3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary
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Looking for the best 3 day Antigua itinerary? You’re in the right place! Antigua was one of those places that we fell in love with instantly. It’s rare that you visit somewhere that is so full of life, charm and character.
With the views of the surrounding volcanoes, friendly locals, cobbled streets, Spanish colonial buildings and blooming, colourful flowers on every corner, it’s hard not to fall in love with Antigua. In fact, we extended our stay three times, and returned for another visit a month later!
If you’re visiting Antigua Guatemala for the first time, this 3 day itinerary is to help you make the most of your trip. As someone who can wholeheartedly recommend this gem in Guatemala, I’ve included all the best things to do in Antigua – whether you just have 3 days, or extend three times like us!
Did you know I have a whole post dedicated to helping you backpack Guatemala? From routes, itineraries, what to do, where to eat, what not to miss and everything in between! It’s a one-stop backpacking Guatemala guide – don’t forget to check it out!
🇬🇹 Other Guatemala posts:
- Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide
- Antigua To Lake Atitlan Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide
- Free Cerveza Hostel Review: Lake Atitlan Guatemala
- Is Flores Guatemala Worth Visiting? < A Brutally Honest Review!
3 Days in Antigua, Guatemala: A Summary
In the following 3 day Antigua itinerary, you will be able to see some of the best sights and activities the city has to offer. It also allows some time to take things slow, soak up the views and immerse yourself in the local culture.
In my opinion, just wandering the streets of Antigua, stopping off in cosy coffee shops, browsing the shops, walking around the main square (Parque Central) and taking it all in is one of the best things to do in Antigua. Don’t cram in too much and miss it!
In summary, your 3 days in Antigua Guatemala will be:
Day 1: Breakfast at Cafe Estudio, followed by a free walking tour of the city. Lunch at El Bowl and the afternoon wandering the local markets and enjoying the atmosphere of the main square. Hike to Cerro de la Cruz for sunset, then spend the evening eating tacos at Ta’cool, or authentic street food by the Iglesia de La Merced.
Day 2: Breakfast and smoothies at Union Bar. In the afternoon, hike Pacaya Volcano (or optional, the mammoth Acatenango). Eat dinner at Frida’s – an amazing authentic Mexican restaurant, or again, grab some cheap local street food.
Day 3: Breakfast at Caoba Farms, followed by a morning stroll to see the ancient ruins and colonial buildings. Take it easy before an afternoon chocolate-making workshop or an authentic Guatemalan cooking class. Spend the evening in the Antigua Brewing Company, overlooking the volcano views. And if you’re up for it, grab a cocktail in the attached speakeasy bar, Ulew!
Related post: Pacaya VS Acatenango: Which Volcano Hike Is Best? | Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
How many days do I need in Antigua?
Ideally, you will have enough time on your trip to spend 3-5 days in Antigua. I highly recommend 3 days at a minimum. There is so much to do, see and explore in Antigua, and it’s a city you will most likely fall in love with. You won’t want to leave, trust me!
Related post: Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide | 2 Weeks in Guatemala | Day trips from Antigua
Day 1 in Antigua, Guatemala
🍳 Eat breakfast at Cafe Estudio on your first day in Antigua. This cafe has incredible views of the three surrounding volcanoes and also serves an amazing breakfast. My recommendation – get the pancakes!
🚶🏼♀️Up next, take a free walking tour of the city. This can either be booked here, or you can do it by walking around independently. Just bear in mind, if you walk by yourself, you won’t learn as much about the history of the city. The tour guides are so enthusiastic and passionate about Antigua, and they speak great English!
🥗 If you’re feeling hungry, head to El Bowl for lunch. I can’t count the number of times we ate here – it’s one of the best healthy lunch options when in Antigua. Expect customisable bowls with either meat or vegetarian options, and lots of tasty extras!
🛍️ Next, spend some time wandering the local markets. The markets in Antigua are big, bustling and hectic (just as I like them!). They’re the best way to get an insight into Guatemalan culture, and you won’t spot many tourists doing the same. Our favourite markets included Nim Po’t, the second-hand market and the Central Mercado.
🌅 For sunset, hike 20 minutes up to Cerro De La Cruz. This is a short 15-minute walk from the main square, and the views of Volcan Agua and the city from this height are just incredible. It’s worth the hike at any time of day, but when the sky is turning pink, it’s a true ‘pinch-me’ moment.
