,Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide

     Antigua Guatemala is THE PERFECT first-timers solo getaway, and keep reading because I have the Antigua Guatemala travel guide below that is packed with where to stay, what to eat, WHERE to eat, and more.

Antigua is fabulous for a girls’ trip and an excellent baecation option.

Solo travelers run this little town, so if you’re concerned about being alone, don’t be. 

Let’s get into all the good stuff. 

Is Antigua, Guatemala Safe?

Let’s start with the main question most people ask. Is Antigua, Guatemala safe?

Antigua is pretty safe. I walked around freely, even at night, and never had any issues. I don’t recommend walking around in the dark, especially if your accommodation is far from the center.

But I did, and people I know have as well, and no one had any issues.

There are families all over the place at all times, and there are police on many of the corners, if you need anything.

  So I can confidently tell you that Antigua is safe for women traveling, especially for women traveling Guatemala alone.

Basic Travel Safty

 That said, I encourage you to be as cautious as you would be in any city. Do not wander dark allies, get into cars with strangers, drink yourself into stooper, or tell everyone who will listen you are traveling alone. 

  How Many Days Do You Need In Antigua?

So, how many days do you need to visit  Antigua, Guatemala? 

Two to Five days in Antigua should be enough depending on how many activities you are interested in, or whether you are trying to see more of Guatemala or not.

If you are going to Antigua for a weekend getaway 2/3 days would be more than possible without feeling rushed.

You could also stay for a few weeks, get into the party scene, and study Spanish at one of the schools.

It’s all up to you.

The airport is 1 hour away (give or take with traffic), so getting to Antigua is not complicated or too time-consuming.

What to Wear in Antigua

Guatemala is steeped in old traditions but I never felt judged or expected to look a certain way.

That being said, it is important to keep in mind that when you visit another country it is wise, and respectful, to go with the flow

Most Guatemalan people wear long pants or skirts that cover the legs.

You might get some looks if you wear shorts. I wore shorts that went halfway to my knee and were not SUPER tight, so I felt comfortable.

I met and walked around with girls who were wearing short, tight workout shorts that did get stares, but from what they told me, they never felt in danger at any point or super uncomfortable.

The Necessary Items:

•  loose fitting pants
• Shorts almost to the knee
• Poncho
• Closed toed shoes(there is dog poop everywhere)
• Tank tops
• Tshirts
• Button-up loose fitted shirt/light jacket
• Cute Hats
• Sunglasses

When To Go To Guatemala

   Shoulder season is the best time to arrive at any destination you are interested in because everything is cheaper, and of course, there are fewer people.

 Here, the shoulder seasons are May/June and October/November, with November-May being the dry and busier season.

Arrivals

    There is only one way to fly into La Aurora International Guatemala Airport(GUA) and that is into Guatemala City.

Now, it is up to you if you want to stay in Guatemala City for any number of nights. I was told by 90%of people I met on this trip not to do that and the other 10% told me it is an interesting city and that I should try it out.

In an effort to crunch time, I chose not to, and I booked a shuttle rather than fumbling around the city trying to get from the airport to the bus station only to catch a chicken bus to Antigua.

I do not regret this. Lol. 

I suggest booking a shuttle or hire a private car from the airport to Antigua.

My shuttle ride from the airport to my hostel door, with traffic and four separate drop-offs, took 2 hours.

Transportation

     The chicken buses are super cheap local buses that are great for traveling short distances. If you are confident in taking local transport in foreign countries. If you are not carrying a bunch of belongings, and lastly if you are riding in the day time.

 I suggest, to get from GUA to Antigua you use GuateGo.

It is a simple booking site for shared shuttles, luxury coach buses, and private cars.

It is more expensive than chicken buses($2-$8 depending on destination) but still a $15-$20 door-to-door, air-conditioned, safe ride is definitely easier and safer especially for newbie travelers.

One thing I will say, experience the chicken buses! Just do not ride them at night. 

I was told this by the locals and I didnt feel any urg to test it.

Uber is also a thing in Guatemala, so that’s another option.

I suggest shared shuttles to start with, just until you get your bearings and are more confident traveling around Guatemala, especially if you are solo.

Where To Stay In Antigua

     No matter where you stay while in Antigua, you are central. The town has plenty to do, but it is small, and almost everything is centrally located. Or within two blocks

I will say the blocks are long and you are walking on stone. So keep that in mind while packing.

As far as accommodation is concerned, you have plenty of options: hotels, hostels, tent rentals on hostel property(lol), and Airbnb. I spent a total of 5 nights in Antigua for under $80. 

You can easily travel to and enjoy Antigua on a tight budget or a little splurge if you prefer.

Hostels 

• Casi Casa- My favorite. I read in reviews not to drink the filtered water there, I am not sure if they fixed the problem they had because during my 4 days staying there no one got sick at all. 
• Adra Hostel- Youngish crowd, three bed bunks, clean but not AS CLEAN as Casi Casa
• Ojala Hostel
• The Purpose Hostel- Humble hostel with excellent reviews

Hotels

• Hotel Casa Santo Domingo- Luxury
• Porta Hotel Antigua
• Earth Lodge-
• Good Hotel- Gives back locally

Airbnb

Things 15 To Do In Antigua

     Almost all of these things can be scheduled when you are in Antigua, hostels usually have the best deals but it does not hurt to ask around for information on any paid activities.

