What To Wear In Antigua Guatemala (That Isn’t Ugly) 2023
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Backpacking Central America and want to know what to wear in Antigua Guatemala? Antigua is still one of my favourite places to visit in Guatemala, and it’s a city I’ll return to time and time again, especially as a digital nomad.
Knowing what to wear and what to pack for Antigua puts your mind at ease when planning the rest of your trip. If you get the packing out of the way, you can spend more time looking at what to do, what to eat and how to experience the city in the best way possible.
So, let’s get down to what to wear and pack in Antigua Guatemala.
NOTE: This is a guide detailing what to wear in Antigua Guatemala, but it can also be used as a guide for the rest of the country. This can be used as a general Guatemala packing list.
Other Guatemala posts:
- Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide
- 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala
- 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary
- 2 Weeks In Guatemala: Perfect Itinerary
What To Wear In Antigua Guatemala: A Summary
Guatemala is a Catholic country, but unless you are following the dress of a religion yourself, you don’t need to worry about dressing any differently or covering up in any kind of way. However, being respectful in cities like Antigua is a must.
Think and pack everything you would normally wear in a warm city – dresses, jeans, leggings, shorts, trainers, sandals…without any unnecessary skin showing.
Obviously, Guatemala is a lot hotter and more humid than the UK and a lot of the US, so you need to pack loose and cool clothing. But having a lot of skin on show can attract unwanted attention, so be sure to cover up a little.
Antigua in general is a warm and mild city to be in. The days are usually sunny, with an average of 16°C – 26°C most of the year. Evenings are a little cooler, but not by much.
When it rains in Antigua, the downpours are short and it’s still warm (so don’t pack overly large coats, as you’ll just overheat).
If you’re going to head down to the Guatemalan coast, that’s where you’ll get your 30°C+ temperatures. That’s where you’ll need your bikini and suncream, rather than in a city like Antigua.
In summary, you will need clothes such as:
- Day dresses
- T-shirts, tank tops, vests
- Jeans/shorts
- Light cardigans or jumpers (sweaters)
- Trainers or sandals, depending on your preference – but make sure they’re comfortable!
- Leggings
- Sportswear
- Hats, sunglasses and any preferable jewellery
- Anything you would typically wear, without unnecessary skin showing.
You WON’T need:
- Heels, even if you’re going out for the evening. The streets are cobbled and uneven, and heels are the last thing you will want to wear.
- Heavy coats or jackets
- Evening, smart clothes or shoes. You can wear the same as what you do during the day, especially as a backpacker.
- Anything that needs dry-cleaning (but if you’re a backpacker like me, this wouldn’t even cross your mind!)
Related post: Pacaya VS Acatenango: Which Volcano Hike Is Best? | 15 BEST Day Trips From Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala Weather
Depending on the time of year you are visiting Antigua Guatemala, your packing list may change. I’ve rounded up the best tips so you’re able to pack easily and efficiently.
- January-April: These months tend to be cooler, with an average temperature of 12-20°C (53-68°F), rising to 27°C (80°F) in April. The skies are the clearest from January to March, with little rain. Daytimes are mild, and evenings get a little chillier. There is little chance of rain before March, but if there are showers, they are short and infrequent, and it is still warm.
- May-September: This is regarded as the ‘wet season’, and September has the most rainfall. Average temperatures are between 16°C and 24°C (60°F-75°F). Again, it’s warm during the day, but it may feel slightly chillier in the evenings.
- October-December: The dry season is making a comeback, and you’ll experience little rain (around 2-9 days per month). Days are warm and sunny, with mild evenings. Average temperatures are 15°C-23°C (59°F-73°F) with little to no clouds.
Temperatures are relatively stable throughout the year in Antigua Guatemala, with no extreme lows or highs. When we visited in February and March, it was warm and sunny throughout the day, and a little cooler at night.
🌋 Want to do a volcano hike in Antigua? Visit during the dry season (October – March) for the best chance of clear visibility.
