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Bucketlist Bri

Bucketlist Bri

Adventurous Slomad Travel

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23 Incredible Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala

Last Updated: March 9, 2023 · Guatemala

With its charming cobblestone streets, colorful Spanish-Baroque architecture, and jaw-dropping skyline made up of three immense volcanoes, Antigua is truly Guatemala’s most-adored city.

Classed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 16th-century colonial gem of Antigua boasts an incredible amount of things to do for anyone with a sense of adventure and a love for history, art, food, and culture!

Actually, my favorite things to do in Antigua involve all of its epic day trips and outdoor adventures; namely, hiking active volcanoes.

Avenida 5a with Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua Guatemala
Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua Guatemala

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a small commission should you decide to click through and make a valid purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks so much for your support!

After spending one month in Antigua as a digital nomad, I can honestly say that there is so much to do and see that not even a few weeks could spare us enough time to explore around.

That’s why, if you’re planning a trip to Antigua, I’d recommend at least a week or more. But you can still see the highlights in this 3-day Antigua itinerary.

But whether you have only a couple of days or have a flexible month-long itinerary, this guide for the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala will act as your mini bucket list journal so you can start exploring on day one!

Table of Contents show
Best Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala
1. Roast Marshmallows Over Lava on Volcán Pacaya
2. Climb Up to Antigua’s Best Viewpoint
3. Photograph the Famous Yellow Santa Catalina Arch
4. Get Lost in the Maze at the Central/Artisanal Mercado (Market)
5. Overnight Trek on Acatenango Volcano
6. Eat an Organic Brunch at Caoba Farms & Market
7. Wander the City’s Historic Church Ruins
8. Make Your Own Chocolate – Take a Cacao Workshop
9. Get Lunch with a View at a Rooftop Bar or Café
10. Visit the Ornate Iglesia La Merced & Park
11. Chow Down on Guatemalan Street Food
12. Grab a Creative Cocktail in This Secret Speakeasy
13. Spend a Few Days Lakeside at Lago de Atitlán
14. Take a Day Trip to Hobbitenango Theme Park
15. Go on a Thrilling ATV Ride Around Antigua Valley
16. Shop at Guatemala’s Largest Craft Market in Chichicastenango
17. Explore Antigua’s Colonial Architecture on a Walking Tour
18. Visit the Historic Casa Santo Domingo Hotel & Museum
19. Stroll Around the Parque Central (Central Park)
20. Grab Iced Coffee at Artista de Café
21. Hike in the Finca El Pilar Cloud Forest
22. Go on a Tasty Coffee Farm Tour
23. Take an Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class
Enjoy These Things to Do in Antigua!

Best Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala

1. Roast Marshmallows Over Lava on Volcán Pacaya

roasted marshmallows from the Pacaya Volcano lava flow
lava flow from the active pacaya volcano in guatemala

One of my favorite (there were several) things to do in Antigua was getting to see a real-life lava flow spewing from an active volcano, and getting to roast marshmallows over the hot volcanic rocks!

Not only that but getting to trek up Pacaya for sunrise and seeing the Fuego volcano erupt in the distance all made for a memorable experience. (Make sure to watch our YouTube video!)

If you get the chance to hike or camp on Volcán Pacaya, you’ll be rewarded with insane volcano views (not just of Pacaya, but also of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes), and the incredible scenery of the valley.

The hike itself is fun and slightly challenging, with somewhat steep inclines and soft volcanic soil (near the end).

All in all, it takes about 40-50 minutes to hike to the top via La Corona Trail and you must go with a guide.

Read more details on my guide to hiking Pacaya! 🌋

Hiking Pacaya at sunrise was my favorite thing we got to do in Antigua!

You can take a sunrise tour to Pacaya or go on an overnight camping trip.

Our sunrise trek started early (2 AM from Antigua!), but it was worth it to have that once-in-a-lifetime experience. 10/10 highly recommend it booking a day trip from Antigua to Pacaya!

 

2. Climb Up to Antigua’s Best Viewpoint

view over the city of Antigua Guatemala from atop Cerro de la Cruz

For a quick and easy hike, check out Antigua’s famous viewpoint—a must-do to get a sky-high view of the city!

