Antigua in 3 days

A pastel colonial gem ringed by volcanoes: cobbled streets, ruined churches, great coffee and an active-volcano hike. Best time to visit: November-April (dry season). Average daily budget: $40 to $80 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Centro (around Parque Central), The colonial heart: cathedral, plaza and the famous yellow arch.

Morning: Santa Catalina Arch & old town. Wander the cobbled grid past ruins, plazas and colourful façades.

Afternoon: Explore Centro (around Parque Central), The colonial heart: cathedral, plaza and the famous yellow arch.

Evening: Acatenango volcano trek. Overnight hike with front-row views of erupting Volcán de Fuego.

Eat: Pepián, Guatemala's rich national stew

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Calle del Arco, The iconic Santa Catalina Arch with Volcán de Agua framed behind.

Morning: Coffee farm tour. See the bean-to-cup process on the volcanic slopes.

Afternoon: Explore Calle del Arco, The iconic Santa Catalina Arch with Volcán de Agua framed behind.

Evening: Sunset at Cerro de la Cruz. Panoramic views of Antigua framed by Volcán de Agua.

Eat: Specialty Guatemalan coffee straight from the source

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: San Felipe / Jocotenango, Quieter edges with churches, markets and coffee farms.

Morning: Rooftop bars for sunset over the volcanoes.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore San Felipe / Jocotenango, Quieter edges with churches, markets and coffee farms.

Evening: The ruins of the Santa Clara and Capuchin convents.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Street-side tostadas and rellenitos

Hidden gems

Rooftop bars for sunset over the volcanoes.
The ruins of the Santa Clara and Capuchin convents.
Chocolate-making workshops in the old town.
The bustling local market beside the bus terminal.

Getting around

Antigua is small and walkable, though the cobblestones are rough, so skip wheeled luggage and heels. Tuk-tuks zip around cheaply for longer hops. Shuttles connect to Guatemala City airport, Lake Atitlán and trailheads; book hikes and shuttles through reputable operators.

Safety

Antigua is one of Guatemala's safest towns and well used to travellers. Watch your footing on uneven cobbles, use registered shuttles rather than public 'chicken buses' for intercity trips, keep valuables discreet, and only do volcano hikes with established, well-reviewed operators.

Antigua in 5 days | Antigua in 7 days | Full Antigua guide