Antigua
A historic gem nestled between three volcanoes
This picturesque little town, nestled amongst the green slopes of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes, is one of Latin America’s best-kept secrets. A delightful place, with brightly coloured houses lining cobbled streets. Whether you’re strolling through the cobbled streets, exploring local markets or simply enjoying the fascinating views of the surrounding mountains, Antigua never ceases to surprise. Here you can experience the essence of Guatemala, from its traditional cuisine to its colourful culture. A visit to Antigua is the perfect start to a special journey through Guatemala.
Discover Antigua
-
Visit the colourful market
On the edge of the historic city centre, just beyond the leafy Alameda de Santa Lucia, you’ll find Antigua’s colourful market. We highly recommend a stroll through this veritable explosion of scents and colours.
-
Banana bread
The banana bread from Doña Luisa Xicotencatl Bakery (4a calle oriente #12) comes highly recommended and is a favourite with both locals and tourists. Every day around 2.00 pm, the freshly baked loaves – which are more like cake – go on sale. If you get there in time today, you can take one home whilst it’s still warm and enjoy it in the central park!
-
A taste of the local culture
Guatemalan cuisine is extremely varied, with influences from pre-Columbian cultures such as the Maya. A fun and tasty way to get to know Guatemala is through a cookery workshop, and we have a wonderful opportunity to do just that in the centre of Antigua.
A city where you can enjoy a lovely stroll
Antigua is just under an hour’s drive from Guatemala City and is the former capital of Guatemala. It is a beautiful town where you can enjoy a lovely stroll. All the sights in the town are within walking distance. Most of the streets are still characteristically paved with cobblestones. There’s plenty to see, such as the colourful daily market, the churches, museums, monasteries, ruins and the Parque Central, where locals sit on benches enjoying the atmosphere. Antigua is famous for the jade sold in countless little shops.
History
Antigua was founded in 1543 and for centuries served as the capital of Guatemala as well as the centre of Spanish power in Central America. The city flourished with beautiful colonial architecture and religious buildings. In 1773, earthquakes destroyed much of the city, after which the capital was moved to what is now Guatemala City. Despite the damage, Antigua has retained its charm, with well-preserved ruins, beautiful churches and historic squares. Today, the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a vibrant destination for anyone who loves culture and history.
Surrounded by volcanoes
No fewer than three volcanoes tower over Antigua: Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. The active Fuego volcano regularly produces spectacular eruptions, which are particularly impressive at night. Acatenango is a popular destination for adventurers, offering challenging hikes and stunning views from the summit. The Agua volcano, which dominates Antigua’s skyline, provides a stunning backdrop during walks through the town. The volcanoes form an essential part of Antigua’s landscape and lend the town a unique atmosphere and views.
Climate
As the city is situated at an altitude of around 1,500 metres, it enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, with daytime temperatures of around 20°C and night-time temperatures of around 10°C.
Events
Semana Santa
Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most impressive Easter celebrations in the world. The city comes alive with large-scale processions, during which beautifully decorated statues of saints are carried through the streets, accompanied by worshippers in traditional dress. One of the highlights is the colourful alfombras, floral carpets that adorn the route of the processions. This celebration, steeped in religious symbolism and centuries-old traditions, attracts thousands of visitors every year. It offers you, as a visitor, a unique opportunity to experience Guatemalan culture up close whilst witnessing a centuries-old tradition in a historic setting.
Places of interest
Antigua offers a wealth of sights that bring the city’s colonial past to life. We’ve listed a few of them for you:
Parque Central
The perfect starting point for a stroll through the city. This charming park is a meeting place for both locals and tourists, with beautiful fountains, shady trees and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The square is surrounded by colonial buildings such as the Catedral de San José and the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. The Catedral de San José is an impressive cathedral with stunning ruins.
Santa Catalina Arch
This is one of Antigua’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 17th century, this colourful arch once served as a passageway for nuns between convent buildings. Today, the arch offers a magnificent view of the Agua volcano and is a favourite spot for photographers and visitors wishing to capture the city’s colonial charm.
La Merced Church
Famous for its Baroque façade and charming courtyard.
This church is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture. Built in the 18th century, it stands out for its striking yellow façade and ornate details. Inside, you’ll find a serene atmosphere and a magnificent altar. The church is renowned for its peaceful courtyard, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.
Pacaya Volcano
The active Pacaya volcano is situated around 30 km from Antigua and is a popular destination for a day trip from Antigua. Accompanied by an experienced guide, you can walk past lava fields and volcanic rock formations. During the ascent of the volcano, you’ll enjoy impressive views of the surrounding volcanoes and the landscape. What makes the Pacaya volcano unique is that, depending on volcanic activity, you can see flowing lava and roast marshmallows over hot spots. The trails can be explored on foot or on horseback and are suitable for various levels of experience.
Mercado de Artesanías
The Mercado de Artesanías is a colourful market where local artisans sell their handmade products. Here you’ll find a wide range of traditional items, such as textiles, jewellery and wood carvings. It’s the ideal place to pick up unique, authentic souvenirs to take home.
Convento de las Capuchinas
The Convento de las Capuchinas was completed in 1736 and is one of the best-preserved convents in Antigua, Guatemala. This historic complex offers a fascinating insight into the religious life of the nuns during the colonial era. The striking round tower and serene courtyard make it a wonderful place to visit.
Unique accommodation
-
El Convento
El Convento is situated in a quiet part of the historic centre and features 26 comfortable, stylish suites with a peaceful atmosphere. There is a small swimming pool in the beautiful courtyard garden. The roof terrace offers fantastic views of the Agua volcano and the colonial rooftops of the nearby buildings.
-
Posada del Angel
A charming boutique hotel in the historic centre with just 7 suites, beautifully decorated with antique furniture, hand-woven Guatemalan fabrics and a fireplace. From the roof terrace, you’ll have a magnificent view of the three volcanoes surrounding Antigua. Enjoy the beautiful sunset from this spot!
-
Meson de Maria
This charming boutique hotel is housed in a beautifully restored mansion in the historic centre of Antigua. On the roof terrace, you’ll find the jacuzzi, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes.
Fancy a trip of Guatemala?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Guatemala and are you curious about the options? Then do have a look at the tours we’ve put together for inspiration. You can book these tours directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.