Antigua
Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala, one hour from Guatemala City. The city was founded in 1542 and was named capital for more than 200 years. It is well known for its beautiful streets and colonial buildings, all surrounded by volcanoes. What’s not to like?
From here it’s the perfect place to book a Volcan de Fuego tour!
What to do
The main square, the car free streets, the little restaurants, the hidden bars,… It’s all there. The city is not really big, so you can just wander around and discover most things!
The eye catcher of the old town is of course the Arco de Santa Catalina.
Fun fact about the arch. The nuns who lived in the city, were supposed to live in isolation. When their building got too small, they bought the building across the street. The only problem was that they wouldn’t be able to get there without being seen. Solution: an arch with a small passageway inside.
Tip: For the best photos, get up early. Right after sunrise the view is the clearest and you won’t get bothered with many people in the way for a perfect shot!
The Hill with the Cross is just a 30 minutes walk from the center of Antigua. It gets a little steep at one point, but nothing too crazy. Perfect spot to hang out with an amazing view over the city and a volcano in the back.
There are a lot of street vendors, so you can even have a cold sunset beer on the hill.
Where eat and drink
Café Sky
Everyone loves rooftop bars! Café sky has (after viewpoint Cerro de la Cruz, in my opinion) the best view to have a drink. If you want to have a sunset drink here, make sure to come in time, there’s limited seating.
Also a perfect spot for some good food.
Angie Angie Cafearte
Right next to Café Sky you’ll find Angie Angie Cafearte. Perfect place to go have a drink or bite during the day or after the sun has set. Their backyard is super cosy and they will light a little bonfire too!
Overall good hostel and fun bar!
Where to stay
There are many amazing places to stay in Antigua, I can only tell you something about the following two hostels:
Selina
I can totally recommend this Selina Hostel. Clean rooms, an urban jungle to chill in, a pool with a slide coming down from the roof of an old school bus and right next to a food court.
Bigfoot
Where Selina was resting and chill, Bigfoot hostel is more outgoing and a little bit noisy. Super comfortable beds but sometimes 4 bunk beds high!
Overall good hostel and fun bar!