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Trip Report
Discover the volcanic Antigua - one of the best places to stay in Guatemala
A week in the charming city of Antigua and best day trips from Antigua Guatemala.
+ 5
North AmericaGuatemala9 days / January - December 2023
Highs & Lows
The town is very pretty and the view of the volcano is incredible!
Please note that banks close at 8pm and it is difficult to find other places to withdraw money.
Itinerary Overview
I spent a total of ten days in the city of Antigua, I came back three times during my trip to Guatemala! First of all because the city is really pretty and because you quickly feel at home there, but also because it is a good starting point to visit different places in Guatemala. During my time in Antigua, I explored the surrounding volcanic landscape, including hiking Pacaya Volcano and visiting the hot springs of Santa Teresita. I also took Spanish classes at one of the many language schools in the city, which was a great way to improve my language skills and meet new people. The city itself is filled with colorful colonial architecture, lively markets, and great restaurants serving traditional Guatemalan cuisine. I also visited nearby villages such as San Juan del Obispo, known for its handicrafts, and San Antonio Aguas Calientes, famous for its textiles. Overall, Antigua is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Guatemala, and its central location makes it the perfect base for exploring the country's rich culture and natural beauty.
Antigua Guatemala Tourism, cultural discovery of the city
1+The city of Antigua is super friendly and very pretty. I walked through the beautiful streets of the centre, each more colourful than the other. Beautiful churches adorn the street corners.
We took part in the free walking tour organised every day, which starts near the Parque Central. Very interesting! It allowed us to discover more about the history and heritage of the city.
I stayed almost the whole time in the hostel Yes Please, it's simply the best hostel Antigua Guatemala. The staff is very flexible and attentive, everything is clean, the beds are comfortable and allow for privacy, the sanitary facilities are sufficient, the pool is great. The hostel is a 15 minute walk from the centre.
Nearby there is a nice little restaurant called Toko Baru (beautiful terrace). The best value for money we had in Antigua! If you want to go out or have a drink in the evening, the bar El Barrio is the best place to go if you are looking for a good atmosphere (especially on weekends).
Acatenango Trekking and experience
1+Right next to the city of Antigua are several volcanoes including Acatenango and El Fuego. The trek to these volcanoes is mythical, especially because El Fuego is still active and you can witness its eruptions.
Many agencies offer their services to make this two-day trek. I opted for V-Hiking and I was not disappointed: the price is similar to other agencies (70 €), the food is very good and sufficient, the staff is extremely nice and attentive to the pace of each person, the accommodation (tents) is quite correct and the view from the camp is superb!
Once you commit to the experience, be prepared! The Acantenango culminates at a height of almost 4000 meters and when it comes to climbing for 4 hours, the effort is all the more intense because of the altitude. But once at the top, one quickly forgets everything because the view is so impressive. After two hours of rest, it's time for the trek of El Fuego (optional) to admire the sunset and to be closer to its eruptions (in the dark). We then return to the camp, where we have dinner and sleep (still rocked by the eruptions). Once again, the effort is more than worth it! The next morning, we get up at dawn to hike the Acatenengo (optional) and admire the sunrise with a 360 view! Once again, the effort is intense but the game is worth it.
We came back exhausted but with our heads full of memories and happier than ever to have witnessed this incredible natural phenomenon.
Q & A
Restaurant recommendations?
Toko Baru in Antigua !Tips you would give a friend?
Don't forget to collect cash before nightfall. After that, all banks are closed.Packing tips?
Small bags!Transportation Tips?
There are many bus departures (especially to Nicaragua) from Antigua.Any surprises?
Fhe food is amazing!Booking details?
For the Yes Please hostel, it was cheaper to book on Booking. Be careful, the hostel is very popular! To book for the V-Hiking agency, you can do so directly on the internet and communicate with them on WhatsApp. This is very convenient.
Lodging
Yes Please Hostel : everything was perfect !!!
Overnight in a tent on the Acatenango volcano