🌮 For dinner, I recommend either heading to the iconic ‘Ta’cool’ restaurant, which serves both Mexican cuisine and pizzas. Or, if you’d like to immerse yourself in the atmosphere a little more, walk to the grand Iglesia de La Merced for tasty street food.
Related post: Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Day 2 in Antigua, Guatemala
🌋 Today is volcano hiking day! Nestled in the middle of your 3 days in Antigua, you will need some time to acclimatise to the altitude of Antigua and prepare yourself for an active volcano hike.
Whether you hike Pacaya or Acatenango is up to you, but be prepared that Acatenango is best hiked overnight. It will take time away from day 3, but for some, it’s a bucket-list experience, so it doesn’t matter!
⚠️ For volcano hikes in Antigua, I recommend checking out my other posts for more information. They include a full guide on Pacaya, and Acatenango and a comparison of the two volcano hike difficulties. You can also read a review on Ox Expeditions, the best volcano hiking company in Antigua, here.
🍳 Depending on your hike, you will either be provided breakfast or need to grab it yourself. If you’re hiking Pacaya, you will most likely be leaving in the afternoon. If this is the case, I recommend breakfast at the amazing Union Bar, and if you’re listening to me, I highly recommend the peanut butter smoothies.
🌮 For dinner, either head to Frida’s (one of the nicest restaurants in Antigua, both food and decor-wise) or grab some local street food if you’re falling asleep from your volcano hike.
Whilst I don’t necessarily recommend fast-food chains whilst travelling (we all do it though, right?!) the Mcdonald’s in Antigua is worth checking out! It has a large outdoor garden with a water fountain, flowers, plants and hundreds of tables.
If you’re exhausted from your volcano hike and just want a burger, Mcdonald’s is a great idea!
Visiting Guatemala during the month of September? Check out the Guatemala Independence Day festivities!
Day 3 in Antigua, Guatemala
🍳 Start off by getting breakfast at Caoba Farms. This was one of our favourite places in Antigua, as they often have live music and a farmer’s market. You can eat brunch, buy organic foods, walk around a butterfly sanctuary and wander around pretty flowers and plants.
Note that the Caoba Farms is either a 30-minute walk from the city centre or a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride.
🚶🏼♀️Next up, head back into Antigua city centre and walk around to admire the ancient ruins. This is also a good time to visit some of the churches, the main squares and the Antigua Guatemala Cathedral. Note that the Church & Convent of La Campaña de Jesus often has local events happening in front of it, so be sure to check there too!
🇬🇹 For your last afternoon in Antigua, do either a chocolate-making workshop, a coffee tour or take an authentic Guatemalan cooking class. All of these can be pre-booked online here!
🍺 And finally – you’ve reached your last evening in Antigua (unless you have decided to extend, which I’m sure is highly likely!). Head to the Antigua Brewing Company – our favourite rooftop bar in Antigua that has the most amazing views of the surrounding volcanoes. It also has a great atmosphere, with DJs, dancing and a relaxed vibe!
After you’ve had a few beers, go back inside for the speakeasy cocktail bar. Hidden in the corner of the Antigua Brewing Company, it can be easily missed.
You’ll walk through a red traditional telephone box, and into a small cocktail bar named Ulew, where there’s no menu. Just tell the barman what you like, and he’ll create a cocktail based on your preferences!
Alternate best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
If you have decided to extend your time in Antigua (I don’t blame you), here are some other incredible things you can do from the city.
- Learn Spanish. Antigua is one of the best places in Central America to take Spanish classes, especially as it is so cheap!
- Take a day trip out of Antigua (see the next section for ideas).
- Enjoy the endless amount of cafes, rooftop bars, restaurants and bars
- Soak up the atmosphere at the local street food market every Sunday evening, outside the Iglesia de La Merced.
- Or go even further and take a street food tour!
- Attend a local festival or parade. There are so many things going on in Antigua throughout the year. From Easter celebrations to Guatemala’s Independence Day in September, there’s always a party in Antigua!
- Take part in the Antigua Bar Crawl. A crazy backpacker night that ends in an abandoned swimming pool!
- Take a salsa class. You’re in Central America – why not?!
- Do an ATV tour. We often saw ATVs speeding through the city, which is always a fun day out!
Related post: Backpacking Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide + ROUTES
Additional day trips from Antigua, Guatemala
If you’re staying in Antigua for a prolonged period of time, I recommend doing one or two of the following day trips.
