9 Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala Beyond Walking Tours and Volcano Hikes

I have been in Guatemala for nearly eight months throughout my travels, mostly living in Quetzaltenango or 'Xela', and Antigua has been a regular stop for me. Nearly every time I leave Guatemala, I pass through. It has become a place of reflection, learning and... finding news things to do each time.

As you will probably know by now, Antigua is famous for its cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and stunning volcano views. Most visitors explore the city on foot through walking tours or climb Acatenango and Fuego. But if you are looking for something different, in this post I share nine things to do in Antigua that go beyond the usual walking tours and volcano hikes.

Some of these you can do by yourself, such as visiting the local market or visiting the churches, but become a lot more interesting if you find a local guide or look up information online first. Others are tours with local guides, such as doing one of the coffee tours in Antigua or the jade carving workshop. As someone promoting slow travel, these activities are perfect for when you have particular historical, cultural, or culinary interests and want to explore a place and culture at your own pace.

Some of the experiences below I have already done, others I have gotten recommended and are still on my list for the next time I come back. So, if you decide to do any of them, please let me know what you thought! And if you want to know more about traveling in Guatemala in general, I have recently posted a full Guatemala travel guide!

1. Join a Local Cooking Workshop

Cooking workshops are some of my favourite ways to explore a country and get to know a local cuisine. The curries I was taught how to make in Udaipur, India in 2023, I still prepare weekly.

Guatemalan cuisine is rich and diverse, with flavors shaped by Indigenous Maya and Spanish influences. Taking a local cooking workshop lets you learn how to prepare traditional dishes like pepián, jocón, kak'ik soup, as well as vegetarian options.

The workshop linked above also includes a visit to the local market to pick fresh ingredients, giving you insight into daily life and food culture.

This hands-on experience is perfect for food lovers who want to bring a taste of Guatemala home and if this is your first experience in Guatemala, visiting the market with a local is a great way to get used to the market dynamics so that it becomes easy to get your produce and fruits there by yourself during the rest of your trip!

2. Explore the Local Markets

There are various markets in Antigua that are worth visiting and most of them are nearby each other. Antigua’s Central Market has sections for foods where you can get fresh produce and fruits and an artisanal section where people sell textiles and handmade crafts. If you are thinking about buying Mayan textiles, please read my post on Maya weaving practices and how to find ethical vendors and paying the right price.

There is also an indoor artisan market a bit closer to the city center: Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen. This place is definitely more targeted towards tourists, but also a really good place to get souvenirs. Prices are fixed, so you do not have to worry about haggling.

If you walk to the bag and cross the indoor terrace, you will find an altar for Maximón (pronounced as maa-shee-mohn), also known as the 'drinking smoking god'. While around lake Atitlán, the location of this Tz'utujil Maya God changes periodically, this one in Antigua stays in the same place.

3. Do one of the Coffee Tours in Antigua

If you have been on my blog before, you know that I often publish cafe guides for locations. I have done so for Xela in Guatemala, but also Máncora, Peru and Salvador, Brazil. This is because I both love cafes - as a digital nomad they give me an office space and inspiration - and because I love good coffee.

Guatemala is renowned for its high-quality coffee, primarily due to its unique geography and climate, which create ideal conditions for coffee cultivation. The country’s diverse microclimates, volcanic soil, and high altitudes contribute to the distinct flavor profiles of its coffee beans, making them highly sought after in international markets. Guatemala exports its coffee to various countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, and Japan, where it is appreciated for its rich, full-bodied taste and complex acidity.

Doing a coffee tour in Antigua or Guatemala in general is an insightful and fun activity that will have you look for Guatemalan coffee beans wherever you are in the world. Plus, you will realize that coffee from Guatemala is an excellent souvenir if this your only or last country on your trip - you don't want to be carrying extra weight in coffee in a backpack for months.

This coffee tour on a coffee farm near Antigua is available in Spanish and English, done by a local guide, and highly rated by participants. If you have a higher budget and are looking for a personalized tour or one that combines coffee and cacao, for example, I recommend contacting Etnica Travel. I have worked with them on a documentary before and they are wonderful.

4. Explore the Ruins around and in Antigua

Beyond the city center, Antigua has several fascinating ruins worth visiting. I only visited these on my last visit to Antigua when my friend and tour guide Blaise shared with me several histories of Guatemala that I had no idea about.

The Iglesia y Convento de las Capuchinas and La Recolección ruins offer a glimpse into the colonial past and the impact of earthquakes on the city. Primarly the latter, La Recolección, is impressive as it still has entire pieces of wall on the floors.

There have been various impactful earthquakes but the most catastrophic one was in 1773. The earthquake of 7.5 magnitude left the city so destroyed that the Spanish Crown ordered the capital to be moved to modern-day Guatemala City in 1776. Somehow, Antigua's ruins are not so crowded by visitors and they thus provide peaceful spots to take in the energy and history of these places.

5. Visit Antigua’s Historic Churches

Antigua is home to many beautiful churches with rich histories and impressive architecture. I learned about some of the stories of these churches from my friend Blaise. I for example had no idea that most churches are now empty because its decorations have been moved to Guatemala city several centuries back...

