Antigua, Guatemala: 5 Essential Travel Tips
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Often named as the most beautiful colonial town in the world, Antigua is deserving of a place in every Guatemala itinerary. Are you planning on traveling to Antigua independently? In this post, I share the essential things to consider when planning your visit to Antigua, Guatemala.
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<3 Dominique
Why visit Antigua, Guatemala?
UNESCO designated Antigua as a World Heritage Site because it is the best-preserved Spanish colonial town in Central America. Antigua served as the capital of Guatemala from 1543 to 1773. After a devastating earthquake destroyed much of the city in 1773, officials decided to move the capital to what we now know as Ciudad de Guatemala (Guatemala City). The Spanish crown ordered residents to abandon Antigua, though not everyone left the town.
At its peak in the 1770s, Antigua had a population of 65,000. Although it experienced significant population growth since the 1773 earthquake, Antigua had only ever reached half that number. Recurring earthquakes and government corruption severely stunted the recovery of Antigua. Since 1773, rebuilding was limited to what was absolutely necessary to the community.
Today, the beauty of Antigua can be attributed to its restored colonial buildings which stand next to picturesque ruins that nature has claimed over time. In combination with three volcanoes looming in its backdrop, Antigua truly is one of the most beautiful towns in the Americas. Besides being pretty, Antigua has a well-developed infrastructure for tourism. It is quite centrally located, making it a great base for visiting other tourist areas in Guatemala and Central America. So (it seems) all roads in Guatemala lead to Antigua.
Best time to go
Between November to March, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and clear, sunny days are almost guaranteed. This season is probably the busiest (and most expensive) time to visit Antigua as it coincides with Semana Santa festivities for which the town is famous for. This time also coincides with Day of the Dead activities. The villages of Santiago and Sumpango near Antigua construct enormous kites as part of their Day of the Dead celebrations. The kites are then flown on November 1st and 2nd as part of Festival de Barriletes (Festival of Kites). The kites serve as messages of love that rise toward the heavens and deceased loved ones.
If you prefer to travel during the shoulder or low season, any time between April to October would be a good time to visit. Guatemala is known as the Land of Eternal Spring, after all.
Related read – Semuc Champey: The Ultimate Solo Traveler’s Guide
How to get there
Under the perfect conditions, it is possible to reach Antigua from the Guatemala City airport in 45 minutes. But Guatemala City traffic being what it is, I have had trips where this ride took two hours.
Getting to Antigua from the Guatemala City airport is easy. From arrivals, before turning left to exit the airport, you will see stands to your right offering transportation. For the safest and most affordable option, you can get a ticket to a shuttle to Antigua.
Depending on your negotiation skills, expect the shuttle to cost around 20 USD per person. A private shuttle (for up to four people) would cost 60 USD.
For peace of mind, you can prebook your private ride from La Aurora airport to Antigua here.
What to pack
As a Canadian, I was shocked at how chilly the mornings and evenings at Antigua can be. The key to dressing in Antigua is to dress in layers. It doesn’t get too hot or too cold there. All the comforts of a city can be easily found in Antigua, so this packing list won’t be so intensive.
For your comfort, I recommend bringing the following with you:
- Comfortable shoes. Antigua is famous for its cobblestone streets. I was in Antigua during the rainy season and the cobblestones can get pretty slick when wet. Make sure to bring footwear that will help with stability.
- Jacket. As mentioned above, mornings and evenings at Antigua can get pretty chilly. I found the region got the kind of chill that seeps to your bones during the rainy season. Make sure to pack a jacket for your trip to Antigua.
- Jeans. As mentioned above, the key to dressing in Antigua is to dress in layers. People tend to dress very casually in Antigua, so jeans can also be worn to trendier establishments. In general, I would never go to Central America without packing a good pair of jeans.
Where to stay
I have consolidated the best-rated hotels in Antigua below.
- For budget travelers, check out Alana Hotel by ISH or The Purpose Hostel.
- If you have more of a mid-ranged budget, check out Casa Noble Hotel or Hotel Candelaria Antigua.
- For a more luxurious experience, check out El Convento Boutique Hotel or Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo.
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Do you have any essential travel tips for how to get to Antigua, Guatemala? Do you have any questions for your upcoming trip? Please share them in the comments below!
