Lauren & Kyle
Things To Do
Around Guatemala
These activities below include recommendations for side trips around Guatemala before or after our wedding. Lauren and Kyle have traveled to all of these places within Guatemala!
Lake Atitlán (Lake Atitlán, Guatemala)
We highly recommend spending at least a few days in Lake Atitlan which is a few hours away from Antigua (~50 miles). The best way to get there is by booking a taxi via your hotel or calling an Uber which is very affordable and safe. Lake Atitlán is a stunning volcanic lake located in the highlands of Guatemala. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, the lake is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, with three towering volcanoes and indigenous Mayan villages dotting its shores that you travel to by boat. The area offers a blend of cultural richness, outdoor activities, and a serene ambiance, making it a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore charming villages, partake in water activities, hike the volcanic peaks, and immerse themselves in the unique blend of Mayan traditions and Spanish influences that characterize the region. We love hotel La Fortuna which is tucked away between a couple of the main villages: https://lafortunaatitlan.com/
Tikal National Park (Tikal, Guatemala)
Embark on a journey through time in the heart of the ancient Mayan civilization at Tikal National Park, Guatemala. Enveloped by lush rainforests, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. Discover towering Mayan pyramids that pierce the jungle canopy, revealing the grandeur of a once-mighty city. Wander through ancient plazas and temples that echo with the whispers of a rich history. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park, where wildlife thrives amidst the archaeological marvels. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys, toucans, and other exotic creatures as you explore the well-preserved ruins. The adventure continues as you climb to the top of the temples, offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding jungle. The best way to get there is via a quick flight from Guatemala City. Although a bit out of the way, this was one of our favorite adventures in Guatemala! If you enjoy nature + history, you will feel the same.
Flores Island (Isla de Flores - Flores, Guatemala)
Isla de Flores is a quick flight from Antiga/Guatemala City and is a hidden gem of Guatemala. It was one of our favorite parts of the trip because of the quiet, sleepy escape it gave us for a couple of days. Flores is a colorful, vibrant town with delicious food and fun bars. You can take tiny boats around the lake to find some hiking adventures and hidden restaurants to lounge at. This is a great place to stop if you're going ot make the trip to Tikal as it's about an hour drive from the National Park.
IN ANTIGUA
All activities below are in Antigua, where our wedding is located.
Hill of the Cross
Don't miss the panoramic beauty of Cerro de la Cruz when exploring Antigua, Guatemala! Perched on a hill overlooking the city, this viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the iconic volcanoes and the charming cobblestone streets below. It's a short and rewarding hike that captures the essence of Antigua's captivating landscapes. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a photography buff, Cerro de la Cruz is a must-visit spot, providing a postcard-perfect perspective of this historic city nestled among Guatemala's impressive scenery. Take a stroll, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and witness Antigua's beauty from a whole new perspective. Cerro de la Cruz is located on the north side of Antigua. Walk along 1A Avenida until you reach the base of the hill where a sign marks the trailhead. To your left, concrete stairs lead to the overlook. This is a great day-time adventure in Antigua with plenty of good restaurants, shops, and ruins to stop at along the way.
Santa Catalina Arch
Spend some time around and take a picture in front of the iconic landmark. The Arco de Santa Catalina is Antigua's most iconic monument, and an early-morning or late-afternoon photo opportunity framing Volcán de Agua through its arch is an essential part of any visit to the town. It was built in 1694 to enable nuns from the Santa Catalina convent to cross the street without being seen; the clock tower is a 19th-century add-on.
Hike a Volcano
ACATENANGO: Climbing Antigua’s remarkable Volcan Acatenango, which towers above the landscape at 13,041 ft / 3,976 m, is at the top of the bucket list for most adventure travelers in Guatemala. Aside from providing panoramic views of the entire region, Acatenango gives hikers a birds-eye-view of nearby (and very active!) Volcan Fuego which has been erupting on a near constant basis since colonial times. Link: https://trekguatemala.com/portfolio-item/acatenango-volcano-overnight-hike/ PACAYA: If an overnight hike sounds like a bit much you can still experience one of Guatemala's most active volcanoes. Elevation gain of around 1500 feet and takes 2 hours. And if hiking isn't your thing you can rent a horse to bring you to the top for around $40 (Q300). Once at the top, you can even toast marshmallows over hot rocks. We haven't had the chance to do Acetenango yet but have heard it is an epic, bucket list experience! Pacaya is much easier and good for a day-time adventure.
Tour Antigua's Ruins
Scattered around Antigua and one of the most amazing parts are the ancient ruins. They are very accessible and if you're feeling up to it, most can be accessed by foot or Uber rides. Santa Clara (this is where our Ceremony will be so you might want to hold off on this one!) Capuchinas La Merced La Recolección San José El Viejo Iglesia La Merced Iglesia San Francisco el Grande The fee for entrance is from Q20 - Q40, bring cash to explore these old churches and know a little bit more about Antigua´s history. You can include more information about your favorite ruins.
