Overall, Antigua is Spanish colonial charm set against a backdrop of lush ecoparks and volcanic peaks.
Where I Stayed:
For the first two days of my visit, I stayed at Posada del Angel, a stunning casona with just 7 rooms.
This small boutique hotel was a short walk from the center of town and boasted sweeping terrace views of the surrounding volcanos.
The hotel was oozing with charm, with traditional décor, fireplaces and updated amenities.
The cooked-to-order breakfasts were delicious, and the outdoor spaces encouraged guest interaction.
I shared travel tips with fellow travelers, which truly enhanced my stay.
On my final night in Antigua, I moved one block over to the 12-room Mesón Parque Verde. Its lush gardens and stone staircase are showstoppers.
The hotel offers complimentary welcome drinks and breakfast, a beautiful rooftop terrace, private verandas, yoga classes, and an on-site art gallery.
The atmosphere at this hotel was a bit livelier, especially since it was filled with wedding guests!
Antigua is home to several Spanish language schools and is a tourist-friendly destination. There are numerous accommodation options from boutique hotels to hostels. Everything is safe and walkable—you really can’t make a bad choice.
What I Wore:
Antigua is cool in the mornings and evenings, with warm temperatures during the day.
If you visit during rainy season (May-November), you should definitely bring a raincoat.
And my biggest tip—bring comfortable walking shoes.
Between the cobblestone streets in town to the hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains, leave the high heels and sandals at home.
I opted for boots, sneakers and a comfortable pair of Birkenstocks for this trip.
With the lush greenery, colorful buildings and stunning backdrops, I opted to keep my wardrobe simple and let my surroundings shine!
I wore simple cotton dresses (breathable in the summer heat) and basic tops and shorts from stores like Zara and Anthropologie.
And while I brought some accessories, I also indulged in some shopping at the local markets for jewelry and bags.
If you plan to hike the surrounding volcanoes, make sure to bring a coat. And pack a swimsuit if you plan to go surfing on the coast or visit Lake Atitlan.
What I Did:
Pub Crawl: I started my first evening with a visit to a speakeasy (Ulew Cocktail Bar) inside the Antigua Brewing Company. You enter through the red phone booth. For city views, also check out the rooftop terrace. Later in the evening, I joined a local pub crawl, which included a night of karaoke.
Cooking Class: I always enjoy signing up for a cooking class to learn about the local cuisine. I highly recommend Cuscun, which has an outdoor rooftop kitchen and sunset views.
Guatemala is known for their stews (chicken, pork, etc.), served over rice, with homemade tortillas.
If the name of the stew ends in “ik”, it means it’s spicier (kak-ik, subanik).
I learned to prepare Pepian, which is a traditional stew served during religious Mayan ceremonies.
And we finished the meal with rellenitos, which are fried plantains stuffed with a paste of beans, cinnamon and sugar and dunked in melted Guatemalan chocolate. So delicious!
ATV Tour:
I spent one morning exploring some of the surrounding mountains, including the famous landmark “El Cerro de la Cruz”, which is 5,000 feet above sea level.
Next, we visited Alta Mira, an eco-park with a variety of unique sculptures, stunning views at 7,600 feet above sea level and aerocycling.
If you want another ecopark experience, Hobbitenango is also a popular destination.
My final stop was an avocado farm in an El Hato mountain village.
I sampled fresh avocado toast at the adjacent Earth Lodge, which is a great destination for tree house accommodations and yoga retreats.
I booked the tour with Simontours, which is located across the street from the Selina Hostel.
Horseback Ride:
Guatemala has 37 official volcanoes, of which three are constantly active.
I chose to ascend one of those volcanoes (Pacaya) by horseback.
The closest experience to walking on another planet might just be a visit to Pacaya Volcano.
I booked a trail ride to the top of the volcano through Guatemalan Horse Tours, which included pizza and s’mores cooked on the lava rock.
Guatemalan Horse Tours is a philanthropic organization that supports the local community as well as Soul Shine Horse Rescue.
What I Ate/Drank:
The drinking age in Guatemala is 18, but Guatemalan coffee is so delicious you may decide to forego the alcohol.
If you have time, check out courtyard of the Antigua Starbucks, which has been named one of the most beautiful in the world by Architectural Digest.
There are lots of cute restaurants around Antigua, and on the streets, mainly around Parque Central, there are food stands. I tried the most delicious mango, which came in a decent serving size for just around $1 USD. There are many options for affordable and amazing food all around town!
Although I only visited for a weekend, I can’t wait to further explore other regions of Guatemala, including the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, Lake Antitlan, surfing in El Paredon and the Acatenango overnight volcano hike.
Stay tuned for more Guatemala posts!
My Travel Playlist:
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