Cerro de la Cruz offers an awesome view of both the city of Antigua and Agua Volcano from atop a hill laden with a stone cross and trails.

If you are wanting to prepare, let’s say, for a volcano hike, then you should test yourself by hiking up to Cerro de la Cruz.

It’s not a hard hike at all, and there are steps, but it’ll be enough to clue you in on whether or not you’d want to do a strenuous volcano trek during your time in Antigua!

You can also drive up to the cross via backroads, but what’s the fun in that?

hiking trail up to cerro de la cruz viewpoint in antigua
Cerro de la Cruz hiking trail
Church of la Candelaria ruins in Antigua Guatemala
Church of Candelaria Ruins

The trail to climb up to Cerro de la Cruz is very accessible and isn’t far away from downtown Antigua.

You can find the entrance, which is free, just past the Church of Candelaria ruins (which you should stop to marvel at quickly on your way up/down!).

Since it’s not far from the historic center, and the famous Santa Catalina Arch, there’s no reason not to go!

Tip: Go for sunrise or sunset for the best views and light! At noon, it gets overcrowded and fairly hot (on a sunny day).

3. Photograph the Famous Yellow Santa Catalina Arch

yellow Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua Guatemala with Agua Volcano in background
Santa Catalina Arch and Agua Volcano

You can’t come to Antigua and not take time to appreciate it’s iconic yellow arch (consider it an ESSENTIAL Antigua activity).

Did you know this famous yellow archway was once used by nuns from the Convent of Santa Catalina in the late 17th century to safely and privately cross the street without being detected? Yep!

The Santa Catalina Arch has a lot of history, but what makes it so special to Antiguans today is that it’s withstood countless earthquakes.

It was one of the few monuments and colonial gems to withstand the devastating 1773 earthquake and the 1976 earthquake that shook the city.

woman walking across 5a Avenida street with Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua Guatemala

You’ll find the Arco de Santa Catalina located on the bustling 5a Avenida.

It’s one of the main streets traversing the city with plenty of favorite Antigua restaurants, shops, markets, and more.

Tip: Depending on which side you’re standing, the Santa Catalina Arch frames the Volcán Agua or the decorated La Merced church. When you go, make sure to take it in from both vantage points!

4. Get Lost in the Maze at the Central/Artisanal Mercado (Market)

Mercado de Artesanias in Antigua Guatemala (Market)
Mercado de Artesanías in Antigua

One of my favorite things to do in Antigua is to take a stroll in the local market (mercado). When in Antigua, the local market is not to be missed!

Sprawling with vendors, artisanal goods, street food, fresh produce, and just about anything else you can imagine, the market is the go-to place to get a glimpse into local culture and daily life.

You can shop for all kinds of treasures at the market too—from hand-sewn wallets and traditional huipiles to worldly fragrant spices and flower bouquets, and much more.

The best way to visit the market in Antigua is to just show up.

There are different sections for different items (produce, dairy/meat, textiles, etc), so if you have a goal in mind you can try to head straight there. Otherwise, just get lost in the maze and see what you find!

You’ll find the market by heading to the Central Market or Artisanal Market in Antigua on Google Maps. It’s located near the cemetery west of town.

Exploring around Antigua for a few days? If so, make sure to bookmark these guides:

  • 10 Fun Day Trips From Antigua
  • 3 Days in Antigua — The Perfect Itinerary
  • Everything You Need to Know About Living in Antigua
  • Hobbitenango From Antigua
  • Where to Eat & Drink in Antigua Guatemala

5. Overnight Trek on Acatenango Volcano

volcanoes Acatenango and Fuego seen from rooftop terrace in Antigua Guatemala
Volcán Fuego erupting and Volcán Acatenango’s dual peaks

An overnight trekking and camping trip up Volcán Acatenango is a must-have adventure while traveling in Antigua!

Volcán Acatenango is the volcano on which you’ll trek and camp overnight at the base camp (3750m or 12,300ft). It is conjoined with Volcán Fuego, the one where you’ll likely see exploding lava (or ‘ashing’) from Antigua.

