Things to Do in Guatemala
50 curated spots from Guatemala itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Cerro de la Cruz
Take in the classic elevated view over Antigua and its volcano backdrop.
1h · Free
Antigua Cooking Class
Hands-on class making rellenitos and sauces (book via Ixchel).
3h · $35/person
Arco de Santa Catalina
Take photos and enjoy one of Antigua’s most recognizable architecture landmarks.
30m · Free
Biotopo del Quetzal
Birdwatching trail for rare quetzals; short wildlife hike.
2h · $8 entry
Biotopo del Quetzal Wildlife Reserve
Guided 1hr nature walk spotting quetzals/monkeys; moderate trail.
1h 30m · $10
Casa Popenoe Garden
Colonial courtyard with plants; quiet **nature**.
1h · $5
Casa Santo Domingo Museums
Explore the museum complex for art, archaeology, and beautiful colonial ruins within one property.
2h · $10-20
Catedral de San José
Visit the cathedral ruins and surviving sections to understand Antigua’s earthquake-shaped history.
45m · $1-5
Catedral Metropolitana
Historic neoclassical cathedral on the central plaza; step inside to admire the interior, altars, and quiet chapels.[2]
30m · Free or small donation
Chocolate Museum Tour
Taste and learn cacao making.
1h 30m · $10
ChocoMuseo Antigua
Learn about cacao, chocolate history, and local production in a compact, easy-to-enjoy museum stop.
1h 15m · $5-20
Cooking Class Antigua
Join a Guatemalan cooking class to prepare traditional dishes and learn about local ingredients and techniques.
3h · $45-80
Couple’s Spa & Massage at Spa Casa Santo Domingo
Book a mid-afternoon couples massage with access to the thermal circuit and relaxation areas in a serene, historic-monastery setting.
2h · $50-90 per person depending on treatment
Evening Walk around Palacio Nacional de la Cultura
At night the former presidential palace and surrounding buildings are beautifully lit, and the plaza is calmer but still active.[2]
45m · Free
Free Explore Calle de los Pasos
Stroll artisan shops and street art; 2-hour buffer.
2h · Free
Free Explore Mercado
Shop crafts, people-watch (15min walk).
2h · Free
Free Explore: Calle del Arco Area
Use free time to browse craft shops, small cafés, and camera-friendly side streets near the famous arch.
2h 30m · Free
Historic Zona 1 Core
Palacio Nacional (45min interiors), Catedral Metropolitana (15min), Mercado Central (25min), Paseo de la Sexta stroll; best angles from Plaza de la Constitución at sunset ~6PM.
2h 30m · $5-10 entry fees
Iglesia de La Merced
Visit the ornate yellow church and its baroque facade, one of Antigua’s most photogenic architectural highlights.
45m · $1-5
Iglesia y Convento de la Compañía de Jesús
Explore one of Antigua’s important ruined religious complexes for a strong dose of colonial architecture.
1h · $1-5
Jardines de Santo Domingo
Spend a slow hour in the gardens and courtyards for a calmer pace and a scenic break.
45m · Included / Free to stroll if accessible with site entry
Kaminaljuyu & Museo Miraflores
Start with guided ruins walk (1hr), then museum artifacts (2hr); golden hour ~5PM for pyramid shadows.
3h · $10 or Free entry + $20 private guide for group
La Merced Church & Ruins
Explore baroque facade and climb ruins for views.
1h 30m · $3.50
Lake Atitlán Villages Tour
Boat to Panajachel/Santa Catarina; spot birds.
6h · $40/person
Live Music & Nightlife at Café No Sé
Head to this legendary bar after your cooking class for mezcal or local drinks, dim candlelit vibes, and rotating live music sets (often acoustic, blues, or Latin).
2h · $10-20 depending on drinks
Mercado Central
A large, mostly underground market behind the cathedral with stalls selling crafts, textiles, flowers, and budget food comedores.[2]
1h 30m · Free to enter (shopping extra)
Mercado de Antigua
Browse produce, household goods, snacks, and local rhythm in one of the city’s most practical street-market experiences.
1h 30m · Free
Morning Yoga Session at Shakti Shala Antigua
Join an open-level morning vinyasa or gentle flow class in a tranquil studio; arrive 10–15 minutes early to settle in and rent a mat if needed.
1h 15m · $12-18
Museo Casa del Tejido Antiguo
Learn about traditional textiles and weaving practices that are central to Guatemalan craft culture.
1h 30m · $5-15
Museo de Arte Colonial
See religious and colonial-era art that helps explain Antigua’s cultural history.
1h 15m · $5-10Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Café Condesa
Enjoy a relaxed dinner with local and international dishes; try a hearty bowl or grilled entrée.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
El Portalón Lanquín
Río-cooked fish and rice near pools.
1h · $14-24 per person
La Fonda de la Calle Real
Order a traditional Guatemalan dinner in a classic setting with strong local character.
1h 30m · $18-35 per person
Angie’s Kitchen
Homey stews and plantains.
1h 15m · $11-16 per person
Artisana Antigua
Coffee, pastries, and breakfast plates make this a low-effort start before a market day.
50m · $7-14 per person
Bagel Barn
Bagels with local jams and coffee.
45m · $6-9 per person
Bistrot Cinq
End with a polished dinner that can feel a little celebratory without being overly formal.
1h 30m · $25-45 per person
Café Barista Paseo Cayalá
Well-known Guatemalan coffee chain with a branch in Cayalá, serving espresso drinks and light breakfast options.
1h · $5-9 per person
Café de la Plaza
Modern spot near Plaza de la Constitución; order pepián (spicy meat stew) or kak'ik soup with fresh tortillas.
1h · $15-25 per person
Café Despierto
Hip café in the revitalized 4 Grados Norte area, with good coffee, pastries, and simple breakfast plates.
1h 15m · $6-10 per person
Cafe Estudio
Wrap up with a quiet dinner and a final coffee or dessert in the center of town.
1h 15m · $15-28 per person
Café León
Classic Guatemalan café near the historic center serving eggs, beans, plantains, and good coffee in a simple, old-school setting.
1h · $5-8 per person
Café No Sé
Have a relaxed late breakfast or brunch before a neighborhood wander and free time.
1h · $8-16 per person
Café Ritual
Have a final easy breakfast with coffee and pastries before a last day of reflection and shopping.
1h · $7-14 per person
Café Sky
Start with eggs, coffee, and fruit while enjoying rooftop views over Antigua’s rooftops and volcanoes.
1h · $8-15 per person
Calle Real Market Stalls
Fresh tortillas and beans from vendors.
45m · $5-8 per person
Campfire Dinner
Agency-provided beans, rice, hot drinks.
1h · Included
Churros / street snacks near Plaza de la Constitución
Street vendors (evenings and weekends) selling churros, atol, and other sweet or savory snacks around the main square.[2]
30m · $2-4 per person
Comedor Típico Pacaya
Post-hike pepián or grilled meats.
1h · $8-12 per person
Comedores inside Mercado Central
Simple counters inside Mercado Central serving set menus with soups, stews, tortillas, and juices at very low prices.[2]
45m · $4-7 per person