Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of La Antigua

  • Morning: Arrive at La Aurora International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel. Check-in at the historic Hotel Casa Santo Domingo ( approx. $100 USD per night).
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Parque Central, a vibrant square surrounded by colonial-era buildings, including the Cathedral of Santiago. Take a stroll around the park and grab a coffee at Café Condesa.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Fuego, a local restaurant serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine ( approx. $15 USD per person). Try their famous “Pepián” dish.

Things to Know:

  • Antigua Guatemala is a colonial city, and many streets are cobblestone or uneven.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, as petty theft can be an issue in crowded areas.
  • Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals.

Day 2: Ancient Ruins and Volcanic Views

  • Morning: Visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Iximché ( approx. $15 USD per person), located just outside Antigua. Explore the site, which features several pyramids and a ball court.
  • Afternoon: Head to Cerro de la Cruz, a hill with panoramic views of Antigua and surrounding volcanoes ( approx. $5 USD per person). Take a hike up to the summit for stunning vistas.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Casona del Tejutl, a restaurant serving Guatemalan cuisine in a beautiful colonial setting ( approx. $20 USD per person).

Day 3: Markets and Textiles

  • Morning: Visit the Mercado de Artesanías, a bustling market filled with local artisans selling handmade textiles, pottery, and crafts (free admission). Try to negotiate prices for souvenirs.
  • Afternoon: Explore the textile industry in Antigua by visiting a few of the many shops selling high-quality handicrafts. Visit La Casa de la Abuela, which offers classes on traditional Mayan weaving ( approx. $20 USD per person).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Los Tres Talles, a restaurant serving international cuisine in a cozy atmosphere ( approx. $25 USD per person).

Day 4: Pacaya Volcano and Hot Springs

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the Pacaya Volcano ( approx. $60 USD per person), where you can roast marshmallows on the volcano’s surface.
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby hot springs of Fuentes Georginas ( approx. $15 USD per person). Relax in the natural thermal pools and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Mesón, a restaurant serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine in a cozy atmosphere ( approx. $20 USD per person).

Day 5: Last-Minute Shopping and Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city’s many markets.
  • Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure flight.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are readily available throughout Antigua, but be sure to negotiate prices beforehand. A typical fare is around $10-15 USD per ride.
  • Buses and shuttles also operate in the city, with fares ranging from $0.25-1 USD per ride.
  • Renting a car or scooter can be a great way to explore the surrounding countryside.

Tips:

  • Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, as petty theft can be an issue in crowded areas.
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ancient ruins or attending cultural events.
  • Don’t drink tap water, and opt for bottled or filtered water instead.

Other things of interest:

  • Visit the beautiful Convento de Capuchinas, a former convent turned museum ( approx. $5 USD per person).
  • Explore the vibrant streets of Antigua, filled with colonial-era architecture and lively markets.
  • Take a scenic drive to Lake Atitlán, a stunning lake surrounded by volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages.

Budget Breakdown:

  • Accommodation: $100-150 USD per night (avg.)
  • Food: $10-25 USD per meal (avg.)
  • Transportation: $0.25-15 USD per ride (avg.)
  • Activities: $5-60 USD per person (avg.)

Note: Prices may vary depending on the season and availability.