The 2-day overnight trek is not for the faint of heart, however, it’s somewhat become a rite of passage for adventure travelers.

On your hike up Acatenango, you’ll experience four different ecosystems, intense inclines, challenging terrain, and changes in weather.

While you will camp overnight at Acatenango Basecamp, it’s Volcán Fuego that will put on a mesmerizing fire show at night.

In the morning, you’ll be able to witness sunrise atop Acatenango’s summit.

Fuego Volcano exploding ash in the distance, as seen from Antigua
Fuego putting on a show during the day! 

🌋 That said, if you plan on doing the Acatenango Volcano hike in Antigua, make sure you are well-prepared both mentally and physically! Altitude sickness isn’t likely at that altitude, but you can experience breathing problems nonetheless.

If there is one thing you must do in Antigua, Guatemala it’s trekking on a volcano!!

For Acatenango tours, I would recommend these guys:

  • Tours & Activities SA
  • Wicho & Charlie’s
  • OX Expeditions
  • Trek Guatemala

6. Eat an Organic Brunch at Caoba Farms & Market

organic chicken burger and fries at caoba farmers market restaurant antigua guatemala

Caoba Farms is an organic farm, restaurant, and market all in one!

Going and chowing down on organic, delicious farm-to-table food is one of the best things to do in Antigua, especially on Sundays around brunch time.

Caoba is truly a hidden gem.

The plant-filled outdoor restaurant has straw-covered floors; local live music accompanies you while you eat and drink, and cute farm animals, plus a butterfly sanctuary, await just around the corner for you to visit!

You can also partake in sunrise yoga sessions or aerial silk classes here! It’s really a community of its own.

While the best day to go is for Sunday brunch, it’s also the busiest. Luckily, Caoba Farms is open every day from 8 am to 4 pm (closed Mondays), so you have plenty of opportunities to go.

Also Read: 17 Best Restaurants in Antigua, Guatemala

7. Wander the City’s Historic Church Ruins

Church ruins of La Recolección in Antigua Guatemala
exploring the Recoleccion ruins in Antigua Guatemala
Colegio Compañía de Jesús ruins

Another unmissable thing to do in Antigua is explore its beautiful church ruins that have been leftover from the multiple earthquakes in years past.

Antigua Guatemala has more church and convent ruins than any other city that I’ve been to! There are at least 10 that I can count, and probably several more that aren’t on my radar.

If you’re looking for a fun and free thing to do in Antigua, go on a self-guided ruins tour! (Most are free except for some of the more popular ruins).

Church ruins in Antigua Guatemala

You can split these up across several days or check them all off your Antigua bucket list in one go.

Must-visits are:

  • La Recolección ruins (Q40)
  • Church of Candelaria ruins
  • San José Cathedral
  • Church of Santo Domingo
  • Convent of the Capuchins
  • Church of Santa Rosa
  • San Jéronimo Convent
  • Church of the Society of Jesus
  • Santa Clara Convent & Church (Q40)
  • El Carmen Church ruins

Here is a fantastic walking guide of the Antigua ruins. It explains all of the ruins’ history better than I could! You can download the app or the PDF file, too!

8. Make Your Own Chocolate – Take a Cacao Workshop

bean to bar chocolate workshop in antigua
credit: ChocoMuseo

When in Guatemala, you gotta eat chocolate!

With a chocolate workshop, you can learn about the history and process of turning cacao beans into delicious chocolate and even make your own chocolate bar!

Cacao has been an integral part of Maya and Guatemalan culture for millennia (and important in Mesoamerican ancient cultures at large, beginning with the Aztecs in South America).

But Guatemalans get to tout a unique title—the title of having made the first-ever chocolate bar.

Best chocolate/cacao workshops in Antigua:

  • Bean-to-bar chocolate workshop at the ChocoMuseo
  • Chocolate workshop by Fernando’s Kaffee
  • Half-day tour of Antigua including a 30-minute visit to ChocoMuseo

Fernando’s: This sweet and unassuming coffee shop has been making handmade chocolate for 15 years. Their workshop costs Q180 per person and last for 2 hours. You take home 2 chocolate bars, 5 chocolate-covered cacao beans, and 5 mendiats.

