Stay a while in Antigua — Someday Sherpa

Antigua will captivate you. The historic, Spanish inspired town is a delightful contradiction where the Mayan traditions and simple life compete with a bustling cosmopolitan vibe.

Chances are, if you’ve googled Guatemala, you’ll have been served up images of Antigua. It’s postcard worthy with its colourful buildings, cobblestone streets and 3 protective volcanos to frame the shot. The town has so much going on, you’ll understand why people stop here for 2 days but stay for months.

Wandering around the cobblestone streets, it’s easy to miss all that lies hidden within the courtyards of the historic facades. Endless small bars, courtyard restaurants and boutique shops lie within - oh my!

After dark, it just gets better. With the small bar scene pumping, there’s no shortage of options. And for those with an appetite for ‘just one more’, you’ll find plenty of invitations to the illegal after parties once the bars close at 1am.

Tempting as it is to put your party pants on every night, you’ll want to explore the great outdoors and that requires a clear head and a thirst for adventure.

Antigua is the launch pad for getting a front row view of an erupting volcano. *Trip highlight alert* You can do an overnight hike of Acatenango to watch its neighbouring volcano Fuego blow, or simply catch a glimpse from a rooftop terrace. Read more about our epic climb here.

We stayed for a week but could have stayed for much, much longer.

DO

Wander the cobblestone, colonial streets with endless views of the towering volcanos. It doesn’t get old.
Must-do. Hike Acatenango Volcano USD$89 with OX expeditions. The overnight trip is nothing short of incredible. See Acatenango post.
Check out the chicken bus referb factory.
Run up to the cross (aka Mirador del Cerro de la Cruz) for a beautiful view over Antigua city
Check out the Mercado de Artensanias (artisan markets) for beautiful fabrics and other locally made goods
Learn to cook traditional Guatemalan food at El Frijol Feliz Q$335 for three tasty courses and excellent instruction.
After all the hiking, your toes may need some love. Pedicures Q$100 at Minoshka's Spa, de lunes a Domingo. Fancy chairs and all!
Vinyasa flow yoga for Q$70 - search Facebook for 'YogAntigua'
Shop at Uxibal for locally made (with love) boots, designed by a USA expat, Britini.
Many people use Antigua as a base to do Spanish school. There are plenty of options available when you arrive that also offer homestays.

View over town after a morning run. This is the place to spot active wear in Antigua

Local cuisine of Tomales wrapped in banana or corn leaf. Made by Lisa and happily eaten by AJ!!!

EAT & DRINK

Start the day

Breakfast Casa Louis if you're craving some good granola, this gorgeous courtyard cafe is divine. It has the towns best bakery attached to it OMG!
Guate Java roasters & coffee house for freshly grown and roasted coffee. They work with local farmers and make a seriously good coffee. Try 'The Boss' for a coffee with Mayan spiced chocolate and a shot of espresso. On the corner of Calle 6 at the end of Calle 7.
Cafe Boheme serves up smoothies, good breakfast options and they make amazing pastries
Breakfast at plaza restaurant El Portal. Convenient and tasty if you need a super early morning breakfast before a tour.

Edible Halloween...yes please. Even if they're quite sad.

In the PM

Tacos at Cactus - live music and impressive, tasty taco menu. We LOVED this place and highly recommend it.
Samsara for vegan food. You'll feel healthy just being in there
La Luna Miel: 6 Avenida Norte N19A - highly recommended for crepes and salads.
Michos for great vibe and tasty food, 4 calle Oriente #10 Edificio el Jaulon
Ta'cool - if you're missing Mexican tacos, get your fix here.
Saberico is a healthy cafe and delicatessen with a nice garden terrace. Stock up on tasty treats for your onward journeys. 6a Av, sur #7 saberico.com.gt
Y tu Piña Tambien - amazing salads, fresh creative juices and a host of other amazing fresh foods on offer. The same owners as Cafe No Se.
Wood fired 2-for-1 pizza in a beautiful courtyard garden restaurant. Conveniently right next door to Cafe No Se.
Pappy's BBQ if you need a slab of ribs or juicy burger

Watering holes

Must do - drink at Cafe No Se an institution and wonderfully quirky. Their cave-like mescal bar has a two shot minimum (or they will kick you to the kerb. No joke).
Drinks at The Terrace Hostel for spectacular views of Fuego and Acatenango volcanos
Drink at over-priced Sky Bar - but lovely rooftop views :-)

No surprise where The Terrace Hostel got its name from, or why it's so popular. Cheap beer as well!

'The' bar in Antigua has some custom-made rules and doesn't care if you disagree

SLEEP

Hotel Las Piletas for the warmest welcome you can ever imagine. Great location. Free coffee, tea and a fridge to stash your stuff.
Hotel Posada San Vicente is well located and has a nice garden terrace to workout or sit and watch Fuego Volcano explode
Do not stay at Hostel Antigua - BED BUGS 🐜 which destroyed us.

OUTTA TOWN

Hobbitenango is a one-of-a-kind experience in the hills behind Antigua. Go there for the day or stay a few nights (highly recommended). Check out Sherpa's take on it here.

MOVING ON

New Destiny are helpful and cheap for booking tours and transport. Located near La Sinventura bar. Ask for the owner Alice - she's blunt but really cares about your travel experience plus she'll negotiate ;-) 5th Avenue South # 10