Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Read the full disclosure policy here.
Antigua, Guatemala is a city with many things to do. I was drawn to Antigua by that iconic yellow archway and the volcanic setting. And Spanish school. And the beautiful old building and ruins waiting for me to explore.
Three volcanoes can be seen from Antigua – Agua, Acatenango and Fuego.
I was swept away by the ruins. History stared back at me from every street corner.
I was intrigued by the Mayans.
I fell in love with the cobblestone streets. And the colours, alive and vibrant, throughout the city.
I spent my mornings learning Spanish and my afternoons discovering the treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua is a city that is ripe for exploration and observation. Wandering the cobblestone streets, its history and culture are palpable. Courtyards, fountains, Mayans, Spanish colonial architecture and Catholic churches are ever-present.
The sound of Spanish voices (and Adele!) over the airwaves, chicken buses roaring around corners, vendors in Parque Central, markets full of food and traditional handicrafts add to the vibe that is Antigua.
This is a city full of expats, where Guatemalans cannot afford the property and children are selling goods on the streets. Mix those real-life elements with Antigua’s charm and liveliness and you be will captivated.
Why so many ruins? Why so many churches?
Antigua, in 1543, was the seat of the Spanish Government for the kingdom of Guatemala, which included many Central American countries. By the 1770’s, Antigua was home to its majestic cathedral and over 30 churches. No wonder there are so many ruins.
Read more | Don’t miss the ancient ruins of Tikal
Antigua, Guatemala is a city with many things to do. I was drawn to Antigua by that iconic yellow archway and the volcanic setting. And Spanish school. And the beautiful old building and ruins waiting for me to explore.
Three volcanoes can be seen from Antigua – Agua, Acatenango and Fuego.
I was swept away by the ruins. History stared back at me from every street corner.
I was intrigued by the Mayans.
I fell in love with the cobblestone streets. And the colours, alive and vibrant, throughout the city.
Read more | Here’s how to get from Antigua to Tikal.
I spent my mornings learning Spanish and my afternoons discovering the treasures of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua is a city that is ripe for exploration and observation. Wandering the cobblestone streets, its history and culture are palpable. Courtyards, fountains, Mayans, Spanish colonial architecture and Catholic churches are ever-present.
The sound of Spanish voices (and Adele!) over the airwaves, chicken buses roaring around corners, vendors in Parque Central, markets full of food and traditional handicrafts add to the vibe that is Antigua.
This is a city full of expats, where Guatemalans cannot afford the property and children are selling goods on the streets. Mix those real life elements with Antigua’s charm and liveliness and you be will captivated.
Why so many ruins? Why so many churches?
Antigua, in 1543, was the seat of the Spanish Government for the kingdom of Guatemala, which included many Central American countries. By the 1770’s, Antigua was home to its majestic cathedral and over 30 churches. No wonder there are so many ruins.
Read more | Don’t miss the ancient ruins of Tikal
As well as the churches, there were many monasteries, convents and chapels. Earthquakes, floods and fires were part of Antigua’s history but in 1773 the Santa Marta earthquakes devastated the city. People petitioned the King of Spain for a safer location for the capital city. In 1776, Guatemala City became the capital.
Consequently, Antigua was mostly abandoned. The population started to grow again in the 1800’s when it was discovered that amazing coffee beans could be grown in the area.
The Antigua of today is flourishing amongst its ruins.
After all my exploring, here are:
Antigua Guatemala: Things to Do
El Catedral de Santiago
This cathedral faces the central plaza, is lit up at night and is used as a church today. Go around the corner and pay the small entrance fee to see the incredible ruins. The majestic, towering columns dwarf humans. These ruins left me in awe as to the vitality of the Catholic church and the devastation of the 1773 earthquake.
Majestic archways in El Catedral
Monasterio and Templo de la Recolección
This ruin is history staring you in the face. There is one archway that still stands after the earthquakes of 1773. There are piles of abandoned stones that have been there for centuries, demanding exploration. On an overcast afternoon when I arrived, there were a handful of Guatemalans enjoying the serenity. Out of nowhere, a voice rose, reverberating off the neglected stones. A spiritual song was being practised in this relic of a majestic church.
The Casa Santa Domingo Hotel
Besides being an ancient monastery and a hotel, this is an archaeological museum with unearthed treasures, including a skeleton. Explore the Hotel first, then hop on the free shuttle which takes you up a steep hill to Santa Domingo del Cerro. Atop the hill, there are sweeping vistas of Antigua and Volcans Agua and Acatenango.
This is also a cultural centre. The museum chronicles Pope John Paul II’s visit in 2002 and also pays tribute to the most famous Guatemalan author, Miguel Angel Asturias. High school students study his works to this day. Santa Domingo del Cerro hosts a number of works from one of Guatemala’s most beloved artists, Efrain Recinos.
Old Jalopy – Recinos owned this Volkswagen; the figure on top is directing traffic – What do you think she represents?
Adjacent to the cultural centre is a restaurant, El Tenedor, where you can sip a famous Guatemalan hot chocolate and admire the impressive view.
San Francisco el Grande
Be sure to enter the church, find the ruins and the shrine of Peter of Saint Joseph of Betancur.
Ruinas Eglisia San Francisco
Antigua is a photographer’s dream and an explorer’s windfall. Wander. No map required.
When You Go…
Spanish School:
There are tons of Spanish schools in Antigua. I chose the Spanish Academy Antïgueña.
I had one on one instruction which included grammar, conversation and field trips. In the afternoon, the school provided optional activities around Antigua.