Workshop hours are M-F from 10am-12pm, 11am-1pm, 1-3pm, and 2-4pm.

ChocoMuseum: The ChocoMuseum workshop is a popular place to visit in Antigua with an upfront chocolate shop and a back area for learning the history and process of cacao from start to finish.

9. Get Lunch with a View at a Rooftop Bar or Café

rooftop terrace with a view in antigua guatemala with agua volcano in background
Brunch with a view on Agua Volcano
rooftop terrace in antigua guatemala with view on fuego and acatenango volcanoes
Views of Fuego Volcano and Acatenango Volcano

Have achy feet from hiking and exploring around? There’s nothing better to do in Antigua than just relax and marvel at the volcano views from a rooftop bar or café.

Whether you want to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks, Antigua has plenty of hidden rooftop gems from which to enjoy the surrounding scenery.

Some of my favorites:

  • Antigua Brewing Company (cozy outdoor bar/terrace with awesome views on Agua Volcano)
  • Cafe Estudio (pictured above — the BEST rooftop terrace in Antigua with views on all three volcanoes!)
  • Rooftop Antigua (terrace for coffee and drinks with a view of the church ruins downtown)
  • Cafe Bohème (cozy wooden terrace with distant views on Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes)
  • Cafe Sky (unhampered views of the backside of La Merced Church and Agua Volcano in the background)

10. Visit the Ornate Iglesia La Merced & Park

the yellow ornate facade of La Merced church with indigenous woman on steps
The beautiful facade of La Merced — a popular thing to see in Antigua

The Iglesia La Merced is a gorgeous pale-yellow Catholic church. Iconic of Antigua’s Baroque-style architecture, La Merced is a testament to the beauty — and resilience — of the city.

The church has withstood two major earthquakes since its last rebuild in the 18th century.

Both the church itself and the green space around it is definitely worth visiting while in Antigua. The park is a hub of local activity with street food vendors setting up for incoming and outcoming churchgoers in the evenings.

You’ll also find myriad cafes serving up authentic Antigua coffee, inviting restaurants, and handicrafts markets right around this area, with the popular Avenida 5a (street of the arch) just a stone’s throw away.

bustling corner of the parque la merced (park) in Antigua Guatemala
white tuk-tuk in front of La Merced Park in Antigua Guatemala

During Holy Week (Semana Santa) each spring season, this plaza and church come even more alive with festivities as the main procession begins here and traverses the town.

Every walking tour of Antigua includes a visit to La Merced! It’s simply a must-see in Antigua Guatemala.

11. Chow Down on Guatemalan Street Food

guatemala street food vendor at La Merced park in Antigua Guatemala
Street food and textiles abound in La Merced Park

Speaking of La Merced park, it’s here where you’ll find some of the best Guatemalan street food! If you want a budget thing to do in Antigua, then chowing down on some cheap eats is a great way to have fun and explore the local culture via your tastebuds.

Street food in Antigua is pretty cheap, so make sure to bring small change with you! You can eat tamales for as little as Q5! The best way to approach street food in Guatemala is with a sense of curiosity.

Here you can try:

  • Rellenitos (fried mashed plantains stuffed with refried beans, meat, cheese, etc)
  • Shucos (Guatemalan hot dogs)
  • Atol de elote (sweet corn and milk drink)
  • Panitos de pollo (chicken fingers)
  • Taquitos (rolled tacos)
  • Enchiladas

Make sure that vendors are keeping ingredients covered, fresh, and that everything looks clean. Go where the locals go! That’s usually a good indicator that the food is safe and delicious!

12. Grab a Creative Cocktail in This Secret Speakeasy

creative coktail from Ulew Cocktail Bar in Antigua Guatemala
My creative and pretty cocktail from Ulew! 

A speak…what? Did you know that Antigua has its own little speakeasy? That’s right! There is a bar hidden out of view… It has no exterior entrance, you can only get to it once inside another building.

Hint: walk through the British red telephone booth inside the brewery…!

