Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Antigua Guatemala

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

  • Arrive at La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.
  • Take a shuttle or taxi (around $35-40 USD) to Antigua Guatemala, approximately one hour away.
  • Check-in at Hotel Casa Santo Domingo or Hotel B&B colonial, both centrally located and offering comfortable stays.
  • Spend the afternoon exploring the local area, visit the Central Park, and get accustomed to the charming town.

Day 2: Historical Sites & Local Culture

  • Breakfast at Pan de Muerto or Fonda Barros Arana, both famous for traditional Guatemalan dishes.
  • Visit La Recolección, a museum showcasing colonial art and antiquities.
  • Explore the ruins of San Francisco church and convent.
  • Lunch at Chocolate Museum (Museo del Cacao), where you can enjoy delicious chocolate-infused meals.
  • In the afternoon, visit Santa Catalina Arch, a well-preserved archway connecting two convents.
  • Dinner at Zacatón Restaurant, offering Guatemalan and international cuisine.

Day 3: Volcano Pacaya Hike & Lenca Traditional Art Experience

  • Early breakfast at your hotel or nearby café.
  • Take a tour to Volcano Pacaya (around $10 USD per person). Climb the active volcano, roast marshmallows over hot lava flows, and enjoy breathtaking views.
  • Lunch at local restaurant en route or pack a picnic.
  • Afternoon visit to a Lenca Art Workshop to learn about traditional Guatemalan art and crafts.
  • Dinner at El Portal de la Fruta, known for its extensive vegetarian options.

Day 4: Market Day & Spanish Lessons

  • Spend the morning exploring Antigua’s vibrant markets like Mercado Central de Antigua or La Antigua Artesanías, where you can shop for souvenirs and sample local fruits.
  • Lunch at Mesón Panza Verde.
  • Afternoon Spanish lessons with a private tutor or at Casa Xelaju language school (around $10 per hour).
  • Dinner at Porta Via, offering Italian cuisine in a romantic setting.

Day 5: Temple of the Jaguar & Iximche Ruins

  • Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café.
  • Visit Temple of the Jaguar (also known as La Merced Church) and its adjacent museum displaying pre-Columbian artifacts.
  • Take a tour to Iximche Ruins, the capital of the Kaqchikel Maya Kingdom from 1524 to 1542 (around $8 USD per person).
  • Lunch at a local restaurant en route or pack a picnic.
  • Return to Antigua in the afternoon and spend the evening strolling around the town.
  • Dinner at El Comal, known for its barbecue dishes.

Day 6: Hiking Acatenango & Star Gazing

  • Early breakfast at your hotel or nearby café.
  • Take a tour to Volcano Acatenango (around $30 USD per person). Hike the volcano and witness an unforgettable sunset view of Fuego volcano.
  • Dinner at your lodge or return to Antigua for dinner at Cafe No Se, known for its modern cuisine.
  • Nighttime star gazing from Acatenango or from the rooftop terrace of Hotel Casa Santo Domingo.

Day 7: Farewell & Departure

  • Spend your last morning leisurely exploring any sights you may have missed, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing in a local café.
  • Check out from your hotel and take a shuttle or taxi to La Aurora International Airport for your departure.