I recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting one of my new all time favorite cities in the entire world, and I am here to tell you exactly why Antigua Guatemala is one of the most unique and amazing places not just in Central America, but honestly, in the world.
From the moment I stepped into Antigua to the minute I left, I was completely encapsulated by its beauty, its experiences, its history, and its culture. I genuinely could not get enough of it. I am not someone who typically loves cities or gravitates toward places that are super touristic or on a well worn path, but Antigua is one of the biggest exceptions for me.
Antigua used to be the capital of Guatemala, and even more than that, it was once the capital of all of Central America during Spanish colonial rule. The city held huge importance, filled with significant buildings and government institutions that made it the center of the entire region.
However, after a series of devastating earthquakes, most notably the 1773 Santa Marta earthquakes, along with the looming presence of surrounding volcanoes like Volcán de Fuego, Volcán de Agua, and Volcán Acatenango, the city was deemed unsafe. The capital was then moved to Guatemala City.
During that time, many people fled Antigua, and in a way, the city was left behind and frozen in time. That is exactly what makes it so special today. While it has grown again and is very much alive, you can still feel that preserved colonial charm everywhere. The architecture, the ruins, the streets all tell a story. It has this rare blend of history and atmosphere that feels almost untouched, yet it is surrounded by some of the most dramatic natural landscapes you will ever see.
The city is located about an hour to an hour and a half from Guatemala City, making it very accessible if you are flying into the country. Once you are there, it is incredibly walkable. The cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings make every single street feel just as beautiful and aesthetic as the last.
That was one of the things that stood out to me the most. There are very few cities where everywhere you walk feels just as charming as the previous street. Every market, café, mural, and monument feels vibrant and full of life.
Where to Stay
One of the best things about Antigua is that there is really no bad place to stay. The city is small and walkable, so almost everywhere you stay is close to the main attractions, restaurants, and streets full of life.
I stayed in a few different places during my visit. Tropicana Hostel was not my favorite, but it was good for one night and convenient for a quick stop. Yes, Please Hostel was super, super amazing—super affordable, with a nice pool and a perfect spot to relax and hang out. And finally, I stayed at a guest house on Airbnb, which was absolutely incredible. It had the most insane views from the rooftop, a beautiful little kitchen, a perfect room, and the nicest host who was so welcoming and helpful.
There are tons of amazing stays in Antigua, whether it be boutique hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, or guest houses. Whatever suits your fancy, you will find something that makes your stay comfortable, beautiful, and convenient.
Things to Do in and Around Antigua
Antigua is a city that feels like stepping back in time. There are stunning churches and ruins throughout the city like Iglesia de La Merced and Convento de las Capuchinas, where you can really start to visualize what the city once was. Walking through them adds so much depth to the experience and gives you a stronger connection to its history.
The city is also known for its beautiful shops and art scene. There are countless markets filled with traditional textiles, handmade goods, and local crafts. The main market, Mercado Central de Antigua, is an experience in itself. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, just walking through and seeing the colors, the food, and the energy is something you should not miss.
You should also visit the Santa Catalina Arch. It is one of the most iconic structures in the city, perfectly framing Volcán de Agua in the background. The street around it is always full of life, with artists painting, vendors selling traditional clothing, and people just taking in the atmosphere. It is such a vibe.
It is also really worth checking out how even the fast food chains in Antigua have been preserved to maintain the city’s colonial style. A perfect example is the McDonald’s in Antigua. I know it sounds random, and I don’t even eat fast food, but walking into this McDonald’s was so impressive. It is genuinely one of the most beautiful McDonald’s I have ever seen. The same goes for Starbucks, Dunkin’, and even Pizza Hut. Even global chains are designed to match the city’s aesthetic, which says a lot about how intentional the city is about preserving its charm and beauty.
Right on the outskirts of the city, you can walk up to Cerro de la Cruz, where you get panoramic views over the entire city with Volcán Acatenango and Volcán de Agua towering in the background. And then there is Volcán de Fuego, an active volcano that erupts regularly. You can literally be standing in the city, going about your day, and look up to see it erupting in the distance. It is one of those experiences that does not even feel real until you see it with your own eyes.
For many travelers, Antigua is also the starting point for hiking Volcán Acatenango and seeing eruptions from Volcán de Fuego up close. I truly cannot recommend this hike enough if it is something you are physically able to do. It is challenging, but one of the most rewarding experiences. There is something so incredible about seeing Volcán Acatenango from the city, imagining the hike, and then actually experiencing it up close. Being in Antigua before and after the hike makes it even more meaningful because you have a base with amenities, massages, beautiful places to relax, and so much local culture to explore. You can appreciate your time in the area not just for the hike itself, but for the days before and after, walking the streets, taking in the views of other volcanoes, and experiencing the energy of the city.
Antigua also serves as a perfect gateway for exploring the surrounding regions, including the world famous Lake Atitlán. Many travelers use Antigua as a base before heading out to see the lake and the surrounding villages. Being in Antigua first gives you a sense of the culture, history, and natural beauty that will make the rest of your journey even more meaningful.
The Vibe and Climate
I cannot fully explain how beautiful this city is. It is something you have to feel. It is not just about how it looks, it is the energy. It is the way you can spend your days café hopping, wandering, taking in views, and just existing in such a beautiful place.
And then there is the climate. It is honestly perfect. Antigua is at a higher elevation, so while the sun is strong during the day, the temperatures remain very pleasant, never overwhelmingly hot. Then in the evening it cools down quickly, making it perfectly comfortable to be outside. Warm and sunny during the day, cool and crisp at night, it is the kind of climate where you can spend hours wandering the streets, exploring, and just soaking it all in without ever feeling uncomfortable.
There are plenty of things to do in and around the city, but honestly, even just being there is enough. It is one of those places that makes you slow down, feel good, and appreciate everything around you.
I could not recommend it more if you are heading to Central America or just looking for a place that offers incredible views, rich culture, unforgettable experiences, and genuinely good vibes.
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