Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala 4 Day Itinerary

Four-Day Itinerary for Exploring Antigua Guatemala

Day 1: Arrival and City Tour

Places to Go

  1. Central Park (Parque Central): Start your day by visiting the heart of Antigua, Central Park. Enjoy its beautiful surroundings, including the Cathedral of San Jose and the Church of La Merced.
  2. Archaeological Park of Coban Alta Verapaz: For those arriving early in the day, take a trip to this park which offers a glimpse into Mayan culture with ruins like Nakum, Poptun and Lubaantun.
  3. Ruinas Antigua Guatemala (La Recolección, La Merced, San Francisco): Explore the three main colonial churches destroyed by earthquakes but still standing as ruins. Learn about their history and the role they played in Antigua’s past.
  4. Santa Catalina Arch: Visit this iconic archway connecting two convents, which was built in 1694. It now serves as a picturesque symbol of the city.

Activities

  1. Walking Tour: Discover the city on foot and learn about its history and culture from local guides.
  2. Coffee Plantation Visit: Learn about Guatemala’s coffee production and taste some delicious blends at one of Antigua’s many coffee plantations.
  3. Market Shopping: Explore the bustling marketplaces, such as Mercado de Artesanías La Esquina del Cerro or Mercado de Artesanías La Carmen, to find unique souvenirs and local crafts.

Where to Eat

  1. Panza Verde: Enjoy delicious Guatemalan cuisine in a charming courtyard setting. Don’t miss their famous Chiles Rellenos!
  2. Sobremesa: A cozy restaurant serving both international and traditional dishes, perfect for dinner.
  3. Café Condesa: Start your day with a cup of coffee or grab a snack at this popular café in the heart of Antigua.

Where to Stay

  1. Casa Santo Domingo Hotel: A luxury hotel located within an 18th-century former convent, offering comfortable accommodations and a rich cultural experience.
  2. Hotel B&B Porta Hotel: Featuring modern rooms and a convenient location, this budget-friendly hotel is a great choice for travelers on a tighter budget.
  3. Casa del Sol Antigua: Offering boutique accommodations in a historic building, Casa del Sol Antigua provides a comfortable and authentic experience.

Things to Know

  1. The city of Antigua was the former capital of Guatemala before being destroyed by numerous earthquakes.
  2. It’s important to carry small bills (Quetzales) as change can be hard to come by in some shops and restaurants.
  3. Be respectful when taking photos, especially in religious sites or when photographing locals without their permission.

Day 2: Adventure Day

Activities

  1. Pacaya Volcano Hike: Climb the active Pacaya Volcano, where you can roast marshmallows over hot lava flows at the summit!
  2. Hot Springs and Fuentes Georginas: Relax in natural hot springs after a day of adventure near Pacaya Volcano.
  3. ATV Tour: Explore the Guatemalan countryside on an exhilarating ATV tour, taking you through lush landscapes and small villages.

Where to Eat

  1. Licuado’s Antigua: After a long day of adventure, cool off with one of their famous fruit licuados (smoothies).
  2. El Tenedor: Offering modern Guatemalan cuisine in a sophisticated setting, it’s the perfect place for dinner after an action-packed day.
  3. ChocoMuseo Antigua: Learn about the history and production of chocolate while indulging in some delicious treats at this unique museum.

Day 3: Cultural Exploration

Places to Go

  1. Iglesia y Convento de las Capuchinas: Visit this 16th-century convent, featuring well-preserved nun cells and burial chambers.
  2. Museo Agua Volcánica: Learn about Guatemala’s volcanic history and the role water plays in shaping the landscape at this fascinating museum.
  3. Museum of Colonial Art (Museo de Arte Colonial): Explore the rich history of Antigua through its collection of colonial art and artifacts.

Activities

  1. Spanish Language Classes: Sign up for a short Spanish language class to learn some phrases and improve your communication skills during your trip.
  2. Cooking Class: Learn traditional Guatemalan recipes in a hands-on cooking class, then enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch or dinner.
  3. Guided Tour of Local Art Galleries: Discover local artists and their work on a guided tour of Antigua’s art galleries.

Where to Eat

  1. Zafra: Savor contemporary Guatemalan cuisine in an elegant setting at this popular restaurant.
  2. Mesón Panza Verde: A sister restaurant to Panza Verde, offering a refined dining experience and delicious Guatemalan dishes.
  3. Heladería Chocolate Bar: Treat yourself to a sweet treat at this chocolate-themed ice cream shop.

Day 4: Departure Day

Activities

  1. Antigua Market Visit: Spend your final hours in Antigua browsing through the market for last-minute souvenirs and gifts.
  2. Relaxation: Take a leisurely walk around Central Park or enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes before departing.
  3. Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your trip with a final dinner at one of Antigua’s fantastic restaurants, such as El Comalito or La Lancha.

Transportation

  1. Taxis are readily available throughout Antigua and can be a convenient way to get around the city.
  2. Shuttle services are also offered for travel to nearby destinations like Lake Atitlan, Semuc Champey, or Guatemala City.
  3. It’s essential to negotiate prices with taxi drivers before getting in the vehicle and always ensure your safety.