Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala

Three volcanoes surround Antigua Guatemala. The former capital sits in a valley where cobblestone streets wind between pastel colonial buildings, creating Central America's most photogenic city. UNESCO made it a World Heritage site—and they got this one right. You'll walk past baroque churches with earthquake-cracked facades, find courtyards blooming with bougainvillea, and discover that nearly every corner frames Volcán de Agua well. The city stays genuinely beautiful without becoming a museum. Locals live and work here even as travelers flood in daily.

Antigua's food scene mixes traditional Guatemalan cuisine with international options for its diverse crowd. Local comedores serve excellent pepián (spiced meat stew) and kak'ik (turkey soup) while plaza restaurants offer Italian to Thai. Markets deliver fresh fruit, traditional snacks, and incredibly cheap meals. Use common sense about safety. Coffee culture runs deep here, with cafes serving local beans in colonial courtyards and modern roasteries. Street food stays generally safe—try the elotes (corn on the cob) and fresh fruit with chili powder.

November to April brings dry season. Sunny days and cool evenings make cobblestone walks pleasant, though you'll face peak crowds, higher prices, and the best volcano views plus hiking weather. May to October delivers afternoon thunderstorms that look dramatic against the volcanoes. Expect fewer crowds and lower prices. Mornings often stay clear even during rainy season, and the landscape turns incredibly green—dry season remains better for hiking Acatenango for safety and visibility.