Lake Atitlan: just 2 hours from Antigua, the famous Lake Atitlan is one of the best places to visit on a day trip. ➡ Book a tour now!
Hobbitnango: Fancy unleashing your inner Lord of the Rings fandom? Whilst it may not be the original Hobbiton (which is in New Zealand), it’s a day trip from Antigua you won’t forget! ➡ Book a tour now!
Finca El Pilar: a hiking and birding mountain trail, just a short journey from Antigua. ➡ Book your tour now!
Chichicastenango and Panajachel tour: immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions of smaller Guatemalan towns ➡ Book a tour now!
Coffee and Mountain Bike tour: an amazing way to taste coffee from Antigua and see some of the surrounding country side! ➡ Book a tour now!
Related post: Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travellers? | 2 Weeks in Guatemala Route | Day Trips from Antigua
Other places to eat and drink in Antigua, Guatemala in 3 days
As a huge foodie myself, Antigua Guatemala was heaven. There are endless food options – from traditional Guatemalan cuisine to modern restaurants and rooftop cafes, authentic Mexican cuisines and delicious street food options. Here are some of the best Antigua food options for your 3 day visit:
RESTAURANTS
- Ta’cool
- Frida’s
- Cafe Sky
- Por Que No Bistro
- SKAL Antigua
- Giant Burger
- Hector’s Bistro
- Kombu Ramen
- La Bruja
CAFES + LUNCH
- El Bowl
- Union Cafe
- 12 Onzas (perfect for co-working)
- Fat Cat
- Cafe Estudio
- Cafe Boheme
- El Viejo
- Caoba Organic Farms
- Starbucks (one of the prettiest Starbucks I have ever seen)
BARS + PUBS
- Ulew
- Antigua Brewing Company
- SNUG (Irish bar)
- Reilly’s (Irish bar popular with backpackers)
- Vudu Bar
- Charleston Bar
- El Barrio
How to get to Antigua, Guatemala
Getting to Antigua depends on where you are coming from. Below I have explained how to get to Antigua from some of the most common places you may be coming from.
✈️ From Guatemala City airport to Antigua: The airport is only 60 minutes away from Antigua. When you land, I suggest either hiring a car, getting a shared shuttle, calling an Uber or lastly (and only if you’re really desperate) getting a public bus.
Public buses (aka chicken buses) can be hectic in Guatemala, and walking around Guatemala City to find the right bus isn’t ideal. But it can be done. If you want to get a camionetta (translation for the public buses), you will need to get to Guatemala City Centre.
🇬🇹 From Lake Atitlan to Antigua: For detailed information, check out my full travelling to and from Lake Atitlan and Antigua guide here.
🇬🇹 From Semuc Champey to Antigua: For detailed information, check out my full Semuc Champey to Antigua guide here.
🇸🇻 From Santa Ana, El Salvador to Antigua: For detailed information, check out my full Santa Ana from Antigua guide here.
Getting around Antigua, Guatemala
Getting around Antigua Guatemala is simple. Most of the city is entirely walkable, and you’ll only need to arrange transport if you are leaving town and going on a day trip.
We walked everywhere when in Antigua, and always racked up over 20,000 steps a day! But the views are so beautiful, and the streets are full of life – it’s all part of the Antigua experience.
Uber is also available in Antigua, as well as licensed taxis (which you will find pretty much everywhere). There are also tuk-tuks in Antigua, which are slightly more expensive than Uber, but worth it for the experience!
Where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala
There are so many amazing hostels to choose from in Antigua that it’s hard to pick the best one! However, after staying in some myself, and talking to other backpackers, we’ve found these are the most popular choices.
Remember: things change quickly when it comes to hostels! Make sure you always read the reviews first.
- Somos: a social hostel with amazing rooftop views
- Hostel Antigueno: another social hostel with a large communal garden
- The Purpose Hostel: beautiful rooftop views of all 3 volcanos
- Barbara’s Boutique Hostel: the most expensive hostel in Antigua, but also one of the most luxurious!
- Casi Casa: a ‘home away from home‘ kind of hostel with comfy beds, a roof terrace and homemade breakfast
- Tropicana: best for solo travellers wanting to party in Antigua!
Did you know I have a whole post dedicated to helping you backpack Guatemala? From routes, itineraries, what to do, where to eat, what not to miss and everything in between! It’s a one-stop backpacking Guatemala guide – don’t forget to check it out!
