Welcome to Antigua, Guatemala—a place where vibrant culture, delicious food, and picturesque streets await. Whether you’re here for history, dining options, or shopping, Antigua offers an unforgettable experience. Discover my favorite choices for lodging, delightful dining experiences (both vegan and non-vegan), and memorable tours in this enchanting city.
Discovering Antigua, Guatemala
My first visit to Antigua, Guatemala was in January 2024. I accompanied my older daughter, Hannah, on her graduation trip through Central America. After exploring El Salvador and the natural wonders of Costa Rica, we planned a short stay of just 4 nights in Antigua. Initially, we didn’t have high expectations, but to our delight, Antigua charmed us with its historic streets, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality. We found ourselves immersed in its colonial architecture and enjoying the local cuisine.
When it came time to celebrate my younger daughter’s graduation, Antigua was an easy choice for our destination. For our mother-daughter adventure, we extended our stay to 12 days, including a memorable visit to the ancient Mayan ruins at Tikal for three nights. Our second trip allowed us to delve deeper into Antigua’s offerings. We discovered new attractions, from scenic hikes to cultural tours. We also sampled more of the city’s renowned restaurants, both for traditional dishes and vegan options.
For travelers considering a visit, I recommend aiming for the dry season between December and April when the weather is typically clear and pleasant. However, our visit in June, despite encountering afternoon rains, still provided memorable experiences. Interestingly, I found that prices during the rainy season were unexpectedly higher, affecting costs at restaurants and accommodations alike. This shows how important it is to plan ahead when visiting Antigua, as it can greatly impact your experience.
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
If you’re a budget traveler like me, finding affordable accommodations in Antigua, Guatemala is straightforward, especially at hostels. Prices start as low as $20 per night when booked in advance. During my first visit, I stayed at Selina Antigua, followed by Maya Papaya and Barbara’s Boutique Hostel in June. Among these options, Selina was my favorite.
Selina offers spacious rooms with its own restaurant. They serve a variety of delicious options like smoothie bowls, tofu scramble, and avocado toast for breakfast. These are included in our $22 per person per night stay. They charge a deposit for towels and require purchasing a lock for room lockers. The additional amenities, like a small pool and outdoor hammocks and lounge areas, enhanced our experience at Selina. Its central location in Antigua also makes it convenient for exploring on foot.
Maya Papaya, found through a website, disappointed with limited vegan breakfast options despite including it in our room fee. Our small private room felt crowded with limited shelf space, but the daily cleaning was excellent. The hostel provides towels and access to a communal kitchen, and its location was convenient.
Barbara’s Boutique Hostel, slightly off Antigua’s main area, offered a cozy atmosphere but at a higher cost of $70 per night for two beds in a 4-bed female dormitory with a private bath. Breakfast was buffet-style with limited choices, and they charge for towels but refund a portion upon return. The hostel features pleasant communal areas.
I didn’t stay at Ojala, which is owned by the same proprietor as Maya Papaya but is more upscale and highly rated. I’m looking forward to trying it next time I’m in Antigua, even though I had to cancel my planned stay due to a shortened trip.
Tours and Outdoor Adventures
For standout tours in Antigua, I highly recommend a few experiences. First, the ATV Sunset tour is a must-try, taking you to Habbitenango and Cerro de la Cruz with dinner (extra) at a local restaurant. You can book through travel apps like TripAdvisor or Viator but using a local agency like Simoon Rentals & Tours can save you money.
I paid $65 per person through Viator, but Simoon charges only $60 per person. Simoon is conveniently located directly across from Selina Antigua hostel. They also offer an additional $15 discount if you book more tours with them. Our guide, Diego, was excellent and fluent in English, making the experience memorable.
Another great option is the walking tour offered on the GuruWalk app, which doesn’t require upfront payment—just a tip for the guide afterward. My daughters and I booked multiple tours with Pablo, who was thorough and accommodating even when it turned out to be just the two of us on the tour.