I had a wonderful teacher and would happily go back to this school.
I lived in a homestay which was another fantastic way to practice my Spanish and to have the first-hand experience with a Guatemalan family.
The majority of my meals were provided. However, I did try a few restaurants.
Restaurants:
Fernando’s Kaffee:
This became a regular stop. The coffee is delicious as is the chocolate they make in the back. There is a lovely courtyard to sit, sip your coffee and do your Spanish homework. Great wifi also. BUT most importantly…delicious, homemade GLUTEN FREE cookies! Once discovered, they became a daily habit!
Luna de Miel Crepes
I avoided this place because there was always a lineup and I doubted they served Gluten-free crepes. My last day in Antigua, I stopped in and asked. Sure enough, they had GLUTEN-FREE crepes! I immediately ordered a savoury one and it was divine. On my return, I will be testing out the sweet ones.
Café Condesa
Situated in a gorgeous courtyard of a 16th Century mansion, this is a wonderful place to sip coffee and eat!
La Casaca
This three-story restaurant has a lovely terrace overlooking Parque Central. Order before you go up!! Great for people watching and coffee!
Antigua Guatemala: Other things to do
- Hike one of the volcanoes
- Visit the chocolate museum or a coffee farm
- Explore the Ciudad Viejo – the original location of Antigua
- Use it as a base to explore other parts of Guatemala such as Lago de Atitlan and Tikal
Like this post? Pin it!
As well as the churches, there were many monasteries, convents and chapels. Earthquakes, floods and fires were part of Antigua’s history but in 1773 the Santa Marta earthquakes devastated the city. People petitioned the King of Spain for a safer location for the capital city. In 1776, Guatemala City became the capital.
Consequently, Antigua was mostly abandoned. The population started to grow again in the 1800’s when it was discovered that amazing coffee beans could be grown in the area.
The Antigua of today is flourishing amongst its ruins.
After all my exploring, here are:
Antigua Guatemala: Things to Do
El Catedral de Santiago
This cathedral faces the central plaza, is lit up at night and is used as a church today. Go around the corner and pay the small entrance fee to see the incredible ruins. The majestic, towering columns dwarf humans. These ruins left me in awe as to the vitality of the Catholic church and the devastation of the 1773 earthquake.
Majestic archways in El Catedral
Monasterio and Templo de la Recolección
This ruin is history staring you in the face. There is one archway that still stands after the earthquakes of 1773. There are piles of abandoned stones that have been there for centuries, demanding exploration. On an overcast afternoon when I arrived, there were a handful of Guatemalans enjoying the serenity. Out of nowhere, a voice rose, reverberating off the neglected stones. A spiritual song was being practised in this relic of a majestic church.
The Casa Santa Domingo Hotel
Besides being an ancient monastery and a hotel, this is an archaeological museum with unearthed treasures, including a skeleton. Explore the Hotel first, then hop on the free shuttle which takes you up a steep hill to Santa Domingo del Cerro. Atop the hill, there are sweeping vistas of Antigua and Volcans Agua and Acatenango.
This is also a cultural centre. The museum chronicles Pope John Paul II’s visit in 2002 and also pays tribute to the most famous Guatemalan author, Miguel Angel Asturias. High school students study his works to this day. Santa Domingo del Cerro hosts a number of works from one of Guatemala’s most beloved artists, Efrain Recinos.
Old Jalopy – Recinos owned this Volkswagen; the figure on top is directing traffic – What do you think she represents?
Adjacent to the cultural centre is a restaurant, El Tenedor, where you can sip a famous Guatemalan hot chocolate and admire the impressive view.
San Francisco el Grande
Be sure to enter the church, find the ruins and the shrine of Peter of Saint Joseph of Betancur.
Ruinas Eglisia San Francisco
Antigua is a photographer’s dream and an explorer’s windfall. Wander. No map required.
Antigua: “one of the most romantic cities in the world.”
Aldous Huxley
When You Go…
Spanish School:
There are tons of Spanish schools in Antigua. I chose the Spanish Academy Antïgueña.
I had one on one instruction which included grammar, conversation and field trips. In the afternoon, the school provided optional activities around Antigua.
I had a wonderful teacher and would happily go back to this school.
I lived in a homestay which was another fantastic way to practice my Spanish and to have the first-hand experience with a Guatemalan family.
The majority of my meals were provided. However, I did try a few restaurants.
Restaurants:
Fernando’s Kaffee:
This became a regular stop. The coffee is delicious as is the chocolate they make in the back. There is a lovely courtyard to sit, sip your coffee and do your Spanish homework. Great wifi also. BUT most importantly…delicious, homemade GLUTEN FREE cookies! Once discovered, they became a daily habit!
Luna de Miel Crepes
I avoided this place because there was always a lineup and I doubted they served Gluten-free crepes. My last day in Antigua, I stopped in and asked. Sure enough, they had GLUTEN-FREE crepes! I immediately ordered a savoury one and it was divine. On my return, I will be testing out the sweet ones.
Café Condesa
Situated in a gorgeous courtyard of a 16th Century mansion, this is a wonderful place to sip coffee and eat!
La Casaca
This three-story restaurant has a lovely terrace overlooking Parque Central. Order before you go up!! Great for people watching and coffee!
Antigua Guatemala: Other things to do
- Hike one of the volcanoes
- Visit the chocolate museum or a coffee farm
- Explore the Ciudad Viejo – the original location of Antigua
- Use it as a base to explore other parts of Guatemala such as Lago de Atitlan and Tikal
Like this post? Pin it!
Leave a Reply