Related posts: Best time to visit Guatemala | Pacaya vs Acatenango Volcano Hike
What to wear in Antigua Guatemala during the day
As the temperature will be mild, clothing during the day in Antigua can be whatever you feel comfortable in. Women tend to wear dresses, leggings, jeans or shorts, and men wear jeans or shorts. You may also want to wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
When it rains in Antigua (generally between May-September), it will still be warm, so a heavy coat is not necessary. Packing a light jacket or raincoat is ideal, which can also be used in different parts of Central or South America if you’re continuing your backpacking route.
TOP TIP: You may want one outfit to wear in the evening bars that are a little nicer than your everyday backpacking clothes. This isn’t necessary, but just an additional consideration!
Related post: Learning Spanish in Antigua: The BEST Spanish Schools!
What to wear in Antigua Guatemala on tours and trips
Depending on the types of tours you want to do in Antigua Guatemala, you may need to pack different clothing. For example, there is a tour that goes from Antigua to Lake Atitlan, so you may want to pack a bikini, swimming trunks and a hat to protect you from the sun.
Most tours will tell you if you need to take anything specific, but in general, it will be the same clothing that you’d wear in Antigua Guatemala or already have in your backpack.
If you’re going into the mountains or out of the city on an ATV coffee tour or to Hobbitenango, the mosquitoes can get pretty bad. Take bug spray and wear long sleeves if possible.
🌋 Volcano tours need specific clothing. Skip to the next section for more information!
Related post: 15 BEST Day Trips From Antigua, Guatemala | 15 Best Coffee Shops In Antigua Guatemala (+ Digital Nomad Spots)
What to wear in Antigua Guatemala for volcano hiking
Planning on hiking the volcanoes in Antigua? Yay! This is absolutely one of the best bucket list experiences when backpacking Central America, and I couldn’t recommend hiking either Pacaya or Acatenango enough.
I have detailed guides on both Acantenango (the ‘fire’ volcano) and Pacaya (the ‘easier’ yet still epic volcano) and even a guide on comparing the difficulty of the two volcanoes. All of these guides have detailed packing lists, so be sure to read them before booking your trip.
If you do not have suitable clothing for the volcano hikes in Antigua, you can either rent equipment from Ox Expeditions or buy it from the second-hand market. The second-hand market is packed full of mountain wear, and we were able to buy all of our hiking equipment here. It’s cheap, too!
Related post: Pacaya Volcano Hike Difficulty: Complete Guide | Acatenango Hike Difficulty: COMPLETE Guide
What to wear in Antigua Guatemala in the evening
Formal wear is not needed in Antigua Guatemala, for men or women, although I did find it was a little more dressy than Oaxaca in Mexico, which is a city similar to Antigua.
If you’re heading out in the evening in Antigua, your regular dress, jeans, leggings or shorts will do. This includes bars and nightclubs. There may be some people wearing heels, but it’s rare. Especially as the cobbles in Antigua are quite hard to walk on!
What shoes to wear in Antigua Guatemala
One of the worst parts about Antigua was the cobbled streets. I know they look pretty, but my gosh they are so hard to walk on! I found I was avoiding wearing anything but trainers towards the end of my trip, as the ground was just so bumpy and uneven.
However, you can wear any shoes of your preference in Antigua, but I highly recommend they’re comfortable because of the cobbles. You’ll also be doing a lot of walking (as it’s a completely walkable city), so make sure you’re comfortable.
Make sure you have at least one pair of trainers and comfortable flip-flops/sandals for hotter temperatures.
Related post: Learning Spanish in Antigua: The BEST Spanish Schools!
Do I need a hat in Antigua Guatemala?
If you are just visiting Antigua, and not a coastal town like El Paredon, I wouldn’t say a hat is necessary. But this depends on how likely you are to burn and your skin type. If in doubt, you can easily buy a hat in Antigua Guatemala.
Antigua is surrounded by volcanoes so there’s often a cooler breeze in the air. However, if you leave the city on a tour, you may want a hat to avoid sunburn or sunstroke.
Can I buy clothes in Antigua Guatemala?
Yes, you can buy clothes in Antigua Guatemala, but there are not any large shopping malls or stores larger than boutiques. I actually struggled a little when it came to buying new clothes in Antigua unless it was mountain wear for the volcanoes in the second-hand market.
