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Antigua (before called Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala) was the former capital of Guatemala, before it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Authorities decided not to rebuild the city and in 1776 the capital was moved to Guatemala City. Antigua is still filled with ruins from monumental buildings, cobblestone streets and plazas with fountains. Many buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries and contain Spanish colonial architecture. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 and this makes Antigua the perfect spot to explore the historical and cultural buildings. If you would like to explore by yourself instead of a paid walking tour, this guide is a perfect way to start.  A. El Parque Central The central park was an important place as it was the base of the religious, political and military power. Cathedral de San Jose is the religious power and was first established in 1545. The cathedral was rebuild once after an earthquake in 1669, but after the earthquake in 1773 it remained in ruins. The ruins can be found behind the cathedral and can be visited against a small fee. On the left side of the cathedral, the building of political power can be found, Palacio del Ayuntamiento. This building was established in 1743 and was used as the town hall during colonial times. The building survived all earthquakes and is still being used by the municipality of Antigua. It is also the location of Museo del Libro, which displays important works of Guatemalan printing. On the right side of the cathedral, Palacio de los Capitanes can be found, the military power. This palace was the original headquarters for all of Central America and was established in 1549. It was used as a royal tax office, jail and army headquarters. Nowadays it is used as a police office and it is the location of the INGUAT tourism office.  B. Arco de Santa Catalina The Santa Catalina arch is the most iconic landmark in Antigua. It belonged to the Santa Catalina Martir convent, established in 1613. The religious order of the convent did not allow the nuns that had taken a vow to go out on the streets. In 1693, the convent was forced to expand, because of the growing number of nuns and asked permission to occupy the building right in front of the convent, as well as a request to close the street so that nuns could cross to the other building. The request for the building was accept, but the request to close the street was denied. However, they were allowed to build a bridge and so they built an enclosed bridge in the form of an arch to allow the nuns to pass without being seen. The columns of the arch weren’t destroyed after the earthquake in 1773 and the top was rebuilt including a little tower and a French clock. The convent is now a colonial hotel, called El Convento. The street is one of the most famous streets in Antigua with restaurants, shops and bars.  C. Iglesia de la Merced This church is one of the most impressive churches in Antigua, representing the colonial city. The church was founded by the Mercedarians, a roman catholic religious order established in Spain. Even though the church was not destroyed by the earthquake in 1773, authorities forced the Mercedarians to leave Antigua and rebuild the church in the new capital. The church was built in a baroque style in stucco and contains two bell towers and eight Solomonic columns with ornamental designs. On the door you can find the Mercedarian shield and on the façade of the church you can also see the various saints of the order, such as San Pedro Nolasco, the founder of the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy. It is also possible to go inside the church, but be aware of ongoing services.  D. Iglesia de la Compania de Jesus The construction of this church was done simultaneously with an educational institution by the order of Jesuita. The church was realized in 1580, but since they didn’t have an authorization, it officially opened in 1626. The Jesuitas were expelled from Antigua in 1767 and the church got abandoned. The ruins are the result of the earthquake. Now, the educational institution is used as an international training center and a place for cultural activities, such as art exhibitions.  E. Tanque la Union Tanque la Union is a place where housewives could wash their clothes, since not all houses had washing facilities in the older days. Besides washing their clothes in one of the 22 laundry spots, it was used as a meeting point for people and a place to chat. This tank is the most impressive one in the city and was established in 1853. The tank got its name as a recognition to the Union Congress of Central America. Although the tank is not being used anymore, the park is one of the most beautiful ones in Antigua with benches and palm trees, facing the Iglesia de San Pedro Apostol. This church belongs to the Franciscana de Frailes Menores order. As though the church is not special, the work of the order and especially the Obras Sociales del Santo Hermano Pedro is. The association was established 37 years ago and gives medical assistance for all poor people for free. The building next to the church is being used for their services, a former hospital.  F. Iglesia & Museo del Hermano Pedro Iglesia de San Francisco was established by the religious order of the Franciscans. In this church the remains of Santo Hermano Pedro are buried and therefore, the church is very important. It is still the most visited church for Catholics. Next to the church, there is a museum and it is possible to visit the ruins of the convent. In the middle of the convent there was a fountain which later got moved to the atrium of Iglesia de La Merced.
