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Antigua Guatemala: Plan Your Adventure Among Volcanoes Now

Nov 15, 2023 | Guatemala

Visiting Antigua Guatemala

November 2022

Formerly the capital of Guatemala, Antigua is situated approximately an hour away from Guatemala City airport and is enveloped by the breathtaking presence of three volcanoes—Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.

Throughout its history, Antigua endured the impact of numerous earthquakes, most notably in 1773, leading to the relocation of the capital to a more secure site, now known as Guatemala City in the Valley of the Shrine.

Despite this shift, Antigua has retained its historical allure, showcasing a captivating blend of colonial and baroque architecture. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, Antigua is globally renowned for its Spanish language schools.

Unsurprisingly, Antigua stands out as a must-visit destination in Guatemala, offering a rich tapestry of experiences. Its historical charm persists, ensuring visitors are treated to an array of captivating sights and activities. Join us as we soar through the highlights of things to do in Antigua Guatemala.

Best things to do in Antigua Guatemala

Historical monuments

The Santa Catalina Arch stands out as Antigua’s top historical monument. Once a practical footbridge connecting a convent to a school, it served the purpose of enabling nuns to move discreetly without engaging with the public. Today, it has evolved into a prominent tourist attraction.

 

The Arch’s popularity is not just historical; the stunning backdrop of the Agua volcano adds to its allure. Unsurprisingly, capturing a solitary moment on the street becomes a challenge unless you’re an early riser. This iconic spot beautifully merges Antigua’s past with its present charm, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Antigua Guatemala

Constructed in the 1600s, the Iglesia de San Pedro is a testament to the baroque architectural style that graces Antigua’s historic landscape. Originally conceived as a monastery and hospital for the clergy, the church played a crucial role in the community, serving both spiritual and healthcare needs.

Like many structures in Antigua, this architectural gem has weathered the tumultuous tremors of numerous earthquakes. Despite the challenges posed by seismic activity, the Iglesia de San Pedro underwent multiple rounds of repairs and renovations, demonstrating the resilience and commitment to preserving its historical significance.

In a testament to its enduring cultural value, the church found a new custodian in the Association of Social Works of Santo Hermano Pedro after its restoration. This transition ensures not only the maintenance of the building but also the continuation of its legacy as a vital piece of Antigua’s cultural heritage. Today, visitors can explore the Iglesia de San Pedro and witness the intersection of history, architecture, and the enduring spirit of Antigua.

Constructed in the 1600s, the Iglesia de San Pedro is a testament to the baroque architectural style that graces Antigua’s historic landscape. Originally conceived as a monastery and hospital for the clergy, the church played a crucial role in the community, serving both spiritual and healthcare needs.

Like many structures in Antigua, this architectural gem has weathered the tumultuous tremors of numerous earthquakes. Despite the challenges posed by seismic activity, the Iglesia de San Pedro underwent multiple rounds of repairs and renovations, demonstrating the resilience and commitment to preserving its historical significance.

In a testament to its enduring cultural value, the church found a new custodian in the Association of Social Works of Santo Hermano Pedro after its restoration. This transition ensures not only the maintenance of the building but also the continuation of its legacy as a vital piece of Antigua’s cultural heritage. Today, visitors can explore the Iglesia de San Pedro and witness the intersection of history, architecture, and the enduring spirit of Antigua.

Established on January 14, 1700, the Convento de Santa Clara in Antigua underwent an extensive 26-year restoration following a significant earthquake in 1717, leading to the unfortunate loss of the original construction’s first traces.

Subsequent earthquakes further contributed to the convent’s picturesque state of ruins. Despite its dilapidated condition, the Convento de Santa Clara remains a captivating and photogenic destination in Antigua. Renowned for its beauty, it has also gained popularity as a cherished wedding venue. During our visit, the timeless charm of the convent was accentuated by a wedding, adding a layer of beauty and romance to an already enchanting setting.

Subsequent earthquakes further contributed to the convent’s picturesque state of ruins. Despite its dilapidated condition, the Convento de Santa Clara remains a captivating and photogenic destination in Antigua. Renowned for its beauty, it has also gained popularity as a cherished wedding venue. During our visit, the timeless charm of the convent was accentuated by a wedding, adding a layer of beauty and romance to an already enchanting setting.

