The closest international airport to Antigua, Guatemala is La Aurora International Airport (GUA), located in the nations capital, Guatemala City. It's approximately 22 kilometers (13 miles) away from the city of Antigua.
Our wedding planner partners with trusted transportation companies and we’re happy to connect you if you’d like to arrange an airport shuttle in advance. Otherwise, depending on your arrival time, you’ll find taxis, car rentals, Ubers, and other local transport options available at La Aurora International Airport (GUA). The average cost for a taxi from Guatemala City to Antigua is around $47–$52 USD.
The official currency is the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ) named after the quetzal bird, Guatemala’s colorful and iconic national symbol. As of May 2025, the exchange rates were approximately: • 1 GTQ ≈ 0.18 CAD • 1 GTQ ≈ 0.13 USD While U.S. dollars are accepted in some tourist areas, it’s advisable to use Quetzales for better value and convenience. If you do bring USD, ensure the bills are in good condition, as torn or worn notes may not be accepted. Credit cards are widely accepted as well.
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, but the country is also home to over 20 Maya languages still spoken today—including K’iche’, Q’eqchi’, and Kaqchikel—making it one of the most linguistically diverse places in the Americas.
Once the capital of Guatemala, Antigua was largely abandoned after devastating earthquakes in the 1700s. Today, its well-preserved colonial architecture and cobblestone streets have earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guatemala boasts numerous volcanoes, with 37 officially recognized, including three that are currently in constant activity: Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito. Some of the most prominent include Tajumulco, the highest in Central America, and Acatenango, known for its twin peaks
Nicknamed the “Land of Eternal Spring,” Guatemala enjoys a pleasant, mild climate year-round.
Guatemala is home to some of the oldest and most significant cities of the ancient Maya civilization, predating even Chichen Itzá. Deep in the northern jungles lies El Mirador, a “lost city” that once thrived with a population of up to 80,000 people during the Preclassic period (as early as 1000 BC). It’s considered one of the first Maya capital cities and features monumental architecture that still amazes archaeologists today. One of its most incredible structures is La Danta, a massive pyramid that’s one of the largest in the world by volume—even taller than many Egyptian pyramids when measured from the forest floor. El Mirador and nearby sites like Nakbe mark Guatemala as the true cradle of Maya civilization. Fun fact: El Mirador was featured in a National Geographic special narrated by Morgan Freeman, highlighting its importance as a global archaeological treasure.