What I love about this place is that there is no menu. You simply show up and the bartenders will ask you what you like! Then, based on your taste preferences, they’ll make you a creative cocktail and serve it in a unique glass.

I had a spicy mezcal with a Mayan chocolate-covered ice cube and complemented with gold shimmery glitter (pictured above). Paul had a sweet, gin grapefruit cocktail that came in a honey hive pot!

I found this bar on Instagram, so it’s not like they don’t want to be found. Check out Ulew Cocktail Bar and see for yourself how creative their drinks are!

13. Spend a Few Days Lakeside at Lago de Atitlán

digital nomad girl standing on wooden pier overlooking lake atitlan guatemala
Lake Atitlán and its three volcanoes of Tolimán, Atitlán, and San Pedro

While the majority of this guide is about things to do IN Antigua, I can’t go without mentioning a few incredible places to visit AROUND Antigua. One of them being none other than the most beautiful lake in all of Latin America — Lake Atitlán!

There are so many awesome things to do in Lake Atitlán!

  • Paraglide over the lake with views on Tolimán, San Pedro, and Atitlán volcanoes
  • Hike up to Indian Nose mountain for sunrise
  • Sit in thermal hot spring baths
  • Make your own scarf with a weaving workshop
  • Explore colorful Mayan villages
  • Kayak or stand-up-paddle
  • Meditate or do sunrise yoga
  • Trek on an ancient volcano
  • AND SO MUCH MORE!

A day trip to Lake Atitlán from Antigua on a guided tour would mean adventures from sunrise to sunset! That said, I’d highly recommend carving out some time from your Antigua itinerary to spend a few days lakeside. But if you have little time to spare, then a day trip would be enough just to see it and skirt around to a few of the towns around Lake Atitlán.

14. Take a Day Trip to Hobbitenango Theme Park

woman knocking on hobbit door inside Hobbitenango theme park near Antigua Guatemala
Psst… Bilbo! You in there?

Any fellow Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans here??

If so, then you’ll love spending a day pretending to be in The Shire at the hobbit-themed park in the hills outside of Antigua called Hobbitenango!

Here, you can try your hand at archery or axe throwing, take photos on a troll hand overlooking the valley and volcanoes, eat in a cozy restaurant, grab a drink at the local watering hole (bar), go on a mini thrill ride on a tree swing, play minigolf, and more!

woman standing on troll hand overlooking valley inside Hobbitenango hobbit theme-park near Antigua in Guatemala
There are volcanoes hiding behind those clouds… Darn these ‘Misty Mountains’!
hobbit-themed hotel at the Hobbitenango Lord of the Rings theme park in Guatemala
The yellow door is my favorite!

But the real draw to the park is the actual hobbit holes that you can stay in overnight! They even have the iconic round, painted doors, and hobbit-like furnishings.

If they book out (which they tend to do), and you’d still like to stay nearby, then I would highly recommend the avocado farm and eco-friendly lodges at Earth Lodge! It’s only 0.9 miles away from Hobbitenango and has a really inspiring sustainable property and like-minded community.

15. Go on a Thrilling ATV Ride Around Antigua Valley

Whether you want to visit the surrounding villages, mountains, or coffee farms, you can do so on a thrilling ATV tour around Antigua! ATV tours are an extremely popular thing to do in Antigua Guatemala because they combine adventure with a fun bucket list.

Depending on which tour you choose, you can knock off two birds with one stone. On the sunset tour and mountain adventure tour, you get to visit attractions like Cerro de la Cruz, Earth Lodge, and Hobbitenango, and ride off the beaten path to watch the sunset over the volcanoes and valley.

16. Shop at Guatemala’s Largest Craft Market in Chichicastenango

If you come to Antigua Guatemala, you’re likely going to hear talk of Chichicastenango.

That’s because Chichicastenango boasts the largest craft market in Guatemala (and arguably in Central America). If you want to take home a bunch of handicrafts, textiles, or souvenirs, then there’s no better place to bulk shop!

You can get to Chichicastenango Market from Antigua by chicken bus, but there are also guided tours you can do (private shuttles are also available).