Nestled in the historic cathedral of Santiago de los Caballeros, the San Jose Cathedral is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. The visible white facade on the streets represents the newer section, constructed after the Santa Marta earthquake of 1773 reduced the original cathedral to ruins, now discreetly situated just behind the modern structure.

 

Upon entering the cathedral, you’ll discover an active church coexisting with the ancient ruins of the original cathedral, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s layered history. Conveniently located at the main square (parque central), the San Jose Cathedral invites easy exploration, offering visitors both the vibrancy of a present-day place of worship and the captivating echoes of its storied past.

Nestled in the historic cathedral of Santiago de los Caballeros, the San Jose Cathedral is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. The visible white facade on the streets represents the newer section, constructed after the Santa Marta earthquake of 1773 reduced the original cathedral to ruins, now discreetly situated just behind the modern structure.

Upon entering the cathedral, you’ll discover an active church coexisting with the ancient ruins of the original cathedral, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s layered history. Conveniently located at the main square (parque central), the San Jose Cathedral invites easy exploration, offering visitors both the vibrancy of a present-day place of worship and the captivating echoes of its storied past.

Cerro de la Cruz is the perfect spot to enjoy a panoramic view of Antigua and the Agua volcano. You can follow this itinerary on Alltrails which is about 800 meters and 42 minutes. It’s considered a moderate difficulty hike.

You can also go to Cerro de la Cruz from quite anywhere in Antigua. The city is small so it shouldn’t take too long. With the stairs all the way to the top of the hill, it’s an activity for the whole family.

Unfortunately for us, when we arrived at the hill it was closed because of major renovations. But I’ve seen pictures of people since our trip and it seems to have reopened. Make sure to do this short activity to see all of Antigua’s beauty and share your pictures with us!

Acatenango and Pacaya volcanoes

Difficulty : Hard

Elevation : 3,976 m

Duration : 1.5 days, 1 night

Price : US 79$



Difficulty : Hard

Elevation : 3,976 m

Duration : 1.5 days, 1 night

Price : US 79$

Embarking on the Acatenango volcano trek is undoubtedly a highlight in Guatemala. Soaring at an elevation of 3,976 meters, this trek offers a breathtaking vantage point to witness the active Fuego volcano, which last erupted in 1972.

Whether opting for the two-day trek with a night at the basecamp or conquering it in a single day, the experience is unforgettable. Our choice was the two-day adventure, and it undeniably deserves a spot on your Guatemala bucket list.

We chose to tackle this expedition with Tropicana Hostel’s agency, an option available even if you’re not staying at the hostel. While numerous agencies offer this trek, our focus will be on Tropicana’s services. Let’s dive into everything you need to know before embarking on the awe-inspiring Acatenango volcano hike.

What’s included
  • Transportation
  • Cabin
  • Mattress
  • Sleeping bag
  • Pillow
  • Meals and snack
  • Acatenango park entrance fee
  • Guides

The hassle-free logistics for the Acatenango volcano trek begin with a shuttle from Tropicana Hostel to the farm, the starting point of the hike. Departing at around 8:30 AM, the scenic hour-long drive sets the tone for the adventure. The return journey sees the shuttle leaving the farm around 10 AM, ensuring your arrival back at noon. Even if you’re not a guest at Tropicana Hostel, their facilities are at your disposal upon your return, including bathrooms and luggage storage.

Meals are well taken care of, featuring two breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner, complemented by wine, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to keep you energized. Tropicana Hostel also provides an option to elevate your experience with a private cabin, available through their couple package for a more intimate and personalized tour.

What you should bring
  • Warm clothes (coat, jacket, hat, gloves, neck warmer)
  • Rain jacket
  • 4L of water
  • Snacks
  • Headlamp
  • Hiking backpack
Day 1
  • 8 AM : Breakfast at the rooftop restaurant of the Tropicana hostel + time to rent items (clothes, headlamp, etc.)
  • 9 AM : Shuttle leaves the hostel
  • 10 AM : Arrival at the farm where we start the hike + time to rent hiking stick and to go to the restrooms (paying, cash only)
  • 10:30/11:00 AM : Presentation of the guides and the hike starts with a break every 500 meters
  • 1 PM : Half an hour break for lunch
  • 3-4 PM : Arrival at the base camp (the hike to camp is around 4 hours)
  • 4-6 PM : Time to enjoy the breathtaking view of Fuego volcano, take pictures and rest
  • 6-7 PM : Dinner well deserved (you’ll have to give them 2L of your water), enjoy some wine, hot chocolate and marshmallows
  • After that, make sure to rest and go to sleep not too late since you’ll wake up around 4 AM the next morning.

