5+1 Things To Do In Antigua, Guatemala

The colonial town of Antigua, Guatemala offers many activities to do. Here there is our list for 5 things to do in Antigua, plus an extra one.
With its cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, cute cafes and breathtaking landscapes Antigua is one of the favorite destinations among people, especially North Americans.
Some people compare Antigua to San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico but we do think the essence of these two cities is different. To be a hundred percent true we preferred the authenticity of San Cristobal, we found Antigua a bit too much Americanized. Nevertheless, we liked spending some time in this city and we do think it has a lot to offer.

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5+1 THINGS TO DO IN ANTIGUA

ADMIRE THE CITY FROM ABOVE

To see Antigua from above is not necessary any expensive technology or drone. El Mirador Cerro de la Cruz is the perfect look point that offers a fantastic view above Antigua.

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It is a short walk that everybody can do. We were lucky enough to visit it on a clear day so we could enjoy the view of the city and the view of the Volcano.

NEVER TRIED GUATEMALAN CUSINE? CUSCUN IS THE ANSWER

Cuscun literally means food but this cooking school, tour operator offers amazing authentic experiences. Cuscus is a family business that provides excellent cooking classes, market tours, local experiences and street food tours.

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Joaquin, Carolina, and Iris will guide you in learning the traditional Guatemalan meals. All the recipe are very traditional and have been handed down from generation to generation. If a cooking class is not your thing try the amazing evening street food tour or pick from one of the activities Cuscun offers. So much fun!

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FOR MARKET LOVERS ONLY

We absolutely love visiting local markets and we couldn’t miss this one. That is why we wanted to add it in our list of 5 things to do in Antigua. Cuscun offers guided visit to the market before the actual cooking class and we strongly recommend to book it. But if you want to explore the market by yourself the only advice we can give, is to get lost in this maze of smells, colors, and noises. We loved it.

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Pro tip: after exploring the market drink a beer like a local at the Deposito San Francisco

HIKE ON TOP OF THE ACATENANGO VOLCANO

You can’t leave Antigua without exploring one of the Volcanoes that surrounds the city. We hiked Volcano Acatenango and we loved it! Definitely not an easy hike but the view from the peak is remarkable. The whole experience at the volcano Acatenango usually lasts 24 hours, from the morning of the first day until the second day at noon.

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SNEAK IN ONE OF THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOTELS IN TOWN

Santo Domingo is a big complex that hosts a prestigious hotel, a fancy restaurant, a venue for weddings, a museum, a chapel, and a candle factory.

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The door is actually open to everybody, so tourists can have free access to most of the open areas of the building. Santo Domingo was a monastery that has been renovated and transformed. The place is stunning and the cloister is breathtaking. We actually visited Santo Domingo a few times during our stay in Antigua

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Pro tip: Go there right before the sunset, they light up hundreds of candles, so romantic!

+1 VISIT MC DONALD’S

We are saying that not because we are a fast food lover. The America giant owns one of the most beautiful buildings in town. Pretend to be a customer and explore all the restaurant. Cloisters, fountains, statues and high ceilings make this place one if the most beautiful in Antigua. So sad that Mc Donald’s owns it!

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