 

17. Explore Antigua’s Colonial Architecture on a Walking Tour

Public laundry wash basin in Antigua Guatemala
Colonial laundry washbasin in Antigua

Antigua Guatemala doesn’t have a FREE walking tour like many major cities across the world offer. Actually, those types of tours are one of my favorite things to do whenever I first arrive at a new destination. (You can still go your own DIY walking tour though.)

So while Antigua may not have volunteers with white umbrellas departing from its main square each day, there are budget-friendly private and group walking tours of the city that you can do.

Top sights to see on a walking tour of Antigua Guatemala:

  • La Merced
  • Santa Catalina Arch
  • Casa Santo Domingo Museum
  • Ruins of La Recolección
  • Parque Central (Central Park)
  • Ayuntamiento (City Hall Palace)
  • Market
  • Jade Museum

18. Visit the Historic Casa Santo Domingo Hotel & Museum

museum inside casa santo domingo in antigua
hotel casa santo domingo
Casa Santo Domingo Museum and Hotel via Booking.com

You may be thinking… Why is a hotel a top thing to do in Antigua Guatemala? Well, it’s not just a hotel!

The grounds of the Casa Santo Domingo Monastery are exceptionally beautiful. It’s housed on a former 16th-century convent, now in ruins, and boasts a lovely garden, restaurant, and museum.

In case you are looking for a unique and memorable place to stay in Antigua, then a stay at the hotel/museum/spa of Casa Santo Domingo is definitely worth considering! It’s one of Antigua’s crown jewels complete with art and archaeological gems.

Already got your accommodation booked? You can still visit and tour the museum with this skip-the-line admission ticket.

19. Stroll Around the Parque Central (Central Park)

Parque Central water fountain in Antigua Guatemala
The 18th-century mermaid fountain in the middle of Parque Central
indigenous woman vendor in Parque Central in Antigua Guatemala
The Main Park is a popular gathering spot, ideal for observing daily life in Antigua

The main square, plaza, or park, known as Parque Central is a must-visit! This square-shaped plaza is a popular gathering place among indigenous locals and peoples from all walks of life.

Inside the park itself is a curated garden with trimmed shrubs and trees, benches for resting in the shade, and an 18th-century decorated fountain with mermaids spouting out water.

Tucked away inside charming colonial-style buildings skirting the plaza’s edges are cozy cafes, upscale restaurants, handicraft markets, and a few ornate buildings — notably the Captain General Palace and the elegant Catedral San José (Antigua Guatemala Cathedral).

20. Grab Iced Coffee at Artista de Café

girl holding cold brew coffee inside artista de café shop in antigua guatemala
I miss you caramel iced coffee with oat milk!

When in La Antigua Guatemala, you must try café Antigüeño (or simply, Antiguan coffee). One of my favorite cafes in Antigua is Artista de Café. As the name implies, these guys really know the art of coffee!

If you’re anything like me, you will absolutely be enamored with this cozy, minimalist space. Its inspiring atmosphere and the scrumptious caramel (iced) coffee always hits the spot! I loved to go there and work for a few hours on my laptop while enjoying a drink and a homemade dessert.

📍  5ta Avenida Sur No. 34A (5 blocks down from the Santa Catalina Arch)

⏰  Mon-Fri from 7 am – 6 pm, Sun-Sat until 7 pm

21. Hike in the Finca El Pilar Cloud Forest

Finca El Pilar is a private nature reserve and cloud forest located just outside of Antigua Guatemala in San Cristobál El Bajo. You can go hiking, bird watching (hummingbirds in particular), camping, mountain biking, or relax in an on-site pool.

Finca Colombia and Finca Filadelfia are alternative options, too, with coffee farm tours, restaurants, and lifestyle amenities for guests.

22. Go on a Tasty Coffee Farm Tour

ATV coffee farm tour in Antigua Guatemala
credit: Luz G

On that note, a coffee farm tour is another fun thing to do in Antigua Guatemala that you shouldn’t miss out on! Antiguan coffee is famous all over the world for its strong arabica coffee with chocolate notes.

