Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala is one of the most iconic tourist destinations in Central America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
About Antigua Guatemala
Located in the department of Sacatepéquez, Antigua stands out for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, historic churches, and colorful facades. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala until 1773 and today blends history, culture, and modern life in a truly unique setting.
Surrounded by Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes, Antigua is an ideal hub for outdoor activities such as hiking, coffee tours, and volcano ascents. The city also offers a wide selection of boutique hotels, restaurants, cafés, artisan markets, and art galleries.
Antigua is especially renowned for its Holy Week (Semana Santa) celebrations, featuring elaborate processions, colorful sawdust carpets, and centuries-old traditions.
Highlights
- Colonial architecture: churches, convents, and historic houses
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cobblestone streets
- Agua Volcano as the city’s backdrop
- Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions and sawdust carpets
- Historic ruins such as the Convento de las Capuchinas and La Merced Church
- Base for adventures: a starting point for climbing Acatenango Volcano
Travel information
- Best time to visit
- November to April (dry season)
- Climate
- Subtropical highland climate
- Language
- Spanish and English
- Currency
- GTQ (Guatemalan quetzal)
- Time zone
- GMT-6