What To Do In Antigua, Guatemala
Activities and Sights in a Colonial Town in Central America
With plenty of activities, food, and shopping, this lovely UNESCO World Heritage Site is a highlight of any trip to Guatemala.
The capital of Guatemala until a series of earthquakes in 1773 prompted a move to present-day Guatemala City, Antigua still boasts some lovely architecture, both ruined and intact, good food, and plenty of shopping. One could easily spend a week or more strolling the narrow, cobblestoned streets, shopping the boutiques and galleries, or even getting in a little extreme adventure by climbing active volcanos.
Getting to Antigua from Guatemala City
About an hour away from Guatemala City, Antigua is an oasis of calm and beauty after the hectic, smoggy capital. In fact, some visitors exit the airport in Guatemala City and step immediately into a taxi or tourist shuttle headed for Antigua.
This is so common that taxi drivers will approach tourists at the airport doors asking, "Antigua?" You can opt for a private ride - bargain on the price, which should be between 100 - 150 quetzales/15 - 20 USD - or you can get into a shuttle for a fixed price, which should be posted. Taxi and shuttle drivers usually accept US dollars and you can get quetzales at money exchanges and ATMs in the airport.
It is also possible to take a chicken bus for far less money if your budget is tight, or, if you arrange it in advance, some hotels will send someone to collect you at the airport.
What to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
Many visitors come to Antigua specifically to study Spanish at one of the dozens of Spanish language schools in the town but there is plenty more to do.
Spend a morning or afternoon sitting in the lovely central park, listening to the play of the elaborate fountain mingling with children's laughter and conversations in Spanish. If you don't want to be constantly approached by shoe-shine boys, wear sandals. Or go ahead and get the shine, it's cheap and if you speak a bit of Spanish, the shoeshine boys can be fun to talk to.
The streets are safe for a leisurely stroll past brightly painted homes, or over to the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina. Near the Arch is the cavernous Nim P'ot, a cooperative market which has a huge selection of souvenirs from furniture to Mayan textiles to t-shirts to Christmas ornaments at fixed and reasonable prices. There is an outdoor market at the bus station where lower prices are possible for the skilled bargainer.
Where to Eat in Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is full of restaurants catering to the foreign visitor. Try Café Condessa for European style coffees, cakes, and breakfasts, or Queso y Vino for great pasta and Italian antipasto, Bagel Barn for elaborate bagel sandwiches and wi-fi. For something a bit more Guatemalan, try La Fonda de la Calle Real. Guatemala's answer to KFC is Pollo Camparo, fast food fried chicken with the classy touch of table service and decorative fountains. For the ultimate immersion, eat in the market by the bus station.
Accomodation Options in Antigua, Guatemala
Accommodation in Antigua runs the gamut from simple hostels at $5 US and under per night to comfortable, midrange guesthouses with private bath from $12 to $25 per night, on up to boutique hotels and upscale B&Bs, though you won't find any international highrise hotels.
Day Trips from Antigua, Guatemala
If you want to get some exercise, you can take a day trip to climb active Volcan Pacaya, or any of the three volcanos visible from town: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. A fun (but long) daytrip from Antigua is a trip to the market at Chicicastenango on Thursday or Sunday.
Antigua's charming, laid-back atmosphere makes it a worthy destination in its own right, or a great first stop before checking out everything else Guatemala has to offer.
