7 Best Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala - BUDGET TRAVEL WITH GABBY (2023)

FAQs

What is La Antigua Guatemala known for? ›

Antigua Guatemala (Spanish pronunciation: [anˈtiɣwa ɣwateˈmala]), commonly known as Antigua or La Antigua, is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala known for its centuries-old architecture and ruins. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring Spanish Baroque-influenced buildings.

Three to five days is the ideal time to spend in Antigua; wandering the streets, climbing the volcanoes, soaking up the traditions and brushing up on your Spanish. Out of all the Latin American countries, I found Guatemala to have the most surprises and unknown places to discover.

Lavender Jade

Antigua is one of the only countries where you can find lavender-colored jade. These beautiful and unique gemstones are transformed into breathtaking pieces of jewelry — truly a special find when shopping in Antigua.

The Best Time to Visit Antigua Guatemala

The dry season between November and April is the most popular for tourists to Antigua. Though temperatures in the area don't vary much, this is the coolest time of year.

Hiking boots: This is the most important part of what you will be wearing for the hike. You need proper hiking shoes, that have already been broken in. Sneakers or running shoes just do not cut it. We have seen some people use regular sneakers for the Acatenango hike.

Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 4 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are February through June.

It can be 20+ degrees Celsius (68+ Farenheit) in the day as you hike up and get down to below 0 degrees Celsius (32F) at night. The coldest (and clearest) months are generally December to February but due to Acatenango's elevation of 3976m it is cold all year round in the upper parts of the volcano.

The cheapest ticket to Antigua found for each month in 2022 based on historical flight searches by Cheapflights users. Currently, September is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Antigua. Flying to Antigua in July will prove the most costly.

US dollars are widely accepted on the island, though you will usually be given change in EC dollars, and at a less favorable exchange rate. Credit cards are widely accepted, and if taking travelers' checks we recommend taking them in US dollars.

What is the best month to go to Antigua? ›

The best time to visit Antigua is between mid-December and mid-April when it's peak season, making it the perfect destination to escape wintery conditions in the US or Europe. A good secondary option is to go to Antigua in May or June.

You should plan to spend around EC$762 ($282) per day on your vacation in Antigua and Barbuda, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travelers have spent, on average, EC$179 ($66) on meals for one day and EC$51 ($19) on local transportation.

The tap water in Guatemala is not safe to drink and water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is recommended.

When it comes down to it, the reasons to love Antigua are all tied into the things the island is most known for: its beautiful white sand beaches, sailing, the 18th century Nelson's Dockyard, its culinary delicacies, the largest nesting colony of frigate birds in the Caribbean, and much more!

Antigua and Barbuda do not have many harmful pests or animals but there are a few pesky creatures that you should be aware of such as scorpions, Antiguan racer snakes which are harmless and only found in Barbuda, centipedes, and horse spiders. These critters can cause very painful bites but are not dangerous.

The best coast to stay in Antigua is the west coast, starting from St. John's all the way along via Jolly beach to the English Harbour. This is because the Caribbean sea is calmer and it's very easy to access the water.

Clothing to Pack for Guatemala

For Antigua – Jeans or lightweight pants and comfy shoes. Layers for the evening and hiking clothing if you want to do ziplining, hiking, cycling, or any other fun activity available in Antigua. For Lake Atitlan, you will need cool clothes during the day and warm layers for the evenings.

Can I drink the tap water? There aren't any laws around in Guatemala, and the various municipalities are responsible for the region's water, which, for travelers and many locals, is safe to drink. Most locals use bottled water for drinking and cooking.

Water – There aren't a lot of places to refill your water in Garden of the Gods, and you'll definitely need some on a hot day. Good shoes – Don't miss out on a cool trail because you showed up in flip flops. Wear some sturdy shoes that won't slip on the trails or fall off of your feet.

How much does it cost to hike Acatenango? The price of the overnight Acatenango trek varies depending on the tour company you go with and what is included in your tour. In total, I paid about $160 USD for my entire trek. Below are some costs you should consider when planning your hike.

Can you climb Acatenango in one day? ›

Overview. This Acatenango day hike is quite the climb, especially to do in a single day, but the panoramic mountain views and nearby eruptions of Fuego volcano make it all worth it.

Yes, it is absolutely possible to hike Acatenango without a tour guide and by yourself. First you'll need to decide if you want to hike Acatenango as a day hike or as an overnight hike.

Expect to pay around 400 to 500 Quetzales, including the park entrance fee and overnight camping fee. The tours also provide round-trip transport, so you'll start Day 1 by being picked up in Antigua. The trailhead sits at around 2200 metres, then it's a long, 5-hour climb to base camp at around 3700 metres.

Currently there are new lava flows every 3-4 days and at night you can see the red glow of the cone. However the volcanic activity of Volcan Pacaya is unpredictable and we cannot guarantee that you will see lava! If you want to maximize your chances of seeing lava take a look at our Pacaya Overnight Hike.

The Highlands are warm and sunny during the day but can get quite cold at night, especially up in the mountains and at altitude—where it's not uncommon for overnight temperatures to drop below freezing—so you'll definitely want to make sure you pack warm clothes.

Distance: 11 miles/ 18 kms (Round Trip). Duration: 2 Days. Elevation gain: 5150 ft./ 1500 m. If you enjoy stunning views with volcanoes spewing lava while camping in a volcanoes crater at 13,000 ft, then this is the adventure for you.

