Things To Do
Plan Your Excursion / Experience With Sparks Travel
Enhance your stay with curated experiences and private excursions by Sparks Travel. From helicopter tours and private transfers to cultural experiences and adventure activities across Guatemala, our team would be delighted to assist you in planning every detail. Click the link to explore and reserve all available activities and experiences.
5 day itinerary in Antigua Guatemala
Here is a great example of things you could do and plan!
Katy & Fede's favorite places
Restaurants part #1
-⭐️Libra ( homey menu,cafe vibe, delish for lunch) -Santo Spirito (italian, must order cibreo de hígado, stracciatela, parmiggiana and tagliolini al robalo picante) -Kombu (cute little ramen nook, great for dinner since Antigua gets chilly at night) -⭐️Villa Bokeh (chic hotel with a spectacular view, must go!, great for Sunday brunch or breakfast / lunch any given day because of the view of the volcano, located right outside of Antigua, book in advance) -⭐️Nanik (modern Guatemalan food with ingredients from all over the country, super creative, don’t recommend for picky eaters as they have a short menu) -La Mallorquina (natural wine bar, sandwiches and tapas, check ig for weekend events - brunches, dj’s, etc)
Restaurants part #2
-Suelo (appetizers, firewood pizza, and natural wine. don’t skip on the crema de cacao for dessert. Only walk ins) -Barriga Llena (hole in the wall and indulgence food, fried chicken is delish) -Tartines (casual french. Sit on the top floor with views to the ruins) -⭐️Helados de doña Gaby (artisanal ice cream shop with local flavors, a classic) -Caoba farms (farmers market on sundays to bring fresh produce home if you’re staying at a rental)
Coffee Shops
-⭐️Artista de café (specialty coffee shop- 100% breakfast ) -Bocetos café (2D coffee shop close to the park) -El gran café (cute grab and go café, half a block away from the park) -Cafe Alegría (more casual) -12 onzas (for breakfast, great location) -⭐️Pachamama (fav tea shop, make your own organic blends)
Bars
-Ulew (speakeasy with great cocktails located inside Antigua Brewing Company, a must. The kame is my fav drink, inspired in fruta con pepitoria y limón - 5-6pm best time to visit as it gets packed) -Charleston (speakeasy behind a tailor,cool ambiance)
Activities
-Yoga at Shakti Shala -Hike the trails, mountain bike or pickle ball at finca Carmona and can stop for a bite at their restaurant later (I like to go for breakfast) They also have a glamping experience. -Textile natural dying workshops at Luna Zorro (look up dates on ig or their website) -Spa day at Casa Santo Domingo (specially good after hiking Acatenango during sunrise) -Hiking Acatenango with Guateadventours (recommend camping from Basecamp and not from the bottom, volcano season is dec-feb) it is an entire day and you will need an extra day to recover
Shopping
-⭐️El telar (textile shopping, my fave) -Algodones Mayas (textile shopping) - Nada duele shop -⭐️Mercado de artesanías del Carmen (for chackied and souvenirs) -Akasha shop (natural skin care products) -Luna Zorro (concept store with diff artisan brands) -que onda voz - cool home decor
What to See in Antigua
Art
MUNAG – Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala A beautifully curated space showcasing Guatemalan art and history.
Ruins & Historic Sites
* ⭐️Church & Cathedral at the Main Plaza Visit the renovated cathedral facing the park, then ask to see the “Old Cathedral” behind it — hauntingly beautiful ruins from the original structure. * ⭐️Central Park (Parque Central) The lively heart of Antigua, perfect for strolling and people-watching. * Santa Catalina Arch Antigua’s most iconic landmark. It’s simple but essential — plus the boutiques along that street are great for a quick browse. ⭐️• La Merced Church Famous for its striking yellow baroque façade and historic significance. * Convento Las Capuchinas A mystical, photogenic convent and one of Antigua’s most fascinating ruins to explore
Volcanoes
If you love volcanoes • ⭐️Pacaya Volcano – easy to moderate hike, lava views. Pizza tour is cool. 1.5 hours car drive from antigua