Lawrence & Gabriela
Visit / Visita Antigua Guatemala
Explore Downtown
There are beautiful photospots around every corner and exploring downtown is definitely one of the best things to do in Antigua! Take at least a few hours to get lost in the roads and take some picture at the iconic Santa Catalina arch, the most photographed landmark in Antigua. On a clear day, Agua Volcano can be seen behind the arch, which makes it an incredible photo motive. Downtown Antigua is home to many many restaurants, bars and shops. You won´t get bored strolling around for hours. Make sure to also add the local main square, cathedral and market to your downtown itinerary.
Breakfast
Guatemalan breakfast is something you do not want to miss! Here are some of Antigua´s best spots. 1. El Viejo Café, a real French bakery. You can sit in the garden and enjoy breakfast, lunch and cakes. 2. Patio la Primera, Gaby 's favorite. Tuscan inspired. Good menu and even better food. Lovely French toast and filled bagels, smoothies and of course good coffee. Don´t miss their "Chilaquiles". 3. Vivero y Café la Escalonia, beautiful gardens, traditional chapin beans and home-made bread.
Lunch & Dinner
World travelers have visited Antigua and liked it so much that they have stayed and opened up restaurants, therefore when having international food in Antigua you are having authentic cuisine from around the world. You can find ramen, sushi, pizza, pasta, tacos, gyros, steaks … you name it! However these are very safe bets: 1. Angie Angie Café Arte has a courtyard where you can enjoy delicious wood-fired pizzas. They also serve pastas and salads. Make sure to check out their weekly events with live music. 2. Cuevita de los Urquizú, if you are looking for a traditional taste of Guate. This is the place. Gaby’s favorites include Chile Relleno and Enchiladas. 3. Mesón Panza Verde is the place for a romantic, luxurious Mediterranean style dinner. Their fine cuisine has been awarded as the best one in town. (Yes! its pricey!)
For the Sweet Tooth!
If you are like Gaby, at some point in the afternoon you will find yourself looking for something sweet. Here are her top 3 recommendations: 1. Luna de Miel has the most delicious crepes! Make sure you find a place on the roof terrace to enjoy volcano views. 2. La tienda de Doña Gavy offers local and natural products including soaps, shampoos, candles, herbs, tea, and chocolate.Their ice-creams are spectacular, do not skip it! Try out Rum ice-cream, it's a buzz! 3. Café Boheme has a nice terrace with incredible views of the volcano and super yummy desserts.
Breweries... salen chelas!
Chelas is guatemalan slang for beers! If you are like Lawrence you´ll be looking to taste the local beer. The most famous beer in Guate is “Gallo '' but we recommend you ditch that and try Antigua Cerveza or Cerveceria 14. Also check out Antigua´s speakeasy! 1. Antigua Cerveza has a cute small place, very close to Calle del Arco where you can have a taste. Funny story, last December we were strolling the streets of Antigua and we decided to make a stop here. Little did we know we just crashed their “convivio” (office party) and we were invited to a coffee shot. Everyone was so kind to us and made us part of the party! 2. Cerveceria 14 is the place to be! You can take a trolley in front of Santa Clara bakery every Friday, Saturday or Sunday 1, 3, 5 and 7 PM. Last trolley back to Antigua it's at 9PM. 3. Ulew is pretty much impossible to find by accident. The entrance is a phone booth inside the Antigua Brewing Company. If you make it there also check the brewery rooftop!
Go on a Coffee Farm Tour!
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 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 (US$10), which includes the entrance to the Finca, tour, and tasting.
Make your Own Chocolate!
When in Guatemala, you got to eat chocolate! Cacao has been an integral part of the Maya and Guatemalan culture. Interesting fact: Guatemalans invented the first ever chocolate bar!
ATV Tour Around Antigua!
Whether you want to visit the surrounding villages, mountains, or coffee farms, you can do so on a thrilling ATV tour around Antigua. Depending on which tour you choose, you can kill 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 get off the beaten path to watch the sunset over the volcanoes and valleys.
Cooking Class!
This hands-on experience will allow you to learn the secrets of traditional Guatemalan cuisine, from preparing aromatic spices to crafting delicious local dishes such as pepian, tamales, and jocón. Not only will you get to enjoy a delectable meal, but you'll also gain a deeper appreciation for the flavors and culture that make Guatemalan food so unique. It’s a fun and interactive way to savor the essence of Guatemala. We recomend the tamales or salsas class!
Hike an active Volcano!
Pacaya volcano is, after Fuego, one of the most active ones in the country. The hike itself is not too difficult and only takes about 1 ½ hours. Once at the top (which is not actually the very top of the volcano), there is a small souvenir shop and an area with small tables arranged in the lava rocks and a small stand with a man called David, making pizza baked over lava! Yes, you heard that right! Another famous thing on the Pacaya volcano is to grill marshmallows. YOU NEED TO HIRE A TOUR GUIDE! You can't hike on your own.
Extending your Trip?
Guatemala offers a variety of activities and destinations. If you are feeling more adventurous we suggest you look into: 1. Parendon, volcanic sand beach. 2. Lake Atitlán, the most beautiful lake in the world, surrounded by volcanos and indigenous villages. 3. Tikal, the biggest mayan ancient city.