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Antigua Guatemala served as the capital of Spain's Central American colony until a series of earthquakes in 1773 led authorities to move the seat of government. What remained is a grid of cobbled streets, pastel facades and ruined churches set in a highland valley beneath three volcanoes, Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, and the whole town is a World Heritage Site.
Days often begin in Parque Central, framed by the Cathedral and the arcaded Palace of the Captains General. A short walk north, the yellow Santa Catalina Arch frames Volcán de Agua in one of Guatemala's most familiar views, and the ornate, mustard-colored Iglesia de La Merced stands at the end of the street. Several ruined convents can be explored, from the circular cloister at the Convento de las Capuchinas to the shattered vaults of La Recolección, while San Francisco el Grande remains an active church and pilgrimage site. Cerro de la Cruz offers an overlook across rooftops to the volcano, and the market and artisan stalls on the west side sell textiles from highland villages. Fit hikers take on Acatenango, an overnight climb often rewarded with views of Fuego erupting.
Antigua suits language students, culture seekers and hikers. Holy Week brings famous processions over carpets of colored sawdust and flowers, along with large crowds. Lake Atitlán is a popular onward trip.
WiserMap travel guideAntigua Guatemala Volcano Hikes and Colonial RuinsAntigua Guatemala guide: Santa Catalina Arch, La Merced, Capuchinas, Cerro de la Cruz, Acatenango and Pacaya hikes, Semana Santa, food and where to stay.Read the guide
The leafy main square of Antigua, with the Fountain of the Sirens, benches and shoeshine stands, faced by the white facade of the Cathedral of San José and the ruins of the older cathedral behind it. It is the social center of town. Visit in the evening when families stroll and the facades are lit.
A long arcaded colonial palace on the south side of Parque Central, once the seat of Spanish rule over Central America. Restored rooms host exhibitions and government offices, and the double arcade frames views of the square. Walk the arcade for shade and photos of Volcan de Agua.
The yellow arch with a clock tower over 5a Avenida Norte, built so nuns could cross between convent buildings unseen. With Volcan de Agua behind it, it is the most photographed view in Antigua. Come early in the morning for a clear volcano and fewer crowds on the cobbled street.
A baroque church with an ornate yellow and white stucco facade covered in plaster lace work. Inside the cloister ruins sits a huge colonial fountain, and the plaza in front has food stalls in the evening. It is a key stop during Holy Week processions, when the streets fill with carpets.
A large church and monastery complex where Hermano Pedro de San José Betancur, Central America's first saint, is buried and venerated. The grounds include extensive monastery ruins and a small museum about his life. Visit the ruins behind the church for quiet gardens and broken arches.
The ruins of an 18th-century convent with a unique circular cloister tower of nun cells, vaulted rooms, gardens and a central fountain. It is one of the best preserved ruins in the city. Allow an hour to explore, and climb to the upper level for views over the rooftops.
The dramatic ruins of a Recollect monastery destroyed by the 1773 earthquakes, with massive collapsed arches and stone blocks scattered across the grounds. It feels raw and atmospheric compared with restored sites. It sits on the western edge of town, a pleasant walk from the market.
A hilltop viewpoint with a large stone cross overlooking Antigua's grid of colonial streets, with Volcan de Agua rising behind. A stairway trail of about 20 minutes climbs from the north end of town. Go in the morning for clear volcano views, and walk up with others or with the tourist police escort.
The busy local market on the west side of town, selling produce, flowers, spices and cheap meals, with an adjacent artisan section of textiles, masks, jade and ceramics. Monday, Thursday and Saturday are the biggest market days. Bargain politely and watch your bag in the crowded aisles.
A tough overnight hike to a camp near the summit of Acatenango, facing the constantly erupting Volcan de Fuego. At night you can often see lava bursts, and a dawn summit climb reaches about 3,976 meters. Go with a licensed guide, bring very warm layers, and train for the steep climb.
An active volcano about an hour from Antigua with a moderate hike of a few hours across old lava fields and black sand slopes. Guides often roast marshmallows over hot vents. Tours leave Antigua early morning and afternoon, and horses can be hired for the steeper first section.
A working coffee farm just north of Antigua offering tours that follow the beans from plant to roasting, with tastings at the end. The estate also has a restaurant, canopy lines and mountain bike trails. Book the tour in advance in high season, and pick up freshly roasted beans to take home.
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