Three Days in Antigua, Guatemala for First-timers

a Global Belle admires the beautiful Santa Catalina Arc in Antigua Guatemala. there's two pictures side by side. in the first she's wearing a yellow crop top and hi-lo skirt holding a hat that ha s"summer vibes embroidered. In the second picture, she has on a peach, mustard, and orange color block, long sundress and wearing the straw hat. In both pics, Volcano Fuego peaks out behind the arch.

There’s plenty to keep a tourist busy for three days in this UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming colonial town, surrounded by three volcanos, is full of quaint shops, restaurants, museums, and colonial ruins (although, you’ll have to take a long bus ride or short plane ride for older, Mayan ruins). Three days in Antigua, Guatemala is enough time to pack a lot of activities in this lively yet understated city that has maintained its colonial heritage. For those short on time, here are my high-priority must-do items when visiting Antigua in three days for first-timers.

DAY 1 in Antigua Guatemala

Charneice poses in front of Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala. this is Antigua's most photographed tourist site. — Santa Catalina Arch is Antigua, Guatemala’s most photographed tourist site.

Get your picture at Santa Catalina Arch with Volcano Fuego in the background before the crowds. The days in Antigua get started a little later (and end later) than what most Americans are accustomed to. Early morning, that is before 8 am, is the perfect time to take pictures in Central Park before the crowds. If you want a small bite or drink, stop at one of my favorite coffee shops (El Portal Café II… don’t forget the 2) and the Starbucks on the same street. While Starbucks opens at 6am. Most other coffee shops do not. Trust me, you do not want to leave Antigua without stopping at the Starbucks.

Then head up to Cerro de la Cruz. You’ll have the best views with the lowest chance of clouds first thing in the morning during the rainy season (June-Oct). But dry season sunsets are also magical here.

By the time you climb down from the hill, more cafes and shops will be open. Take some time just to poke around and appreciate the city’s architecture.

Head over to Caoba Farms for a farm-to-table brunch. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the heart of town. This vibe is especially great on Sundays with a live band. Even during the week, it’s great. Don’t forget to coat yourself with bug repellant. Be forewarned that bottled water here is $5 Norweigen Voss water.

Back in the town, visit The Chocolate Museum in the square with Central Park. Stroll the Mercado and Nim Pot Handicraft Market, with less chaos than the Mercado. Don’t leave without checking out the Starbucks (on the same street as Catalina Arch), McDonald’s, and Taco Bell.

Then have your siesta and relax, get washed up, and gussied up for the evening.

For dinner, head back toward Central Park. Eat traditional French cuisine overlooking ruins at sunset at Tartines. DO NOT MISS THE SUNSET here! This French Bistro claims to have the best terrace views in Antigua and that’s no cap. The golden hour glow over the ruins of the Cathedral de Santiago ruins with volcanos in the background is breathtaking.

Let your evening adventures lead you to drinks at Antigua Brewing Company (ABC). During the day, this place has terrific rooftop views perfect for burgers and beers. When night falls, a live band alters the chill vibe to a party place. There’s a random London telephone booth in the corner. For a memorable experience that you’ll speakeasy about to other travelers, you’ll want to check it out (wink, wink).

Dance the night away with salsa at Las Palmas. On Sunday nights, La Sala offers FREE Salsa lessons. New Sensation on 7 Avenida Norte #78 also offers free salsa classes on Monday and Thursday at 5 pm. Don’t let not having all the latest moves stop you from jumping on the dance floor.

DAY 2 in Antigua Guatemala

Hobbitenago 20 minutes outside of antigua, Guatemala was built with tourist photography in mind. It's also a wonderful place for lunch. — Hobbitenago was built with tourist photography in mind. It’s also a wonderful place for lunch.

The first stop of the morning is Hobbitenago & Altamira. You’ll want to be Instagram-ready for the picturesque views here. Be sure to linger at Hobbitenango for lunch.

You’ll need an Uber for this 20-minute drive. Every Uber will copy and paste the same message in Spanish about how gas is so expensive; instead of the rate Uber charges, they need 100Q instead. If you do not agree to this, they will cancel the request. This will happen over and over. You can try your luck in getting a driver from out of town who doesn’t know the conspiracy, but just accept that you’ll pay 100Q ($12) in cash for the ride.

Both photographable sites are located beside each other. You’ll take another little truck, and need to hike a bit to get to the location. Once on the hill linger for lunch. Try the swing. Make half a day of it.

Back in town consider strolling the cathedrals and ruins. Do not pass over:

San Francisco Church

The Remains Of Cathedral De Santiago

Centro de Formacion de la Cooperacian Espanol (free)

Biblioteka (free)

DAY 3 in Antigua Guatemala

Roast Marshemelos on Pacaya Volcano. You must hike with a guide and they’re all going to run you about $60 but feel free to shop around. Two sessions leave at 6:00 AM or 2:00 PM. The morning is the better option for visibility. You’ll take a 1-hour drive to the base of the volcano, then hike an easy 1.5 hours. The tour provides marshmallows. it does not provide graham crackers or chocolate. If you’d rather ride than hike, you have the option of doing Volcan Pacaya on horseback. This costs around Q100 ($ 12 USD) and is paid directly to the riding guide.

Other Options

Back in town, you may want to just relax or aimlessly wander the cobblestoned calles of the colonial village. Or perhaps, if you have time take an uber to Santo Domingo del Cerro.

Take A Coffee Tour at De La Gente Coffee Farm in La Azotea. The most economical way is to take a chicken bus for $1USD (the terminal is behind the mercado) and then pay $7 for the tour. If you go with a private tour company, you’ll pay $25. Another coffee tour option is Tour Rural de Café/ Coffee Tour or Take a uber to Finca Filadelfia for bird-watching and coffee tour and lunch at a restaurant in gorgeous surroundings. You have options here.

Try a cooking class with La Tortilla Cooking School Learn how to make tortillas from scratch along with Guatemalan traditional foods like Pepian, Jocon, Kak’ik, and Rellenitos de Platano.

If textiles are your thing, consider the Cultural and Textile Half-Day Tour.

Cruise around town on a Antigua ATV Sunset Tour.

You have so many options to spend three days in Antigua, Guatemala. For some activities, I’d just leave the day open and consider going with the flow and filling the day as you see fit. You can schedule tours with the countless tour agencies once you get to Antigua or have your hotel help with the arrangements. If you’re planning a Baecation, be sure to check out this post for hotel recommendations.