Antigua in 7 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, Land & wander

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, Iconic sights

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, Food & markets

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

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Cerro de la Cruz, The hilltop viewpoint over the town and volcano.

Morning: Chocolate-making workshops in the old town.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Cerro de la Cruz, The hilltop viewpoint over the town and volcano.

Evening: The bustling local market beside the bus terminal.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Hot chocolate made from local cacao

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Lake Atitlán (nearby), Volcano-ringed lake villages, a popular overnight add-on.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Lake Atitlán (nearby), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Lake Atitlán (nearby), Volcano-ringed lake villages, a popular overnight add-on.

Evening: Dinner at Pepián, Guatemala's rich national stew, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Lake Atitlán (nearby).

Eat: Pepián, Guatemala's rich national stew

Day 6, Hidden gems

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

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Centro (around Parque Central), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

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

Evening: Dinner at Specialty Guatemalan coffee straight from the source, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Centro (around Parque Central).

Eat: Specialty Guatemalan coffee straight from the source

Day 7, Slow finish

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

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Calle del Arco, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

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

Evening: Dinner at Street-side tostadas and rellenitos, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Calle del Arco.

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.

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