Guidebook
City/town information
Antigua Guatemala has fast become one of Central America’s most popular cities, and for one good reason. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Antigua pulses with activity and boasts awesome inspiring architecture, absorbing culture and seriously impressive views. You will find more than enough reasons to visit Antigua more than once in your lifetime.
So sit back, relax and enjoy your visit!
-Villa Lolita
238 locals raden deze aan
Antigua Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala has fast become one of Central America’s most popular cities, and for one good reason. A designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Antigua pulses with activity and boasts awesome inspiring architecture, absorbing culture and seriously impressive views. You will find more than enough reasons to visit Antigua more than once in your lifetime.
So sit back, relax and enjoy your visit!
-Villa Lolita
Sightseeing
Beautiful architecture & old world charm make this convent a popular destination for visitors and weddings.
79 locals raden deze aan
Convento de las Capuchinas
Beautiful architecture & old world charm make this convent a popular destination for visitors and weddings.
This small, yet well maintained 18th century church & convent is just down the street from Villa Lolita.
6 locals raden deze aan
San Jeronimo
1a Calle PonienteThis small, yet well maintained 18th century church & convent is just down the street from Villa Lolita.
Just a block from Villa Lolita, this church is a city landmark.
87 locals raden deze aan
La Merced Kerk
Just a block from Villa Lolita, this church is a city landmark.
Santa Clara is one of the larger ruins around Antigua. Its beauty makes it a popular location for weddings and photos.
26 locals raden deze aan
Convento Santa Clara
Santa Clara is one of the larger ruins around Antigua. Its beauty makes it a popular location for weddings and photos.
Cerro de La Cruz is just a short uphill walk, and great way to get a bird's eye view of the city! The perfect little hike for working up and appetite, or walking off your coffee buzz.
171 locals raden deze aan
Cerro de la Cruz
Cerro de La Cruz is just a short uphill walk, and great way to get a bird's eye view of the city! The perfect little hike for working up and appetite, or walking off your coffee buzz.
Great for families and groups- this free museum also offers classes and workshops
43 locals raden deze aan
ChocoMuseo
Great for families and groups- this free museum also offers classes and workshops
Located just outside the city of Antigua is Finca Filadelfia. It's still a working coffee farm in addition to offering tours, a restaurant, and nature trails.
48 locals raden deze aan
Finca Filadelfia
Located just outside the city of Antigua is Finca Filadelfia. It's still a working coffee farm in addition to offering tours, a restaurant, and nature trails.
A fully functioning organic farm in the south of Antigua. Offers a restaurant, tours, and Saturday Farmers Market (see their website for info on free transportation to & from the farm on Saturdays)
71 locals raden deze aan
Caoba Farms
Final 5 Avenida SurA fully functioning organic farm in the south of Antigua. Offers a restaurant, tours, and Saturday Farmers Market (see their website for info on free transportation to & from the farm on Saturdays)
Food scene
Don't let the location right in front of La Merced fool you- this is a local spot with great coffee and well priced too!
10 locals raden deze aan
Café La Parada
Don't let the location right in front of La Merced fool you- this is a local spot with great coffee and well priced too!
This is one of our favorite breakfast spots- the food is well priced and the views are amazing! In addition, the house coffee is from Bella Vista, and is one of our favorite local brands. You'll have to walk through the liquor store on the bottom floor and up two flights of stairs to access the restaurant.
Rooftop Antigua
This is one of our favorite breakfast spots- the food is well priced and the views are amazing! In addition, the house coffee is from Bella Vista, and is one of our favorite local brands. You'll have to walk through the liquor store on the bottom floor and up two flights of stairs to access the restaurant.
Fat cat is a no frills coffee shop with exceptional options!
13 locals raden deze aan
Fat Cat Coffee House
4a Calle OrienteFat cat is a no frills coffee shop with exceptional options!