The Centro Cultural La Azotea in neighboring Jocotenango is a coffee museum and fully operational 150-year old coffee plantation with a 19th-century working coffee mill. Also on-site is a Mayan music museum. You can tour the coffee museum/grounds for around Q75, which includes the entrance to the finca, tour, and tasting.

Guided tours are available on-site and through this ATV coffee tour. You can also go at your own pace as you explore around! La Azotea is only 5 minutes from downtown Antigua, so it’s a great activity to do to learn about the coffee-making process with family or friends!

23. Take an Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class

Guatemalan cooking class in Antigua
credit: mwforbes

Last but not least on this Antigua Guatemala bucket list is an authentic Guatemalan cooking class! Ever wanted to take home the tasty flavors of Guatemala’s best dishes home with you? Well, now you can. Iconic staples like pépian (stew) and tamales can make their way into your cultural recipe book.

Antigua is home to many educational schools, especially for language and cooking. In this private cooking class, you get to learn one-on-one from local chefs (Carolina and sous-chef Iris). After you prepare your own dinner, you’ll end the night atop a scenic rooftop to sample your dishes together with a view of Agua Volcano!

Enjoy These Things to Do in Antigua!

I hope this guide on what to do in Antigua Guatemala helps plan your trip. I am already itching to get back and add even more adventurous items to this list. La Antigua has become one of my most-adored cities in the world, and I hope the same for you too!

The city has so much to offer in the way of activities — from epic volcano hikes to scrumptious food tours, history walks, and more. If you have any questions about traveling in Antigua such as where to stay, eat, or how many days you should spend there feel free to reach out!

Save this guide for things to do in Antigua Guatemala for later!

woman standing on giant hand inside the Hobbitenango theme park nearby Antigua Guatemala
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By: Bri · In: Guatemala

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Comments

  1. sheila says

    October 3, 2022 at 3:48 pm

    I saw somewhere on your site information on a Women’s weaving association. Is it in Antigua? I can’t find the article. My friend and I are visiting there in a few weeks and would love to see, talk to and learn from the women and support the local economy.

    Reply
    • Bri says

      October 4, 2022 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Sheila! I think you’re referring to the women’s association in San Pedro La Laguna in Lake Atitlán 🙂

      Reply
  2. Sarah says

    August 29, 2022 at 6:18 pm

    What an amazing list! I am in Antigua for 5 weeks and will definitely hit up your recommendations. The drinks at Ulew are mind blowing! 😀

    Reply

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I’m Bri, an adventurous digital nomad living abroad full-time since 2015. It is my hope to inspire you to live a life of adventure, seek out meaningful experiences, and travel slowly and mindfully!

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How to Visit the Chauvet Cave in France: The Oldest-Known Prehistoric Paintings

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@bucketlistbri

When you already feel nostalgic for leaving a plac When you already feel nostalgic for leaving a place you’ve only just arrived in... Do you know the feeling I’m talking about?? 

We are here in Goa, India 🇮🇳 for an amazing digital nomad retreat hosted by @nurall_co and are feeling so pumped and grateful to be here! ✨

We’ve already spent our first few hours diving into butter paneer masala and chai at the lovely @caferasagoa and wandering the historic Latin Quarter in awe of its Portuguese tiles and little hole-in-the-wall tapas bars. And it’s safe to say we’re hooked. 🤩 

Can’t wait to uncover even more treasures that Panjim and Goa hold 🫶

... And so begins Day 1/40 of my trip through India, Taiwan, and Japan! Follow along for the journey 🤗

#goaindia #panjim #portugese #indiatraveldiaries #backpackingasia #panaji
I can’t believe I’m posting this from the othe I can’t believe I’m posting this from the other side of this 3-day journey to get my visa processed and reunite with Paul in India!! 

That first day I wallowed in what Jen Sincero coins as “self-suckery” — I beat myself up, looked at only the negative side, and genuinely felt like I deserved what was “happening to me” because it was my mistake for having uploaded the pdf of my old passport and not my new one (yes, I really did that) — a simple error that resulted in ridiculous e-visa delays for which I could do nothing about, 3 days of transiting between airports, lots of tears, and an out-of-pocket cost of $850 for two flight changes + $$ for airport junk food (which pretty much costs the same as a meal in a Michelin star restaurant) + $150 in Uber rides and hotel fees, and countless hours of lost sleep. My real mistake, in hindsight, was rushing; not going slow, as I always preach. I rushed what I was doing and got caught in the senseless consequences. 