G. Casa Santo Domingo This modern five-star hotel was built around the ruins of the Santo Domingo church and monastery. The church was founded in 1538 by Dominicans who followed the order of Santo Domingo de Guzman. The church was a big building with two towers and ten bells. Unfortunately, the church was destroyed by the earthquake and all that’s left are ruins. The hotel allows you to admire these ancient ruins and also displays statues and crypts in the hotel’s museums. It is also possible to dine at the restaurant and stroll through the gardens. From the parking lot, a shuttle leaves every 15 minutes to Santo Domingo del Cerro, a hill with an amazing view over Antigua and the volcanoes. There is also a restaurant, two small museums, an art gallery outside and ziplines. Although the restaurant is quite expensive, you can still enjoy the art and surroundings for free.  H. Convento de Capuchinas This convent built in 1725 by the Capuchinas nuns was the last convent built in Antigua. This was a one-of-a-kind convent as it did not have an economical position to the religious people but was rather focused on the regulation of poverty, penance and fasting. The nuns did not have contact with the outside and are therefore all buried under the convent. In the convent it is possible to see all the separate rooms of the nuns. Because of this structure it is considered the first apartment complex in all of America. In the convent, there is a museum where you can get more information about this convent.  I. Iglesia del Carmen Iglesia de Nuestra Senora del Carmen was established in 1683 and suffered a significant damage during the earthquakes, so the church had to be left. The church had two levels with 24 columns in total, divided over two towers with six columns each, therefore making it a unique church. The church had amazing details that still can be seen in the ruins. Although the ruins are closed, every Sunday there is a market in front of the ruins which can’t be missed. Also, on the side of the ruins, Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen can be found. 
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Antigua is the cultural hotspot of Guatemala and was once the capital of the country. Now Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of colonial buildings. It is a very popular tourist destination and most people working or living in Antigua are foreigners. Although you won't really be emerged among the Guatemalan community when visiting Antigua, it is still a place you should visit, because of the number of ruins of colonial buildings. This is why I collected the top 10 things to do in Antigua, Guatemala.
1. Explore Antigua while walking
Antigua was the former capital of Guatemala before it was destroyed by an earthquake in 1773. Authorities decided not to rebuild the city and therefore Antigua is full of ruins, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. Because of this, Antigua is perfect to stroll around, discover hidden ruins and visit museums. I did a walking tour with Columbus Luxury Travel for 25 dollars. Because I was the only one, I got a private tour. The tour took the whole morning and not only did the guide show me museums and ruins but he also let me try Guatemalan snacks and gave lots of restaurant recommendations. For travelers that want to save money, I have developed my own Antigua Cultural Walking Tour here, so that you can still learn about the history of Antigua without spending money!
2. Visit the Jade and Choco museum
During the walking tour, you can also visit the jade and chocolate museum located in Antigua. Jade is a stone that was used a lot by the Maya people for rituals, because the stone is supposed to give you wealth and good fortune. Many jade artefacts have been discovered and you can learn more about the use of the stone in the Maya and Aztec civilization in the museum Casa Del Jade. The entrance to the museum is free and it also has a shop, where you can buy your own jewelry made out of jade. Another product that has been worshipped by the Maya people, is cacao. Guatemala is considered the birthplace of chocolate. Not only is cacao used to make chocolate, it is also used to make tea. If you want to try this, you should visit ChocoMuseo where you will learn more about the history of cacao in Guatemala. The entrance to the museum is for free and it is possible to make your own chocolate from Guatemalan cacao beans, starting from 13 dollars per person.
3. Visit the food and artisanal markets
The local food market in Antigua is a perfect place to stroll around and experience life in Guatemala. Fruits, vegetables and even clothes can be bought at the market and there are enough locals selling their freshly made food out of food stands. The market can be found on the outside of Antigua and it can easily be walked to. If you need a direction, go straight at McDonald's and cross the street at the end. Behind the shops, you will find the market. The food at the market is much cheaper than the food at the supermarkets, so if you're looking for an opportunity to save money, don't miss it. Another market to visit is the artisanal market, where you can buy typical Guatemalan souvenirs, made by local artists. The main artisanal market is located close to the food market, but two other ones that I liked are the Nim Po't store under the Santa Catalina Arch (it's a proper store, so negotiating about the price will be difficult) and the Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen, next to the El Carmen church. Definitely a must stop if you're looking for souvenirs.
4. Go to El Hato
El Hato is a touristic place in the mountains near Antigua. Here you can find many restaurants and activities in the middle of the nature. For a stay in the middle of the nature, I recommend you to go to Earth Lodge, where you can stay in a tree house. If you are in the mood for pizza, Antigua Boreal is the place to go. If you want to do some fun activities such as wall climbing or trampoline, you should go to Altamira. But the best place to go to, is Hobbitenango. A place where you can enjoy lots of activities, all in the theme of the Hobbits and you can even stay in a Hobbit home. It has an amazing view, if the weather allows it, and amazing food as well. The price is around 5 dollars for entrance and also includes transportation from the parking lot to the entrance.