La Merced Church is one of the most decorated churches still, particularly on the outside. You can admire its yellow facade and baroque style as well as explore inside and climb up to get a good view of the city. The San José Cathedral and Convento Santa Clara also offer stunning interiors and peaceful courtyards. These sites provide insight into the city’s religious heritage and artistic traditions.

I recommend visiting the churches after a walking tour, so that you look at the churches with more knowledge. Some churches for example have large patios or verandas in the front to accomodate the ceremonies of Maya Indigenous people. Churches were built on Maya sacred sites in an attempt to get them to conform to Christian religion, but many Maya people wanted to keep practicing their rituals. They were not allowed to do so inside the church, but instead could do so in the front. Some churches in Guatemala still have this dynamic.

Another interesting fact that I just referred to about the churches is that while they are impressive and stunning from the outside, the insides are often empty. This is because its interior statues and decoration have been moved to churches in Guatemala City after the devastating eartquake of 1773 that destroyed the whole of Antigua, as I described above.

6. Take a Chickenbus for City-Hopping

For an authentic local experience, hop on a so-called chicken bus (or well, called

'camionette' by locals) and explore nearby towns. These colorful repurposed school buses connect Antigua to places like Jocotenango, Santa María de Jesús, and San Juan del Obispo. Each town has its own charm, markets, and crafts. When I first arrived to Antigua, I took a guided tour to San Juan del Obispo and some other towns with Luis which included visiting a artesanal cacao factory and jade museum.

Riding a chicken bus is an adventure in itself and a budget-friendly way to see more of the region. For me, the tour with Luis was also the perfect opportunity for me to get familiar with the chickenbuses that I took by myself many times after.

7. Relax at a Nearby Pool

After days of exploring or upon just coming back from Acatenango and Fuego, a refreshing break at a nearby pool can be a great way to unwind. Several hotels and hostels have pools for guests, such as Casi Casa, or offer day passes.

But if you are looking for a cheaper and much more local option then to go to La Piscina Municipal from Municipalidad de Ciudad Vieja. A day ticket costs 10 QT and opening hours are from 9am to 4pm monday to sunday. This is a perfect option for travelers who want to relax without leaving the area.

8. Try a Jade Carving Workshop

If you know me from Máncora, you know I love stones and particularly handmade jewelry with stones in them. In Antigua, you can carve your own stone which you can later use in jewelry!

Jade has been treasured in Guatemala since ancient times. In Antigua, you can join a jade carving workshop where local artisans teach you how to shape and polish a Jade stone. It’s a unique chance to connect with Mayan heritage and create your own souvenir.

The workshop includes a guide through a small museum where you can ask all your questions and learn about Jade’s cultural significance and its role in Guatemalan history.

8. Climb Cerro de la Cruz for Panoramic Views

Cerro de la Cruz is a small hill just outside Antigua that offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes. The hike is short but steep, making it accessible for most visitors. At the top, you’ll find a large cross and plenty of spots to take photos or simply enjoy the scenery.

This hike is also the perfect opportunity for when you have just arrived to Antigua and are nervous about the altitude of the Acatenango and Fuego hike or the climb to Pacaya volcano. When Cerro de la Cruz goes well, that means you will probably also manage the volcano hikes. For my tips on Acatenango and Fuego, read my other blogpost!

If you don't want to do a hike closer to the city, look up Mirador Pérez or El Mirador del Abuelo.

9. Visit Museo Casa Santo Domingo

Perched on a hill, the Museo Casa Santo Domingo is a fantastic biographical museum that covers the art and life of multi-talented artist Efraín Recinos. It does not matter if you have never heard of him before, this museum showcases his wide range of works including photography of his life.

The museum is half inside and half outside and if it is not a cloudy day — like it was when I visited — the gardens will offer a beautiful view of the city. Oh and the museum is free!

You only have to pay parking costs if you come by car or your taxi ride up and down. In the case of the latter, consider asking the driver to stay for a fixed price (and in this case you might have to pay the parking ticket price) as it might be more expensive to order a new one to go down after your visit.

Final Thoughts on Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the places that I have called home throughout my travels — I have spent nearly eight months there in total. While I have mostly lived in Xela, Antigua is always a special place for me. It was the first place where I landed after booking my one-way ticket out of the Netherlands in 2023 and it is a place where I keep coming back before arriving and leaving the country again, meaning it is a place of reflections and new beginnings for me.

While most people know Antigua for its access to volcanoes Acatenango and Fuego, I hope these nine experiences have inspired you and show that Antigua has a lot to offer beyond colorful buildings and volcano hikes. Whether you want to learn a new skill, explore historical ruins, or relax with a view, there’s something for every traveler.

For those planning a longer stay or a slow travel itinerary, these activities provide meaningful ways to connect with the culture and landscape. If you want to book any of these experiences, check out Get Your Guide and for tours and workshops with local guides. Adding these activities to your itinerary will make your visit to Antigua more authentic for sure!

I am soon uploading three themed 3-week itineraries — for backpackers, hikers, and the ones interested in history and culture. Subscribe to my newsletter to get notified when they are online!

Thank you for reading and if you have any other questions or information that I missed that could help fellow travelers, please let me know via Instagram. Enjoy your travels - both inward and outward!