Little did I know then, but Day 1 was just the beginning of this near-72-hour journey to India and back to Paul. What is certain is that I DID NOT expect our big trip back to Asia to start like this. 

But I’m so, so glad it did. 

#indiatravel #airportlife #travelstories #evisa #qatarairways #asiatrip
If you know how this song ends, you know how this If you know how this song ends, you know how this video ends 💀

PS — I still have the scar 😂🥲🪦🍑

📍 El Mogote sand dunes in Baja California Sur w/ @4xfourtours 

#sandboarding #epicfails #rippedpants #spongebob #bajacaliforniasur #lapazbcs
Is Mexico a good digital nomad destination?? Here Is Mexico a good digital nomad destination??

Here’s why Mexico is a GREAT destination for remote workers and travelers:

🌮 Amazingggg food — Literally the best! I just came back from eating Baja fish tacos and they cost just $1.50 each, like whatttt

🇲🇽 Culture / people — I find Mexicans to be some of the kindest and friendliest people on Earth. If there is a reason I keep coming back to Mexico it is because I have felt, and do feel, at home here.

🌿 Outdoors / nature / adventure — Mexico has it ALL and I mean it ALL (islands, beaches, mountains, rainforests, deserts, volcanoes, amazing marine life + wildlife, allll types of activities, etc)

💻 WiFi — Not the best depending on where you go, but way more than enough for what I use it for! Lots of cafes + coworking spaces nowadays too

🥂 Community — There is a growing community of nomads and it’s a pretty diverse mix!

💰 Cost of living — It’s more affordable to live, which is great for beginner nomads who are still building their biz

I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to slow travel/live as a digital nomad in Mexico since 2018 — Baja California Sur marks our 5th state out of the 32 Mexican states (+ Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Oaxaca).

This country gives and gives, so let’s give back as guests! Please visit Mexico as a digital nomad (or tourist in general) responsibly and mindfully. Stay local, eat local, drink local, shop local, + support local. Leave No Trace and be conscious of your choices and impact!

Read my blog 🔗 in bio for my 100+ free guides to Mexico 🫶🏼

#mexicotravel #digitalnomad #visitmexico #livingabroad
If there’s one activity you shouldn’t skip out If there’s one activity you shouldn’t skip out on when in Baja California Sur, it’s off-roading and sandboarding in the Mogote Sand Dunes!

✨ Make sure to save this to your Baja, Mexico bucket list! 

📍 El Mogote (near La Paz)

🏂 w/ @4xfourtours

💻 read all about it + book the experience on my blog! (🔗 in bio)

#lapaz #bajacaliforniasur #sandboarding #elmogote #sanddunes #offroading #adventuretravel #bajamexico #desertadventures
What do you pack first?! 🎒🤔 As a homebase- What do you pack first?! 🎒🤔 

As a homebase-less nomad, I move countries with only these two backpacks, so I’m not worried about fitting all I need for my 40-day trot through Asia! 🌏

But I would LOVE your travel tips and recs, in particular for Taiwan and Japan (I’ll be solo in 🇯🇵)!!! Send me all your fav street foodie suggestions, secret gardens, cute towns, onsens, temples — all of it! 🏯

I’m so excited to feel EXCITED about going somewhere I’ve never been before. I haven’t been to India since 2018 and I’ve never been to Taiwan or Japan! 

Have you been to any of the three? 🇮🇳🇯🇵🇹🇼 

Backpacks (not spons):
🎒 @rei 40L recycled rucksack 
📸 @wandrd PRVKE Lite / 11L to 16L with roll-top 

#solotrip #backpackingasia #femalesolotraveler #asiatrip #indiatravel #taiwantravel #japantravel #digitalnomadgirls #packing #rei #wandrd
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adventures await x

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