5. ATV Tour
There are many towns and viewpoints around Antigua that are worth to visit. You can walk up to Cerro de La Cruz, which is only a 15-minute walk up the mountain and from here you have a view over Antigua with Volcan de Agua on the background. There are many places you can go to around Antigua and the most fun way to do this is with an ATV or motorcycle. This was such a fun experience and gave me the freedom to go wherever I wanted to go. I rented an ATV at Simoon! Tours which costed around 45 dollars for the whole day and I drove to many viewpoints around Antigua and to El Hato. If you prefer to go with a tour guide that can give you more info about the places around Antigua, there is a possibility for a villages tour, mountain tour, sunset tour, coffee tour and much more.
6. Visit Chateau DeFay
There are many farms around Antigua that offer lots of activities. At Caoba Farm, organic food is being grown and besides a tour around the farm, you can also try the food in the restaurant. At Finca La Azotea and Finca Filadelfia you can get a tour around the coffee farms. But if you are looking for something original to do around Antigua and are into wine, you should consider going to Santa Maria de Jesus where you can find vineyard Chateau DeFay. The chateau offers tours around the vineyard and winery for 45Q (around 5 dollars) and they also offer wine tastings for 25Q. They are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM to 4 PM. There is a restaurant that serves pasta and various cheeses made in Guatemala. Not to mention that the castle is beautiful and definitely picture worthy. If you are doing an ATV tour or rented a car, it's easy to drive there. Otherwise, you can always take an Uber.
7. Visit the brewery Cerveceria 14
There are many coffee shops and cafe's from where you can enjoy the view of volcan Fuego erupting. But if you want to get a more unique experience, you should consider visiting brewery Cerveceria 14. The brewery is located just 15 minutes away from Antigua and is the perfect place to relax. You can get a tour to see the barrels inside the brewery, or you can order your beer at the bar and enjoy the view of Fuego erupting from the terrace or garden. Sometimes there are live bands playing, which makes sitting by the fire a romantic and relaxed activity. Not only do they serve their own beers, but it is also possible to get other drinks, smoothies and food such as pizza or nachos. It is the perfect place to relax and meet up with friends and the view makes it a very unique place.
8. Hike active volcano Pacaya
One activity that you definitely can't miss out on, is hiking the Pacaya volcano. You can hike all the way to the top to admire the views of the other volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Once you reach the top, you get the chance to walk on lava rocks and because of the heat you can also roast marshmallows. However, from the top you do not get to see the lava, so I recommend you to do another hike that takes you to the lava streams. This hike is much easier and shorter but the experience of getting so close to the lava, is a once in a lifetime experience. You can see the lava spewing out of the volcano and the hot lava rocks falling down. Many people skip this activity because they are already hiking Acatenango, but the experience will be absolutely different. The hike including transport from Antigua is around 10 dollars. This does not include the 50Q entrance fee to the park (around 6 dollars). If you want to know more about this hike, check out my blogpost about Hiking Pacaya here.
9. Hike volcano Acatenango to experience volcano Fuego
The Acatenango hike is the most popular hike in Guatemala but definitely worth the hype. The Acatenango volcano is directly next to Fuego and almost at the same height. Acatenango is a dormant volcano while Fuego is highly active. It erupts continually during the days and nights. During the days it's difficult to see the lava, because there is too much light. However, during the night you can see the lava burst out of the volcano for hundreds of meters high. The hike takes you up to a camp at 3750 meters high, where you will stay the night. During the night, you can see and hear Fuego erupt from very close. At 4 AM you will wake up to climb to the top of Acatenango at 3976 meters height. From here, you get to see the sunrise with Fuego erupting right next to you. Even though it is not possible to get as close to the lava as at the Pacaya volcano, it is very impressive to see the volcano erupt all night long with such a strong force. I definitely recommend you to do this hike, although there are many things you should think of before you go. The hike is not easy and you have to be prepared as well as for the cold that you will experience on top of the volcano. To read my experience of hiking Acatenango and tips that I have for you, read my Acatenango hike blogpost here.
10. Take Spanish classes
Antigua is the hotspot for tourists to learn Spanish. On every corner you can find a language school and most likely the schools also offer a homestay to learn in a complete Spanish environment. The Spanish courses can be adapted to all fluency levels, ages and durations. When choosing a Spanish school, it's very important to consider multiple aspects, such as prices, accommodation and the way of supporting the community. For me personally, it is important that the money I'm paying goes to the Guatemalan community and not as profits to a rich owner of a language school. Many schools also offer a homestay, and this combination might be cheaper than paying for accommodation separately. After asking around, I found a private Spanish teacher that charged 10 dollars an hour (pre-covid around 6 dollars), which was a perfect price for me. She adapted her classes to my level of Spanish and by having conversations continually, I really improved my Spanish. If you are interested in doing Spanish classes with her, send me a message so I can forward the number! 
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