The rainiest period runs from September to November, while the driest months are February and March.

Lobster season in Antigua runs from July 1st – April 30th. The season closes May 1st – June 30th. Lobster season in St. Lucia runs from August 2nd – February 28th.

What should you not wear in Antigua? ›

Avoid wearing any scent or perfume. There are a number of up-market restaurants where the dress code is super smart – so you might want to add in a nice outfit if you plan to dine in these places. You should also be aware that it's illegal to have army/combat type clothing or print.

Latest Currency Exchange Rates: 1 US Dollar = 2.7025 East Caribbean Dollar. On this page convert USD to XCD using live currency rates as of 12/11/2022 08:53.

The majority of bites aren't in fact from mosquitos, but from sand flies or 'no-see-ums', and these are at their most active in the hour before and after dawn and dusk, especially on the beach.

US dollars are widely accepted on the island, though you will usually be given change in EC dollars, and at a less favourable exchange rate.

The mosquito's are most prevalent at sunrise and sunset and into the evening, as are sand flies, and fire ants are around all day and night.

As a general rule, Antigua is the destination of choice for visitors interested in beaches, solo female travel, Caribbean history and swimming with stingrays. Alternatively, Jamaica is better for travelers who enjoy jerk foods, a bustling nightlife atmosphere and visiting the iconic Dunns River.

How much is 20 US Dollar in Guatemalan Quetzal? - 20 USD to GTQ (20 US Dollar to Guatemalan Quetzal) is 156.35 GTQ with exchange rate 7.8177 for today.

Dollar to Guatemala Quetzal Exchange Rate Today, Live 1 USD to GTQ = 7.8177 (Convert Dollars to Guatemala Quetzal)

Because of the country's high standing, the cost of living is considered more expensive than in the majority of the Caribbean countries. Having said that, the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda is about 20% cheaper than in the US and the UK.

How much cash can you bring into Antigua? ›

Currency restrictions

There are no limits on the import of local and foreign currency, provided it is declared upon arrival. Amounts exceeding the equivalent of US$10,000 need to be declared.

Taxis aren't cheap, but they're the best way to see Antigua, as the drivers also act as guides. Most taxi tours go from the St. John's area to English Harbour. Drivers generally charge a flat rate of $24 for three or four passengers and often wait 30 minutes or more while you sightsee around English Harbour.

Fruit and veggies that require washing (like strawberries) are usually more suspect and can lead to gastrointestinal diseases. So, although Guatemala grows excellent produce, eating local fruits and vegetables without a peel is not recommended. Drinking Guatemalan tap water is not recommended either.

Tipping. Tipping as a general culture in Guatemala isn't that common, but always highly appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% tip is usual where service is not already included in the bill.

Apparently there are also no laws about babies or squirmy toddlers riding on motorcycles. Horses must wear pants to enter Fountain Inn.It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory. Movies that show police officers being struck, beaten, or treated in an offensive manner, are forbidden.

Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country has a wealth of homegrown produce and talent.

Antigua is a great destination for first-time travelers in Central America as well as seasoned travelers who want to enjoy the culture, food, markets and scenery in this beautiful Guatemalan town.

Guatemalan culture is rich and distinct, characterized by a fusion of Spanish and Indigenous influences. Guatemalans value honesty, family, honor, work, and education. Most Guatemalans are gracious and eager to find humor in most situations. In Guatemalan culture, visiting friends and relatives is important.

Antigua & Barbuda is a Caribbean island of unique beauty, with its white-sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and rich cultural heritage. It is geographically located within the windward islands in the Lesser Antilles.

Tamales. The most famous Guatemalan foods is a tamale. A tamale is a bundle of corn dough encasing chicken (or pork) that's wrapped in a banana leaf or a corn husk with tomato sauce.

What is the most eaten food in Guatemala? ›

Main Meals

Corn, beans, rice, pork, beef, chicken, cheese, and tortillas form the backbone of most Guatemalan cuisine. Meat stews (caldos) and soups (sopas) are easily the most popular dishes among locals.

When greeting a person from Guatemala, smile and say, “mucho gusto” while shaking hands. This translates as “a pleasure.” Buenos días (good morning), buenas tardes (good afternoon), or buenas noches (good evening) are also proper greetings and gestures of politeness.

Guatemala doesn't really have a national dish, but pepián is probably the closest thing to it. This spicy stew, borne out of the fusion of the Spanish and Maya cultures, is one of the oldest dishes in Guatemala. Although chicken is most commonly used, it can also be made with beef or pork.

In fact, fungee and pepperpot is Antigua's national dish, found throughout the island nation. While at first glance the two might not seem like perfect companions – fungee being a cornmeal made from okra and pepperpot a hearty stew – the combination works to tropical perfection.

These are the smallest organisms with the longest of names. They are responsible for the chirping sounds heard at night, and become very noisy after a shower of rain. The early Indians, the Arawaks, carved beautiful pendants in their likeness, in the hope that rain would fall to nourish their crops.

As a general rule, Antigua is the destination of choice for visitors interested in beaches, solo female travel, Caribbean history and swimming with stingrays. Alternatively, Jamaica is better for travelers who enjoy jerk foods, a bustling nightlife atmosphere and visiting the iconic Dunns River.