Mountain scenery, colourful colonial architecture, great food, walkable streets, countless activities, within an hour of an international airport, chic accommodation for good prices, a sparkling nightlife, there are so many reasons that when people ask me for ideas on where to travel for their first taste of backpacking and/or solo travel, Antigua is always the first place on my lips (often coupled with nearby stunning Lake Atitlan). It is a travelers paradise, and for literally any type of traveler. Come here for an extended weekend, for a week of holiday, use it as a base to explore Guatemala from, or come as part of a longer Central America trip, Antigua is perfect for all.

I’ve already given you a list of activities in Antigua, but I wanted to make a sample itinerary for those who want a blueprint to work with. I’ve made it six days (plus Shabbat) as that seemed to be the most common amongst people I met there.

Throughout this article, you’ll notice I’ve left a lot of free time, writing “use this time to chill” or “explore the city”, this is because one of the best things to do in Antigua is simply to wander. The way the stores are built, any random looking hat store could hide an art gallery in it’s courtyard. (based on a true story). So use this time to explore within the city itself without me to guide you, you won’t regret it.

I’ve also left evenings out of the itinerary because of how much it could vary based on where when you eat, whether you drink or not, how tired you happen to be. To make things easier I’ve complied a little list of nighttime activities at the end of the article.

Alright now! Time to dive into the never ending story that is Antigua!

Bon Voyage!

Day 1: Coffee and Crafts

Let’s start your time in Antigua off with a Bang! Or more accurately, a BOOM! Antigua is famous for being surrounded by volcanoes, and Guatemala for its coffee, so there’s no better introduction to both the city and country than sipping a coffee while watching a volcano erupt from the safety of your seat (Don’t worry you’ll get closer soon enough). One of the best views with great coffee is at Cafe Bohema on 5a Calle Poniente.

After a coffee and breakfast at Bohema, take the chance to get a free tour of the city. These are tip based walking tours that usually last around two to three hours. There’re many tours to choose from. You can either ask at one of the many tour kiosks around town, or just use a quick google search. Either way you do it, most free tours will be either in the morning (which you’ve probably missed) or mid afternoon. You should have a few hours before your tour to explore for yourself. Spend this time wandering the cobbled streets and checking out the many cool art stores, craft shops, jade museums, and other stores. Every establishment in Antigua seems to be bigger and grander on the inside. In fact, even the Starbucks and McDonald’s here are considered worth seeing just for the architecture itself!

Once your tour is over evening should be rolling in. You may want to rest if you’ve come from afar but if you’re buzzing to get more done refer to my list of evening and night time activities below and have yourself a blast!

Day 2: Chocolate Lava

Start by grabbing breakfast at another Antigua cafe, just wander around the central area and one will catch your eye. There’s no shortage of awesome cafes here. 

When you’re finished eating, head to the ChocoMuseo for a bean to bar workshop. The activity starts at 11 am daily, takes 2 hours, and costs $25 for adults. If you want something a bit different to do they’re a couple other interesting spots surrounding the city plaza. 

Next up, it’s time to have some roasted marshmallows, with a twist. You’re going to be roasting these marshmallows over a freaking volcano! Just over an hours drive from Antigua is frequently active Volcan Pacaya. This volcano has been erupting somewhat often since 1962 but don’t worry, it’s closely monitored and you won’t be in any danger whatsoever. The best way to experience the volcano is to get a tour from Antigua. Going by public transport would be extremely hassle-some and the volcano requires you to pay for a guide anyways so you might as well go with a tour from the off. Being such a popular attraction there are countless tours to choose from. I recommend taking a mid/late afternoon tour, leaving between 2 and 4 pm, this way you’ll get there as the heat is dissipating but before it starts getting cold. I personally recommend getting the tour from Tropicana hostel (at 2:30, for $20 plus Q100 for park entrance). The tours typically take around six hours give or take a bit. Make sure to bring those Marshmallows!