Visit the Market
You can visit different markets around Antigua, some of them sell fresh fruits and vegetables and others are specialized in selling crafts. You can visit Mercado del Carmen 3era. Avenida Norte for crafts, the good thing is that you can negotiate the price with everyone!! Another market is located near the bus terminal at Calzada Santa Lucía, where you will find a lot of crafts and fresh food. Avoid eating food directly from the street, just make sure to wash them before you eat it. Another crafts market is located in front of the Central Park, it's called El Mercadito (small market) it has more than 80 selling points of Guatemalan crafts. Enjoy your visits to the markets and remember to ask for a better price!
Partake in a Chocolate Workshop
If you know Lauren, you know she loves chocolate. If you're also a chocolate lover, you can partake in a chocolate workshop at ChocoMuseo to learn about the history of cacao in Guatemala. You´ll experiment doing chocolate from scratch and also get ready to prepare and try drinks like Mayans and Conquistadors used to. Check their webpage and make sure to book your appointment in advance. LINK: https://www.chocomuseo.com/guatemala/antigua/
Coffee Time at a Coffee Farm
If you know Kyle, you know he is an avid coffee lover. Guatemala is internationally known for its great coffee and Antigua has some of the best quality coffee in Guatemala. There are nearby coffee farms that offer tours and restaurant amenities. There are social organizations that benefit coffee crop workers and show you the behind scenes that take place to make one of the world’s best cup of coffee (De la Gente: https://www.dlgcoffee.org/ ) Below are some recommended coffee shops in the heart of Antigua as well: Café Condesa: A historic coffee shop with a cozy atmosphere and a variety of coffee blends. It's known for its picturesque courtyard. Fat Cat Coffee House: A laid-back coffee shop with a relaxing ambiance. They are known for their coffee and delicious pastries. Bella Vista Coffee: Rooftop terrace of an old colonial building, this spot provides stunning views of Antigua along with excellent coffee. Artista de Café: Some of the best coffee in town, with some great brekky!
Coffee and Gastronomic Bike Tour in Antigua
This Coffee Tour is more than just coffee… In this experience you will not only learn about the history of Guatemalan coffee, cycle through an organic coffee farm, taste samples of some delicious coffee. You will also discover one of the most emblematic artisans markets in Antigua, learn about traditional Guatemalan gastronomy, see how time and tradition had been preserved on their culinary recipes for hundreds of years.
Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua
Go beyond just sampling Guatemalan cuisine at Antigua’s restaurants and learn to cook it for yourself at a cooking class. Visit a cooking school in Jocotenango village, and learn to make typical Guatemalan food, choosing from assorted dishes and picking up local cooking tips as you work. Then, savor your creations with your hosts on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Agua Volcano or in a colonial-style dining room.
Kyle and Lauren's Favorite Restaurants
27 Adentro (https://27adentro.business.site) - Kyle and Lauren's favorite!! Cactus - delicious tacos, nachos are a must! Por Qué No? Cafe - a unique, tiny spot with delicious food and good vibes Canela - breakfast cafe that is primarily a bakery. Barriga Llena - fried chicken a must! Welten Restaurant Antigua Guatemala (www.weltenrestaurant.com) - a romantic date spot with delicious food including traditional Guatemalan dishes Hector's Bistro (www.hectorsbistro.com) - family friendly restaurant with a variety of options Restaurante Fridas (www.restaurantefridas.com) - a laid back spot for delicious tacos and Mexican food Samsara - delicious vegetarian food Casa Escobar Antigua (www.casaescobar.com.gt) - one of our favorites for an amazing steak dinner! Pappy's BBQ (www.bbqguate.com) - craving BBQ and a taste of home while in Antigua? Let this place surprise you Caoba Farms Restaurant - amazing brunch meets farmers market Ta'Cool - casual but delicious taco shop
Grab a Drink at a Brewery or Bar
Antigua Brewing Company (http://www.antiguabrewingco.com) - this is where Lauren and Kyle will have their after party. INSIDE SCOOP: there is an amazing speakeasy inside with some of the best drinks! El Bosque (https://www.antiguacerveza.com/bosque-antigua) - this is where the Welcome Party will be hosted featuring food, great beer, and games Cervecería 14 (http://www.cerveceria14.com) - a little outside of Antigua so an Uber is necessary but this is one of our favorite spots. Great food, beers, live music, and atmosphere with active volcano views. Aqua Antigua (http://aqua-antigua.com) - a great bar for a rooftop drink and good ambiance Cafe No Se (http://www.cafenose.com) - good drinks, people, and food with live music every night
Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras, Belize
If you're up for extending your trip beyond Guatemala, you can venture over to these neighboring countries!