A Majestic Colonial City (Antigua, Guatemala)

Arrival

After spending two nights enjoying the beauty of Lanquin, I set off on a nine-hour shuttle bus journey to the majestic city of Antigua.

Getting off the bus in Antigua felt a bit strange. I had arrived at a place I had never been before, and usually, I rely on my phone to navigate. However, this time, my phone wasn’t working. So, I decided to follow the crowd while admiring the city’s astonishing Spanish colonial architecture.

I soon found myself in the town square and figured I should search for a coffee shop to obtain wifi service for my tablet. Luckily, I found a coffee shop across the street.

After downing a delicious Guatemalan espresso shot and receiving directions, I headed to my Airbnb Rental, located a couple of blocks away.

Airbnb

I reserved a room in a charming home that was centrally located for an affordable price. I also admired the host’s mission to help low-income Guatemalan children and wanted to contribute to the cause.

As I opened the entrance door, I was greeted by the “Woofs” of a charming little dog named Luna, who immediately won my heart. I then headed to my small but cozy and comfortable booked room to rest and prepare for my exploration here.

It was the first time I had stayed at a place where the bathroom and shower were shared. I took it as a little challenge to get outside my comfort zone.

Walking City Tour

The city tour starts in Antigua’s central plaza. I was fortunate to have a solo tour with an excellent tour guide named Roderico Lopez. The tour took approximately 3.5 hours and was walked at a leisurely pace.

After an introduction to the city’s origins, Roderico took me to City Hall, which overlooks the beautiful Central Park and Agua Volcano (See featured image).

We then headed to the San Jose Cathedral, which was once part of the La Antigua Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago de Los Caballeros de Guatemala Ruins, before a powerful earthquake destroyed most of it.

The tour included visits to historical and religious sites, such as the Iglesia San Francisco, the Convento de la Concepción, and the Casa Santo Domingo. Interestingly, the latter is a former convent that was largely destroyed by a powerful earthquake and has since been transformed into a luxurious hotel and museum.

Roderico also took me to the Jade Maya Jewelry Shop, where I received a lecture about the history and manufacturing of jade jewelry.

Lastly, we headed to Mercado de Artesanías Kaqchikel for affordable souvenir shopping.

Holy Week Processions

One of the biggest surprises during my visit was the Holy Week procession celebration. Unbeknownst to me, Antigua was holding a procession on the Sunday I was there. One hundred twenty devoted men carried a four-ton wooden float adorned with religious sculptures through the streets of Antigua, stepping on beautifully designed carpets made of colored sawdust, leaves, and flowers.

Following closely behind them was a marching band and a group of devoted women carrying a smaller yet equally impressive wooden float.

Cerro de la Cruz

There are two ways to reach Cerro de la Cruz: you can either hike up for 20 minutes or take an inexpensive five-minute tuk-tuk ride. I chose the latter since I had already been walking for a while. At the top, I discovered green areas, street vendors, bleacher seating, and a large cross overlooking Antigua.

Restaurants

Antigua’s restaurant scene is exceptional, boasting numerous establishments that offer charming and unique dining experiences. I explored a variety of options, including family-owned, fast-food, and upscale restaurants.

Restaurante Fridas

This is a colorful, modernly designed restaurant that delivers a lively atmosphere. The service was outstanding, and the food and drinks were delicious. I had a wonderful time dining here; however, the price was a bit steep due to its central location.

Cafe Cafe Guatemala

This restaurant had a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere. It features a large skylight window and multiple hanging plants, ideal for a semi-outdoor experience for breakfast or brunch. Their avocado toasts and smoothies were excellent. Their Americano coffee was the highlight here, delivering an exceptional Guatemalan coffee experience.

Picasso Café

Picasso Café provides a home-like restaurant experience. It felt as if the chef warmly invited me to a delicious meal at his house. This place was not luxurious by any means, but it was comfortable despite being a bit warm inside.

I ordered a delightful “Lomito con champiñones” (tenderloin steak with mushrooms). The ingredients were of top quality, and the steak melted in my mouth with every bite. The restaurant’s name accurately reflected the dining experience, as the chef seemed to create a work of art in the kitchen.

Las Antorchas

My tour guide recommended this traditional Spanish colonial-style restaurant. The steak with rice, beans, and fried banana plate I ordered was delicious. The experience was enhanced by eating it in a beautiful courtyard. The recommendation did not disappoint, but it was on the pricier side.

McDonald’s Antigua

Most people would wonder why anyone would go to an American fast-food chain restaurant in another country when they can eat something locally. Generally, this would make sense; however, fast-food restaurants and coffee shops in Antigua differ significantly.

McDonald’s in Antigua features an enchanting colonial design with a large courtyard that attracts people of all ages. The food quality here is also superior to McDonald’s in the United States. I enjoyed my chicken burger so much that I ordered it more than once.

Starbucks Antigua

Starbucks Antigua’s charm lies in its unique, relaxing, and social vibe, delivered by its impressive Spanish colonial architecture.

Here, its elegant design, majestic courtyard, and lush greenery create the perfect atmosphere for getting together with friends, reading a book, or reflecting on life.

This location also features rooms with comfortable leather seats and sofas, as well as a conference room for group work, making it an ideal setting for collaborative projects.

Salsa & Bachata Classes

One evening, as I was walking through the cobblestone streets, I came across a bar offering a free bachata class to the public. I didn’t hesitate and immediately joined in to continue my bachata practice while traveling.

As I returned to my Airbnb rental, I noticed an advertisement for a free salsa dancing class at the Maya Papaya hostel. I then realized that there was a big Latin dancing scene in Antigua. I attended the class and had a great time, and also went dancing with another traveler at Las Palmas, where a live band played music.

Conclusion

Antigua is one of the most fun cities I’ve ever visited. Whether you’re seeking historical exploration, a relaxing stay at a luxurious Spanish colonial hotel, an engaging activity like Latin dancing, or a cultural immersion in Guatemala, Antigua has it all.

My recommendation is to spend at least three nights here, or a bit longer, if you plan to hike Acatenango Volcano. But, most importantly, be prepared to fall in love with the majestic city of Antigua.