Day 3: There and Back Again

Turn up that fantasy music and put on your ring of power, today you’re going to the much loved Hobbitenango. In the hills just outside the city, lies this absolute gem of a park. For just 50 Quetzal (that’s about $7) you’ll get to try an array of fun, fantastical activities, on a Shire themed hillside, all with some of the best views you’ll get all trip! There’s a swing over the valley, a mini golf course, axe throwing, archery, fairground games, a massive hand sticking out over the mountain (you may have seen pictures of this one), and of course… Gandalf the MFing Gray!! 

Sorry, as you can tell I’m a bit of a fantasy fan.

You can get to the park either by taxi or by taking their shuttle from the office on 3a Avienda Norte #20A, check with a tourist kiosk to see exact times as they often change.

Anyways, after spending a few hours enjoying all the park has to offer, make your back down to Antigua, but stop at the Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross), for perhaps the most popular view of Antigua itself. From here it’s only a 20 minute walk to the Central Plaza or a cheap taxi. Or; go back to town, have some free time, then walk to the Cerro for a truly splendid sunset. 

Tip: if you feel you have extra time to spare, just a few minutes down the road from the Hobbitenango entrance is a similar park called Alta Mira, and, somewhat unexpectedly, a Selfie Museum.

Don’t spend too long out tonight, as tomorrow will require all the energy you have.

Days 4 & 5: A Fiery Encounter

Volcan Fuego – The Volcano of Fire. That is most probably what brought you to Antigua. Climbing a forest covered dormant volcano, turning a corner, and coming face to face with a lava spitting, smoke spewing, active volcano in all its fabulous fury is a snapshot moment that will be ingrained in your head for life. In fact when someone who’s done the hikes’ life “flashes before their eyes” I’m sure they see Fuego. 

To hike Acatenango is a two day activity, you’ll be camping on the mountainside (in full view of Fuego’s awe inspiring eruptions). Being the undisputed number one thing to do in Antigua, they’re literally dozens of options for hiking the volcano (you legally have to go with a registered tour guide/group) Most tours start in the morning, around 8,9 am. In short, after driving a bit under two hours to the trailhead,  you’ll be hiking 4-6 hours to your base camp, upon which you’ll have the option (usually for an added fee) to climb further, to Volcan Fuego itself. This second hike is super challenging, especially after the first segment, but will allow you to get super close to one of nature’s behemoths as it chucks its lava right up to you!! (nearly). You can also choose to get up early and take the, again, super challenging hike up to the summit of Acatenango for sunrise. All in all it’s a tough, tiring, and maybe even brutal (if you do all three hikes) but extremely rewarding experience and I really, really can’t recommend it enough. 

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You’ll probably get back to Antigua at around noon, at which time all you’ll want to do is rest. So do just that, have a chilled day, get back your energy, and maybe explore the town some more. 

Day 6: Parting Gifts

If you’re not leaving until later on in the day, use the morning to peruse the markets for souvenirs. The main artisans market is in a building adjacent to Plaza Mayor. Look for a colourful sign above what looks like a small corridor, that corridor leads to nearly 100 independent stores selling a massive variety of local goods from clothes to instruments to pipes etc etc… 

Wait wait wait! That’s only six days! What happened to the “week” in Antigua?! 

Shabbat at Chabad: Well, the “week” part is a bit of a niche for all my Jewish readers, as “on the seventh day you rest”, and you should do it at Chabad. (even if you’re not Jewish, Chabad still has great restaurant and are welcoming to all). Obviously your trip might not end up with Shabbat being the seventh day, so just slot it anywhere in this itinerary which isn’t Acatenango. 

Anyways, Shabbat in Antigua is an absolute blast! First off, the Chabad itself is world class, with an amazing Rabbi, Rabbanit, Bachurim, and volunteers all doing their part to give you an amazing time. Also, the building itself is stunning. In fact, it was originally built by Morannos many centuries ago. 