 

Day 2
  • 4 AM : We wake up and hike the rest of the trek to the top of the crater of Acatenango volcano. Bring only what’s necessary (headlamp, coat, rain jacket, water), it’s very cold on top. It’s an approximately one hour hike.
  • 5-6 AM : Enjoy the amazing sunrise on top of volcano (or not if you’re not lucky like us)
  • 6-10 AM : Return to the base camp, breakfast and coffee, prepare your bag and items
  • 10 AM : Hiking back to the starting point
  • 12 AM/1 PM : Back at the hostel, you can take a shower if you want
Good to know
Difficulty
  • This trek is considered hard but what made it harder was really the weight of our backpack. With 4L of water and a lot of warm clothes, it was heavy. But as I said earlier, when the night comes, you’ll be happy to have these.
  • Since your backpack is heavy, we’re telling you : walking sticks will be your best friends.
  • If you think carrying all this stuff will be too heavy for you, you can also pay an extra of Q200 per way to have a porter carry it for you. The porter can only carry a bag of 24lbs, if your bag is heavier, you’ll have to pay more. You can also rent a horse for the price of Q700 per way.
Food
  • When you book this trek with Tropicana hostel, you can choose a food menu adapted to your diet : vegetarian, vegan, lactose free and gluten free.
  • We took the regular menu and, overall, the food was correct. Not amazing, not bad, just OK. The best meal for us was the burrito for lunch. If we could go back, we would have brought more snacks.
Campsite
  • There are 3 cabins with bunk beds or side by side depending on the cabin. The campsite has a view of the active Fuego volcano.
  • If you think about having a good night of sleep, let us say you’re dreaming in colors! While Fuego volcano is super impressive, the eruptions are super loud and come about every 20 minutes. The mattresses aren’t that comfortable and you might get cold since the temperature is about 2 to 5 °C. So we’ll say it again, bring warm clothes! We had way more warm clothes than the others with us but we weren’t cold in the evening and night. The sleeping bags offered are warm but don’t hesitate to put extra layers.
Guides
  • There is one guide for every 8 people. At Tropicana, they are local guides which means that some speak English but the majority speaks only in Spanish. Overall, we found them very nice
  • It’s possible to give them a tip on the morning of the second day while we eat breakfast. They put a bucket near the campfire so make sure to bring cash money.
Visibility
  • The visibility and weather on top of the Acatenango volcano are very unpredictable. According to our experience, we couldn’t see anything on top except clouds and rain. When we asked our guides about it, they said that it happens often since there’s a micro-climate on top of volcanoes.
  • During our trip, we talked with many people who did this trek since it’s really popular and a lot of them had a very awesome view as others were not lucky like us. So it really depends…
  • The view on top is a guess, but the overall experience is totally with it, especially if you haven’t hiked a volcano yet!
Hike to Fuego volcano
  • When we arrive at the campsite, you can either relax there around the fire or you can go hike the Fuego volcano. You can see the sunset while going to the volcano and be closer to the eruptions. But be warned, this is a really difficult hike and lasts around 4h. So think about it twice when you arrive at the campsite.
  • We didn’t go since we were tired, but the people in our group who went all said the same things : it was really hard, but awesome. So it’s up to you if you’re up for more adventure or not.
Overall advices

Here’s a recap of our main advices for the Acatenango volcano trek.

  • If you plan to do this trek, make sure to acclimate yourself before. Antigua is 1,545 meters above sea level so it’s a good idea to acclimate your body by staying at least one day before the trek in the city.
  • Bring snacks so that you have plenty of energy during the two days. It’s also good to have them in case you don’t really enjoy the food that’s offered.
  • Don’t be shy to bring warm clothes. Even if it’s heavier to hike with these, you’ll be very happy to have them during the night and on top of the volcano. If you don’t have some, you can rent them at the hostel’s front desk.
  • Don’t forget to bring cash money so that you can rent hiking sticks which make your trip easier and to tip the guides.
Fun fact

The first night of our trip at Tropicana hostel, we slept on the third floor of beds. Olivier wanted to go to the bathroom, but he was sleepy and fell off the ladder. Result: his big toe nail got all ripped off. He woke me up and there was blood everywhere. We were doing the Acatenango volcano trek two days after… so Olivier wasn’t sure anymore if he wanted to do it since he was in pain. Finally, he decided to do it with me and as a result of all this, we didn’t see a thing on top of the volcano! I’m such a good girlfriend haha… But for real, even with his toe in pain and the fact we didn’t get the view we wanted so badly, it’s still an amazing experience that we’ll remember for life. We recommend it 100%.