For adventure seekers, I highly recommend the Pacaya Volcano hike, which I booked through Selina Hostel for $15 per person (excluding park entrance fees). It was a guided tour that proved to be well worth it. If you’re up for a more challenging trek, consider the Acatenango Volcano Trek, which involves overnight camping. Thankfully, the local travel agencies provide most camping gear.
For a shorter, easier hike near Antigua, Cerro de la Cruz is a great option. It’s just a 15-minute walk and offers a beautiful view of Antigua from the summit.
Dining in Antigua, Guatemala: Vegan Gems and Local Favorites
When it comes to dining in Antigua, Guatemala, I have some top recommendations. For vegans, Samsara is my favorite spot with its extensive and excellent menu. During my first visit, I dined there for breakfast and dinner three days in a row. I appreciated that they don’t add a 10% additional fee like many other restaurants in Antigua. La Bruja and El Bowl are also great vegan options, although slightly pricier.
For non-vegans, Fridas stands out for its delicious tacos and delightful desserts like ice cream with churros—my daughter’s favorite. Ta’Cool Taco Shop is another excellent choice known for its shrimp tacos and fantastic frozen margaritas, enjoyed by my younger daughter. Personally, I loved starting my day at Cafe Cafe Guatemala, where the smoothies and Chai tea were superb, complemented by excellent service. I also recommend Caoba Farms for their organic farm-to-table dishes, especially their delicious organic pizza.
To save money, consider exploring local markets and grocery stores within walking distance in Antigua. Here, you can find fresh bread and other essentials at a fraction of restaurant prices. While staying there, we bought several breakfast breads for only 50 cents, a budget-friendly option for meals.
Transportation Tips and Options
Getting around in Guatemala can be a bit tricky due to heavy traffic, similar to any big city. To avoid traffic and reach Antigua in about 45 minutes, it’s best to arrive later in the evening or between 10 AM to 2 PM. Otherwise, the journey can take up to an hour and a half.
From La Aurora airport in Guatemala City, where most travelers arrive, you have several transportation options. You can call a taxi, which typically costs around $50. Alternatively, Uber is available and costs between $35 to $45, making it a more affordable choice if you’re traveling with others.
I found Uber convenient and economical for getting around Guatemala City during my two-day stay. However, using local buses to reach Antigua isn’t recommended, as it can be time-consuming and confusing for first-time visitors. Another option is booking a private shuttle, but this can be costly.
For my trip, I used Uber to get to Antigua, and for my return to the airport, I booked a shuttle for $15 per person from Antigua. You can arrange this through your hotel or hostel. Prices can vary, so it’s worth shopping around.
For example, in January 2024, I paid $15 at Selina, but when I returned in June, I couldn’t find anything under $20 for the same shuttle bus ride. Fortunately, I managed to find a ticket for $15 at adrenalinatours.com. These shuttle buses operate on the same schedule, running 4 to 5 times a day, regardless of the price you pay.
When you’re in Antigua, most tours include transportation, or you can take a local “chicken bus” from the market if you’re feeling adventurous.
History, Safety, and Practical Tips
Antigua, Guatemala is a charming destination steeped in history and renowned for its warm hospitality. The town thrives on tourism, offering numerous beautiful attractions and dining options. It’s notably safe to explore even at night, with bustling street vendors offering affordable local delicacies.
When exchanging currency, it’s advisable to compare rates at different banks; I found Inter Banco offers competitive rates. While credit cards are accepted in many places, many hotels and hostels may levy fees, so cash is often preferred. Most restaurants, however, accept credit cards without additional charges, making dining experiences convenient and enjoyable.
Antigua’s cultural richness and hospitality make it a place I’d happily revisit. It’s budget-friendly and easily accessible with cheap flights available from various US cities. For instance, I met a young lady who paid just $160 roundtrip from New York. It’s perfect for a fun and relaxing getaway.