The shabbat schedule goes something like this: At sunset, there’s evening prayers (kaballat shabbat), with lots of singing and dancing. Following that, there’s a massive meal with Jews from all around the globe (often over 100!), warm vibes, flowing alcohol (for those who want), and frankly ridiculous amounts of great food. I’m not exaggerating about the food, it’s superb and very, very plentiful. After the meal people will stay late into the night singing, playing ping pong, pool and board games, and just talking on the comfy couches. (The Chabad has great private rooms and dorms so consider staying here anyway).

On Shabbat morning, start the day off right with cakes and freshly cut fruit, grab a coffee, and head to the garden for a torah discussion with Rabbi Chaim where everyone can chime in. Next there’s the shabbat services, which are somewhat more chill for shabbat day, followed by another great meal (there’s a lot of food but if you only go to one meal it should be Friday nights). The day meal normally has around a third to a half of the amount of people as friday night but it’s still great. After the meal there’s not much going on for a few hours, but those are the best. Playing games and chatting with no distractions on those Saturday afternoons were some of the best hours of my trip. 

When Shabbat is over, there’s a short but sweet havdalah ceremony. Then, as the restaurant opens for the night and the people start pilling in, expect someone to start a kumzitz (sitting around a fire singing) and a music filled, fulfilled, peaceful night at Chabad.

To register for the shabbat meals or to reserve nights at chabad click these links.

Night activities: 

• See the main sites lit up at night: especially Plaza Mayor which takes on even more life and energy.
• Party in an abandoned pool: Looking for to dance until you see the sun? Well you’re in luck. Every Saturday night this party (more of a rave from what I’ve heard) rages on in an abandoned pool on the outskirts of town. To get there you need to get a shuttle or taxi from the Lucky Rabbit bar after they close. To get back there’re shuttles offered for 20Q. I chose to learn salsa instead of this so I can’t tell whether it’s worth it but I’ve heard from friends that it’s a blast.
• Watch Acatenango erupt from a terrace again: this time with a beer and dinner instead of a coffee. Antigua Brewing Company has amazing views to go with food and, as the name kind of suggests, great beer. Tropicana Hostel also has a great terrace for volcano views.
• Go on a pub crawl: For a fun night out and a great way to meet fellow travelers.  Many hostels can arrange these for you or check out https://antiguabarcrawl.com/
• Dance Salsa: Head to Sala on Sunday evenings for free lessons, or Las Palmas Bar & Restaurant for amazing vibes with both locals and free spirited travellers just living in the moment. If you’re shy, a couple margaritas should sort that out 😉 (Just don’t make my mistake, drink before you get to Las Palmas as alcohol there is far more expensive than most places around town.)

Have more time? 

If you’re a slower traveller and like really getting to know a city, Antigua might be perfect for you. Many backpackers come expecting to stay for a week, and end up staying for closer to a month (myself being an example of that). The laid back but accessible and always interesting vibe that Antigua gives off is just special. That being so, you may still be hungry for more to do, so here are some cool ideas for day trips in/from Antigua (in a bit less detail)

• Hike through the Antigua Mountain Trail in Finca El Pilar. This hike is amazing for birdwatchers and is within walking distance from the town centre. 
• Take a trip to Guatemala City: Though the biggest city in Central America is known for being quite unsafe, there are still some cool stuff to check out there during the day time, including: The Aurora Zoo, Plaza Espana, Kaminaljuyu Archaeological Zone, and its many museums.
• Barter in the country’s biggest market; Chichicastenango. Running on Thursdays and Sundays, you’ll find a wild assortment of everything in this absolutely massive marketplace. You can either come on a tour, grab a shuttle (should be around $30 return), or take the Chicken bus.
• Hike Corazón del Agua, or, for a tougher challenge, Volcan de Agua. For both it’s strongly advised to go with a guide, as there can be bandits on the trails.