There are small, independent boutiques, but they only stock sizes in particularly small sizes (similar to all of Central America!) and can be quite expensive. If you need new clothes, you are best to get an Uber to the larger shopping malls in Guatemala City.
Related post: 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary | 2 Weeks In Guatemala: Perfect Itinerary
What do locals wear in Antigua Guatemala?
Locals tend to wear clothes similar to tourists, however, some local men may wear long trousers and shirts. Local women often wear a blouse and skirt, a dress, long trousers or capris. If visiting the church, locals will dress respectfully in long dresses and shawls. Both men and women in Antigua Guatemala will wear jeans.
As there are still many Mayans living in Guatemala, the national dress is indigenous Mayan clothing. You will see many women and children dressed in national dress all over Guatemala. It typically consists of colourful blouses (a huipil), and a skirt (corte) secured with a rope belt.
Related post: Guatemala Independence Day: How To Celebrate Respectfully
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 is Antigua Guatemala? (+ Map)
Antigua Guatemala is in the central highlands of the country. It is around a 60-minute drive from Guatemala City, the capital.
Most backpackers visit Antigua for authentic Guatemalan cuisine, a wide range of restaurants and bars and of course, a fun and lively nightlife scene. Antigua is also the base for all of the main volcano hikes in Guatemala.
Related post: BEST Hostels In Antigua Guatemala: Read before you book!
What To Wear In Antigua Guatemala: FAQs
1) Can I wear shorts in Antigua Guatemala?
Yes, you can wear shorts in Antigua Guatemala. Many locals will wear long and loose trousers, but this does not mean you have to. Shorts are an acceptable form of clothing in Antigua Guatemala.
2) What should I pack for Antigua?
Pack for Antigua as you would for any other city, but just with fewer ‘going out’ or formal clothes. You can dress casually even in restaurants and bars in Antigua. Heels are not needed, especially with the uneven cobbled streets!
3) What should tourists wear in Guatemala?
Guatemala is a Catholic country, but unless you are following the dress of a religion yourself, you don’t need to worry about dressing any differently or covering up in any kind of way. However, being respectful in cities like Antigua is a must.
Think everything you would normally wear – dresses, jeans, leggings, shorts, trainers, sandals…without any unnecessary skin showing. Obviously, Guatemala is a lot hotter and more humid than the UK and a lot of the US, so you need to pack for warm weather. But be respectful!
4) Is Antigua Guatemala safe for female travellers?
Yes! Antigua is one of the safest cities in Guatemala for solo female travellers. Whenever I read of another tourist avoiding Guatemala due to safety concerns, I feel so sad. It’s such a wonderful and safe city for all types of tourists, and is somewhere I even felt safe walking around at night!
Worried about safety in Guatemala? Check out my complete post about staying safe in Guatemala as a solo female traveller.
5) What are the best things to do in Antigua Guatemala?
If you’re looking for some bucket-list experiences, check out some of the following bucket-list tours and day trips from Antigua Guatemala!
🌋 Hiking Pacaya or Acatenango Volcano ➡ check prices and availability here
☕️ Coffee tour in the mountains ➡ check prices and availability here
🚤 Lake Atitlan cruise and sightseeing tour ➡ check prices and availability here
🍫 Bean-to-bar chocolate making workshop ➡ check prices and availability here
🚶🏼♂️Informational walking tour of Antigua ➡ check prices and availability here
🇬🇹 Chichicastenango and Iximche Pyramids ➡ check prices and availability here
Related post: Best Things To Do In Antigua In 3 Days | Guatemala Independence Day: September
6) Is Antigua Guatemala worth it?
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! 🫣
Related post: Best Things To Do In Antigua In 3 Days | Is Guatemala Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
7) 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.
🇬🇹 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.
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!
What to wear in Antigua Guatemala: In a Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about what to wear in Antigua Guatemala. 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?
- 2 Weeks In Guatemala: Perfect Itinerary
- Best Time to Visit Guatemala: Complete Guide
- 3 Days in Antigua Guatemala: The Perfect Itinerary
- 15 BEST Day Trips From Antigua, Guatemala
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).
