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Santa Catalina arch in Antigua

Visit Antigua, Guatemala

Visit Antigua, Guatemala

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A colonial gem and the original capital of Guatemala, Antigua has been destroyed many times by earthquakes and mudslides. For this reason the capital was moved to Guatemala City in 1773.

Despite what nature has thrown at it, Antigua has always sprung back, lovingly restored and it is now recognised and protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and one of the most atmospheric cities in Central America.

Its setting is truly stunning, surrounded by the volcanoes of Agua, Acatenango and Fuego, which still occasionally sends up a cloud of ash. Cobbled streets thread past colourful colonial buildings, topped with terracotta tiles, leading to the many plazas which are perfect for sitting, relaxing and people-watching.

Around Antigua

Pacaya volcano, GuatemalaSurrounding the city you can explore quaint Mayan villages, colourful local markets, sweet smelling coffee farms and the climbable — and still active — Pacaya volcano.

Just an hour’s drive from Guatemala’s international airport, Antigua is a fabulous first stop in the country, and is also one of the best places in Central America to learn Spanish.

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Tom

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Antigua by contacting one of our Guatemala specialists

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Suggested itineraries featuring Antigua

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Antigua, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Antigua

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Antigua

    Photos of Antigua

    • Antigua, Guatemala
      Antigua, Guatemala
    • Antigua, Guatemala
      Antigua, Guatemala
    • Cathedral, Antigua, Guatemala
      Cathedral, Antigua, Guatemala
    • Antigua, Guatemala
      Antigua, Guatemala
    • The Clock Tower, Antigua, Guatemala
      The Clock Tower, Antigua, Guatemala
    • Antigua, Guatemala
      Antigua, Guatemala
    • Antigua, Guatemala
      Antigua, Guatemala
    • Santa Clara Convent, Antigua
      Santa Clara Convent, Antigua

    Accommodation choices for Antigua

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Antigua. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Antigua

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Antigua, and which use the best local guides.

    • Responsible Travel Coffee Tour
      Roasting the coffee

      Responsible Travel Coffee Tour

      Responsible Travel Coffee Tour

      Visit coffee farmers in the lush plantations surrounding Antigua and see how the families pick, pulp, ferment and roast the fresh beans to produce some of the finest coffee in Guatemala. Your visit will also help support a local charity working to improve the lives and pay of the farming families.

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    • Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour
      Murals, Comalapa Market, Guatemala

      Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour

      Comalapa Market & Paintings Tour

      Travel through the stunning scenery of the highlands passing local communities farming their land using traditional methods, for about an hour, before reaching San Juan Comalapa.

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    • Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion
      Antigua, Guatemala

      Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion

      Chicken bus, carpentry and local school excursion

      This morning you will be met at your hotel by a local NGO representative and driven by local 'Chicken' bus to Ciudad Vieja.

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    • Antigua Valley Mountain Biking
      El Fuego Volcano, Antigua, Guatemala

      Antigua Valley Mountain Biking

      Antigua Valley Mountain Biking

      This is a great way to explore Guatemala and see how the local people live. You visit tranquil villages and churches, coffee plantations and come into contact with the local Mayans.

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    • Street food tour of Antigua
      Comalapa market, Guatemala

      Street food tour of Antigua

      Street food tour of Antigua

      This is the perfect tour for any foodies with a flair for local flavour and an adventurous attitude toward cuisine!

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    • Acatenango Volcano Hike
      Lake Atitlán, Guatemala

      Acatenango Volcano Hike

      Acatenango Volcano Hike

      Trek through open fields, farmland and Pacific cloudforest with spectacular views over the Antigua valley area.

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    • Antigua Textile Tour
      A Petate mat weaving demonstration, Santiago Zamora

      Antigua Textile Tour

      Antigua Textile Tour

      In the morning, you take a guided tour around Antigua, with the focus on learning about the complex Guatemalan and Mayan textiles and folk art.

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    • Antigua City Tour
      Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua

      Antigua City Tour

      Antigua City Tour

      Stroll through the beautiful cobbled streets of Antigua and visit the city's highlights, including the Church of St. Francis, the Central Plaza, the San José Cathedral and the Church of La Mercedes.

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    • Pacaya Volcano Hike
      Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

      Pacaya Volcano Hike

      Pacaya Volcano Hike

      Hike up the smouldering cone of the active Pacaya volcano to see small eruptions and glowing hot lava flows, all framed by magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and imposing, distant peaks of neighbouring volcanoes.

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