Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
  • 9:00 AM: Transfer to Hotel Casa Azul in the historic center of Antigua Guatemala
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the iconic Parque Central, a picturesque square surrounded by colonial-era buildings, cafes, and shops.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café Condesa, a cozy spot serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine (try their pupusas!)
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the nearby Iglesia de La Merced, a stunning 16th-century church with impressive architecture and beautiful stained glass windows.
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the Museo Hermanos Ramos, a small museum showcasing art, history, and culture of Antigua Guatemala.
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at El Mirador Restaurant, a restaurant with great views of the surrounding landscape (try their traditional Guatemalan dishes like jocón or pepián).
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks in the historic center.
    • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM) when streets are congested with locals commuting.
    • Don’t forget to tip your taxi drivers or tour guides.

Day 2: Ruins, Museums, and Markets

  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Ruinas de Kaminaljuyu, a pre-Columbian archaeological site featuring ancient Mayan ruins (about an hour’s drive from Antigua).
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at El Puerto Restaurant, located in the nearby town of San Juan Sacatepéquez.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Museo de Arte Colonial, a museum showcasing colonial-era art, furniture, and artifacts.
  • 3:00 PM: Explore the bustling Mercado de Artesanías, where you can find unique handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs.
  • 5:00 PM: Enjoy coffee or snacks at Café La Casa del Árbol, a cozy spot with great views of the surrounding mountains.
  • 7:00 PM: Have dinner at El Jardín Restaurant, which serves delicious international cuisine (try their pizzas or pasta dishes).

Day 3: Cerro de la Cruz and nearby towns

  • 8:00 AM: Hike to the top of Cerro de la Cruz, a hill offering panoramic views of Antigua Guatemala (about an hour’s hike).
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the nearby town of Santo Tomás, where you can explore its picturesque streets, shops, and cafes.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at El Pocito Restaurant, located in the heart of Santo Tomás.
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the nearby Iglesia de San Felipe, a beautiful church featuring stunning stained glass windows.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Mercado de Artesanías in Santiago de los Caballeros (about an hour’s drive from Antigua).
  • 5:00 PM: Return to Antigua and enjoy some free time to explore or relax at your hotel.

Day 4: Lake Atitlán and San Pedro La Laguna

  • 8:00 AM: Visit the stunning Lake Atitlán, a scenic lake surrounded by volcanic peaks (about an hour’s drive from Antigua).
  • 10:00 AM: Take a boat tour of the lake, visiting nearby villages like San Pedro La Laguna.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at La Casa de los Abuelos, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the charming village of San Pedro La Laguna, where you can find unique shops, cafes, and markets.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the nearby Iglesia de Santiago Apóstol, a beautiful church featuring stunning stained glass windows.
  • 5:00 PM: Return to Antigua and enjoy some free time to explore or relax at your hotel.

Day 5: Pacaya Volcano and Hot Springs

  • 8:00 AM: Visit the Pacaya Volcano, an active volcano offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape (about an hour’s drive from Antigua).
  • 10:00 AM: Hike to the summit of the volcano, where you can see lava flows and geothermal activity.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at El Chajón Restaurant, located near the volcano.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby Hot Springs, a natural hot spring offering relaxing baths (about an hour’s drive from Antigua).
  • 3:00 PM: Enjoy some free time to relax and unwind in the hot springs or explore the surrounding area.

Day 6: Last Day in Antigua

  • 9:00 AM: Spend your last morning exploring the historic center of Antigua, visiting any shops or sites you may have missed earlier.
  • 11:00 AM: Grab some brunch at Café Condesa, a cozy spot serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine.
  • 12:00 PM: Transfer to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) for your departure.

Hotel Recommendations:

  • Hotel Casa Azul: A charming hotel located in the heart of Antigua’s historic center, offering comfortable rooms and a warm welcome.
  • Hotel Posada del Ángel: A cozy hotel featuring beautiful gardens, a pool, and comfortable rooms, located near the city center.
  • Hotel Casa Santo Tomás: A boutique hotel offering luxurious rooms, a spa, and a restaurant, located in the nearby town of Santiago de los Caballeros.

Transportation:

  • Taxis: Available throughout Antigua, with prices starting at around Q50 (about $7 USD).
  • Colectivos: Shared vans that operate on fixed routes, with fares starting at around Q10 (about $1.50 USD).
  • Private transportation: Can be arranged through your hotel or a local tour operator.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Language: Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, but many locals in Antigua speak some English.
  • Currency: Quetzales (Q) are the official currency, although US dollars are widely accepted.
  • Safety: Antigua is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Weather: Antigua has a mild climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 22°C (72°F).