HERE is a list of activities and adventures to be bad in Antigua if you like to look/book ahead.

Here are somethings I enjoyed in Guatemala that I am sure you will too!

• Santa Catalina Arch

The famous arch that you have seen all over social media.

Try to catch it on a clear day so you can get video and photos of the volcano behind it. It is spectacular

• Iglesia de la Merced

Just up the block from Catalina Arch is Antiguas Baroque-style Catholic church.

It costs nothing to marvel at the face of this beauty, but I do suggest joining a tour to better understand the history behind the detailing of the architecture.

• Hill of the Cross

You can either walk(which I did)or get a ride to the top. Either way you should go!

The perfect view point and a beautiful walk through the woods up the side of one of the mountains that cradles Antigua for the perfect view of the colonial city and two volcanoes(Fuego and Agua).

A must do.

• ATV

Take a sunset ATV tour around the mountains.

• Coffee

Guatemalan coffee is top tier. So if you like to indulge make sure you grab yourself some food.

You can also take it up a notch and go on a coffee tour.

• Jade

There are shops around the city where you can buy jade in its different forms, and there are also jade classes you can join to make your own pieces.

• Chocolate

Learning to make chocolate is a popular thing to do around Guatemala and I recommend it.

Roasting the cacao to grinding it down with sugar, no milk, no eggs, just two ingredients and some really yummy sweets.

Eat the chocolate straight or make hot chocolate and drink it! yumm!

If you don’t eat it all you can bring it home to share with loved ones.

• Take Spanish Lessons

With Guatemala being one of the easier places to learn Spanish, it is very popular for people traveling to pick up a few days here, or stay for a few months.

With weekly classes starting as low as $145 why not start learning something new?

• Central Park 

Relaxing at the park at the end of a long day with all of the families to have a snack and watch people would be perfect for you.

• History Walking Tour

Join a historical walking tour. Learn about the colonial architecture and all the little secrets left on the walls and in the cobblestone streets of this culturally rich city.

• Ruins

There are Spanish colonial era ruins all over antigua, just walking around downtown and its outskirts could keep you busy for a full day. Back in the 1700’s a bunch of earthquakes tore down a great deal of churches around the city that are left halfway standing to this day. 

Some of the ruins I spent the day enjoying, with a new friend I made at a hostel.

I highly recommend:

1. Convento Santa Clara 
2. Convent of the Capuchins
3. San Jose Cathedral (awesome tombs down below, don’t be afraid to ask to see them they are sometimes locked)
4. Church of Santo Domingo
5. La Recolección (Have a picnic here)
6. El Carmen (No entry permitted but it makes for a perfect for a photo op, also there is a street market here)

• Hobbitenango

Land of the hobbit…but in Guatemala!

Ever see the pictures on IG of people posing on the giant hand racing out over a beautiful mountainous/volcano view of green loveliness? That is Hobbitenango

You can catch a taxi or uber and walk up a hill to the entrance, or you can take a shuttle leaving from the Hobbitenango office for $5 each way. If you are staying at a hostel or hotel you can ask the staff if there is a better way.

Yes it is possible to stay here in the little hobbit houses in Hobbitenango 

Make sure you bring a camera because the views are magnificent. Naturally

Mayan Ruins

     There are thousands of years of coorful history in this part of the world, and visiting the Mayan ruins is one art of that history that you CAN NOT miss.

Iximche

  About 1-2 hours from Antigua is making it the closest site to experience the ancient Mayan culture. This place is over 1000 years old!

  It is small but if you are lucky you might catch a Shaman performing a Mayan fire ceremony.

  The perfect trip if you do not have time to get over the 10  plus hour trip to Tikal.

Quirigua

   Four hour ride to the Caribbean coast of Guate is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the sculptures here are like no others.

Tikal

You must have heard of Tikal before, if not thrn you have now.

  The ruins here are world famous, and rightfully so. It is over a 10 hour trip from Antigua so most people take at least a few days to break the trip up. 

Volcano Hike 

I can not stress to you how popular hiking is in Guatemala!

The volcano hikes in Antigua and Lake Atitlan are not to be missed! Hiking Acetenango is difficult but being able to see the activity of Fuego from it is absolutely worth the trek!

1. Acatenango

• Difficult
• Full day, overnight camping
• Best views of of Fuego’s eruptions 

1. Fuego

• Active volcano 
• Can get best views of if from the Acatenango 

1. Pacaya

• 1 hour outside of Antigua
• Easier half day hike

Make pizza or roast marshmallows on the hot volcano rocks

4. Copan ruins

Are an over night trip from Guatemala City, but it is popular and if you are plplaning to travel around and have the time this is another UNESCO World Heratige Site worth checking into.

Where To Eat In Antigua

     There are many, many restaurants and cafes in Antigua to enjoy.

Antigua is the most expensive and eclectic place I have eaten in my 5 weeks in Guatemala as far as food is concerned.

Have no fear the food is still very affordable, and with local eateries like Rincon and a few food carts around busy areas you will never be hungry.

• The food carts at Iglesia de la Merced
• Como Como
• Brunchies
• Try local craft beers

I have a post about what to eat in Antigua to help cut through all the places that pop up on google maps coming up next, so make sure you keep up with the blog!

Whelp! That’s it! 

That’s your guide to Antigua, Guatemala! Are you excited about your trip? Leave a comment on anything I may have left out in the comments below.