The Pacaya volcano, in contrast to Acatenango, is a smaller and more accessible option. Given its active status, it’s essential to check with local authorities to ensure visitation is permitted during your time in Guatemala.

Renowned for its easy difficulty level and convenient location, Pacaya is a popular choice, making it a family-friendly activity. One unique and thrilling experience that sets Pacaya apart is the opportunity to grill marshmallows above the lava, adding a touch of adventure to your hike.

Whether you choose to explore Pacaya in one or two days, numerous tours cater to different preferences. While we didn’t embark on this particular tour, here’s a list of the best Pacaya volcano tours to enhance your adventure in Guatemala.

Altamira Oriole is not only a hotel but also a restaurant and bar, distinguished by its enchanting viewpoint overlooking Antigua Guatemala and with iconic wooden and golden hand structures. Situated approximately 25 minutes away from Antigua, Altamira offers a captivating and picturesque escape.

While the expansive hands are a prominent feature, Altamira boasts other colossal wooden structures that invite exploration. You can climb these structures, creating opportunities for unique and visually striking photographs. The venue essentially transforms into a theme park, allowing guests to wander among these artistic structures, creating a one-of-a-kind and immersive experience. Altamira Oriole emerges as a blend of artistry, and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination near Antigua.

Hobbitenango

Indeed, you’ve caught on! Hobbitenango is a captivating village theme park dedicated to the world of Hobbits. Functioning as a hotel, restaurant, bar, and attraction, the entire village is meticulously designed to mirror the enchanting world of Lord of the Rings, offering guests the unique experience of sleeping in typical Hobbit rooms.

Beyond its themed accommodations, Hobbitenango is a hub of entertainment, featuring restaurants, bars, and a myriad of activities, including archery and ax throwing. Numerous viewpoints add to the charm, providing stunning views. A mere 20-minute drive from Antigua Guatemala, Hobbitenango stands as a delightful destination if you seek a whimsical and enjoyable experience with friends and family.

Where to stay in Antigua Guatemala

We opted for Tropicana Hostel based on its positive reviews on Hostel World and its budget-friendly rates. While the dorms could use some renovations, the hostel offers a pool and a rooftop restaurant. The interior decor, featuring yellow and purple hues, imparts a vintage, almost old hippie vibe.

However, considering the affordable price, the common areas are aesthetically pleasing, and the overall cleanliness is usually well-maintained.

Overall, it was fine, but it depends on what your expectations are. If you’re a backpacker on a budget, we would definitely recommend it.

Where to eat in Antigua Guatemala

This restaurant offers really good and huge pizzas, so if you have an American craving, that’s where you should go. They also have good cocktails.

This restaurant offers really good and huge pizzas, so if you have an American craving, that’s where you should go. They also have good cocktails.

Wow! These tacos were the best we ate during our trip to Guatemala. They are so flavorful and you can also get a margarita to go with them. So good!

Wow! These tacos were the best we ate during our trip to Guatemala. They are so flavorful and you can also get a margarita to go with them. So good!

Wow! These tacos were the best we ate during our trip to Guatemala. They are so flavorful and you can also get a margarita to go with them. So good!

Need to stock up on fruit after Acatenango volcano? This is the place. Union Café has the best smoothies and the place looks so cute. You’ll totally want to take some pictures.

Transportation in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua’s compact size makes it an ideal city for exploring on foot, allowing easy access to all the notable attractions. Even if you plan to visit Cerro de la Cruz, walking from your hotel to the base of the hill is a manageable and enjoyable journey.

However, for destinations like Altamira or Hobbitenango, where the distance may be a bit more extensive, we recommend opting for a taxi or tuktuk to make your journey more convenient and efficient. This way, you can make the most of your time in Antigua Guatemala while also enjoying the unique charm of these special locations.

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