The first thing you want to do when you’re in the city is to wander around slowly and let yourself fall in love with Antigua. And that won’t be very hard as it’s just naturally that stunning with its Spanish Baroque-style architecture.
You can start your day by visiting the Central Park, which is the heart of Antigua. The park is surrounded by historical buildings and it’s a great place to get to know the city as there will be a lot of locals. You can also find the Cathedral of Antigua on the west side of the Central Park.
Next up, take a stroll to La Calle del Arco. And as the name says it, this is where the famous street with its arch is. It’s a beautiful street to visit.
Antigua is also home to several ruins that are a prominent part of the city’s history. The ruins are located in and around the city and can give you a glimpse into the past. The most impressive ruin is Convento la Recoleccion. It’s a short walk out of the city, but it’s a fun way to walk around.
Antigua itinerary: Day 2
After relaxing for a bit, today will be a bit more adventurous as you will be climbing your first active volcano! Fill the rest of the day by wandering around Antigua a bit more as you won’t see everything on one day!
2 | Pacaya Volcano
Antigua is surrounded by volcanoes and one of them is called the Pacaya Volcano. This is located about an hour and a half drive from the city and the best way to do this is with a tour guide. They will arrange the transfer, guidance along the way, and some marshmallows at the end of the hike.
The hike is considered moderate as there is an elevation gain of approximately 500 meters (1640 feet). It normally takes around 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit, depending on your condition and the rest of the group. The Pacaya Volcano hike can be planned for sunrise or sunset, but there is an early wake-up call for the sunrise hike.
Read more: Pacaya volcano: guide for an active volcano hike (coming soon)
Antigua itinerary: Day 3
If you’re looking for unique destinations in Guatemala, today is the day! But first, enjoy a beautiful view over Antigua at Cerro de la Cruz. Afterward will be all for visiting a hidden gem that many tourists overlook: Hobbitenango.
3 | Cerro de la Cruz
Cerro de la Cruz, or Hill of the Cross, offers a breathtaking view of the city of Antigua and Volcano Agua. It’s a pretty easy hike of 15 to 20 minutes from the center of Antigua. The hike itself has a little bit of an incline, but not for long or too steep It’s an amazing place to enjoy your morning!
The opening hours are between 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There are no gates or anything, but the security escorts you away because it can be dangerous to be there at nighttime. There are no entrance fees to enter this viewpoint.
4 | Hobbitenango
Visiting Hobbitenango is a dream for every fan of Lord of the Rings. Located high above Antigua, this is a must-do location for every Middle-Earth fan! This place is inspired by two Guatemalans that are passionate about comic books and eco-friendly places. That’s why they decided to create Hobbitenango as an eco-conscious place.
There are a lot of things to do at Hobbitenango that’s not only visiting the Hobbit houses. Here, you can do archery, mini-golf, play board games, swing from a tree, or wander around the property and see all those stunning views!
Read more: The ultimate guide to visit Hobbitenango
Antigua itinerary: Day 4
This is the main attraction in Guatemala! So, be ready and enjoy this adventurous experience!
5 | Acatango
The Acatenango volcano hike is one of the most thrilling experiences you can encounter in Guatemala, if not from around the world! Hiking up a volcano to see an active volcano spewing hot lava and ashes in the air, who wouldn’t want to see that?!
Acatenango volcano is a 3.976 meter (13.044 ft) high volcano near Antigua in Guatemala, which overlooks Volcano de Fuego. This is an active volcano that spews lava every 15 – 30 minutes! The overnight tour is from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, the next day. You will have the whole morning and afternoon to climb the volcano, so know that it’s exhausting as you will need to climb 1500 meters (4920 feet) in one day.
Read more: Hiking guide for Acatenango volcano
Antigua itinerary: Day 5
6 | Return of the Acatenango volcano hike
As the Acatenango hike is an overnight tour, arriving back in Antigua will be the next day in the afternoon. This will be the best time to rest a bit, eat something tasty and get a good night’s rest! You will need it!
Your time in Antigua has come to an end, but hopefully, you loved this city as much as I did!
Going to your next destination...
Our next destination was Lake Atitlan! This lake is a stunning destination that has breathtaking scenery. This region is steeped in a rich cultural heritage. From the vibrant Mayan traditions to the most amazing hikes, there is no shortage of experiences to be had in Lake Atitlan!
You won’t be sad very long after leaving Antigua after you’ve seen the beauty of Lake Atitlan. So, get ready to immerse yourself in the sights of what Lake Atitlan has to offer next on your trip to Guatemala!
Conclusion and final thoughts
Antigua is a city that has something for everyone! It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the culture, history and the natural beauty of Guatemala itself. The city’s colonial charm, stunning architecture, and vibrant traditions make it a must-visit destination for everyone! Also, the fact that one of the best hikes is around Antigua makes this place even better. So pack your bags and book your flight, so you can get ready to fall in love with this magical city as I did!
Other blog posts about Guatemala:
Read other blog posts about Guatemala for more inspiration:
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Hello, I’m Ellen and welcome to this blog! I’m in love with exploring the world and hopefully I get to inspire you with these blog posts and pictures to feel the same. You will find detailed itineraries, hidden gems, tips and so much more!
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