Where to go AFTER Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua may be at the start or the end of your Guatemalan trip. If you’re unsure about where to go next, I’ve listed some of the most popular options below.
🇬🇹 Lake Atitlan: If you’re staying in Guatemala, Lake Atitlan is just a 2-hour drive away. ➡ Full Antigua to Lake Atitlan guide here.
🇬🇹 El Paredon: Some backpackers go to the coast after Antigua, especially if you’d like to spend time surfing. You can book shuttles from Antigua to El Paredon easily in town or online here.
🇬🇹 Rio Dulce or Livingston: to experience rural Guatemala. ➡ Full Antigua to Rio Dulce and Livingston guide here.
🇬🇹 Semuc Champey: If you’re travelling north, there are plenty of shuttles that run from Antigua to Lanquin for Semuc Champey. ➡ Full Antigua to Semuc Champey guide here.
✈️ Fly out of the country from Guatemala City airport. If you would like to fly to a different country, Guatemala City is a short 60-minute drive from Antigua. You can also save time on a shuttle and fly direct from Guatemala City > Flores.
🇸🇻 El Salvador: backpacking Central America? The most popular option is to travel south and head to Santa Ana in El Salvador. 🫣 Not sure about visiting El Salvador? Check out my honest opinion on safety here!
🇭🇳 Honduras: we had some friends who went directly from Antigua to Honduras. Again, shuttles can be easily booked from the city centre in Antigua or pre-booked online here.
🇧🇿 Belize: Whilst it will take a while to get from Antigua to Belize, it can be done over 2 days. I do recommend stopping off in Flores, first though, otherwise that’s a hectic few days of travel! Your first stop from Guatemala in Belize will be San Ignacio.
3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: FAQs
1) Is 3 days enough in Antigua?
Three days is a great amount of time to spend in Antigua, but if you have more time, budget for more time! You can spend up to a week in Antigua and not run out of things to do. But if you’re short on time, 3 days is a great place to start.
We spent over three weeks in Antigua. I still wish we had more time to spend there, and I know it will be somewhere we return to, time and time again!
Related post: BEST Hostels In Antigua Guatemala: Read before you book!
2) Is Antigua worth going to?
Yes, yes and yes again! Antigua is one of the most beautiful parts of Guatemala. With its cobbled streets surrounded by volcanoes, colourful flowers lining the streets, bustling markets, modern restaurants and bars, a variety of cosy coffee shops and an abundance of things to do – it is an unmissable place to visit in Guatemala.
Plus, it has some of the best coffee in the country. You can’t ask for much more, right?! If I’m honest, we even preferred Antigua to Lake Atitlan! 🫣
Visiting Antigua during the month of September? Check out the Guatemala Independence Day festivities!
3) Is it safe to travel to Antigua Guatemala right now?
Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to Antigua Guatemala in 2023! There are many negative concerns about Antigua’s safety, but this is simply not true. Antigua is a safe place for tourists and backpackers to visit.
In fact, we found Antigua to be one of the safest areas for us to visit as backpackers! I would often walk solo around Antigua, both during the day and at night. It was our favourite place in the whole of Guatemala, and we would return in a heartbeat!
4) Is Antigua Guatemala walkable?
Yes, Antigua Guatemala is entirely walkable! You can walk around the city of Antigua easily (well, minus tripping over the bumpy cobbles), and see most of the inner-city sights in one day.
If you are getting fed up with the cobbles (they’re beautiful, but so hard to walk on!) you can grab a taxi or a tuk-tuk. There are blue licensed taxis in Antigua, as well as Uber. There are also tuk-tuks in Antigua, which are slightly more expensive than Uber, but worth it for the experience!
5) Is there Uber in Antigua, Guatemala?
Yes, there is Uber in Antigua, Guatemala. You can use Uber all over the city to get around, although most of Antigua is walkable.
6) Do you need a different SIM card to travel around Guatemala?
Yes, and I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in Guatemala We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards.
ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America
If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: In A Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know for a perfect 3 day Antigua, Guatemala itinerary. When you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently travelling around the world with my boyfriend (read more here!), creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
🇬🇹 Where to next?
- Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide
- Free Cerveza Hostel Review: Lake Atitlan Guatemala
- Antigua To Santa Ana El Salvador COMPLETE Guide!
- Antigua To Lake Atitlan Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