Just around the corner from Villa Lolita- this outdoor bar/venue is tucked in the back of a coffee plantation. The beer is a good, local brand, but they have plenty of non-alcoholic, wine, and food options if beer isn't your thing. Giant jenga, s'mores, and a fire pit give this bar more of a family-friendly vibe. Local tip: the brewery plants sunflowers around the plantation during the dry season (Nov-March)
29 locals raden deze aan
Antigua Cerveza :: El Bosque
Just around the corner from Villa Lolita- this outdoor bar/venue is tucked in the back of a coffee plantation. The beer is a good, local brand, but they have plenty of non-alcoholic, wine, and food options if beer isn't your thing. Giant jenga, s'mores, and a fire pit give this bar more of a family-friendly vibe. Local tip: the brewery plants sunflowers around the plantation during the dry season (Nov-March)
Located on the same street as the arch, this restaurant serves local Guatemalan cuisine with an upscale flare
29 locals raden deze aan
Los Tres Tiempos
No.7 5a Avenida NorteLocated on the same street as the arch, this restaurant serves local Guatemalan cuisine with an upscale flare
A great option if you are looking for traditional Guatemalan cuisine
20 locals raden deze aan
La Cuevita de Los Urquizú
9D 2a Calle OrienteA great option if you are looking for traditional Guatemalan cuisine
With 2 locations in Antigua, this place is a popular spot for typical Guatemalan food. Good for large groups or families.
33 locals raden deze aan
La Fonda de la Calle Real
12 5a Avenida NorteWith 2 locations in Antigua, this place is a popular spot for typical Guatemalan food. Good for large groups or families.
Pollo Campero is Guatemala's own restaurant chain. Locals love their fried chicken- you'll often see people carrying boxes of it with them onto international flights to take to family and friends.
11 locals raden deze aan
Pollo Campero Boulevard los Proceres
Carril AuxiliarPollo Campero is Guatemala's own restaurant chain. Locals love their fried chicken- you'll often see people carrying boxes of it with them onto international flights to take to family and friends.
A 100% vegan restaurant that could convert even the most die hard meat lover.
15 locals raden deze aan
Once Once
#22 2a Calle OrienteA 100% vegan restaurant that could convert even the most die hard meat lover.
Vegan restaurant with a nice menu selection and good lemonades. Surrounded by several other restaurants in a food court fashion- this is a good stop if you have a group with varying likes.
La Bruja
1A 3 Avenida SurVegan restaurant with a nice menu selection and good lemonades. Surrounded by several other restaurants in a food court fashion- this is a good stop if you have a group with varying likes.
A local taco restaurant with a fantastic Sunday brunch & Taco Tuesday specials on the same street as the arch. Don't let the location fool you- this place is a favorite with locals and tourists!
40 locals raden deze aan
Fridas
A local taco restaurant with a fantastic Sunday brunch & Taco Tuesday specials on the same street as the arch. Don't let the location fool you- this place is a favorite with locals and tourists!
Best crepes in town- a good spot if you've got a sweet tooth, or need an afternoon treat! Upstairs terrace is usually full, but has views of volcanoes.
47 locals raden deze aan
Luna de Miel
Best crepes in town- a good spot if you've got a sweet tooth, or need an afternoon treat! Upstairs terrace is usually full, but has views of volcanoes.
Kombu Ramen Shop
19C 1a Avenida SurA tiny ramen shop with quick service and delicious food!
Stadsadvies
Vervoersmogelijkheden
Getting to Antigua from the airport - Uber, taxi, or shuttle
Shuttles
Pro: cheap, group share option, can be booked in advance or at the airport
Con: Not available after 9pm
Uber
Pro: Transparent pricing, safe & reliable
Con: Need international SIM card or data plan to use app (Airport wifi not reliable)
Taxi:
Pro: Safe, 24/7 availability
Con: More expensive (don't be afraid to negotiate price!)
**We generally don't recommend renting a car due to bad traffic and differences in driving customs**
Cultuur en gebruiken
Gratuity *IS* included at restaurants
10% tip is automatically added to your bill. However, if you feel you've had exceptional service, feel free to add a few quetzales to the tip jar or leave the change.
Cultuur en gebruiken
Disinfect all store bought produce before eating
If you choose to cook in the apartment, you will need to disinfect your store bought produce by soaking it for a few minutes in Super-Q (or any available brand at the super market). This will lower your risk of ingesting any bacteria that could make you sick. We also recommend brushing your teeth with bottled water.
Manieren om te besparen
Don't be afraid to negotiate!
It's completely normal to negotiate prices with vendors and taxi drivers
Vervoersmogelijkheden
Walk during the day, take a tuk-tuk at night
Walking Antigua during the day is safe, but please be mindful of your belongings, and when crossing the street! Taking a tuk-tuk is 15Q ($2 USD) to go anywhere within Antigua. We recommend walking up an appetite during the day and treating yourself to a post-dinner tuk-tuk ride once the sun has set!
Manieren om te besparen
Always carry some local currency (Quetzales)
We strongly suggest you use the ATMs available closest to the Central Square at any of the surrounding banks (Banco Industrial, BAM or BAC) It is very safe, and they have guards at every door. Credit cards are accepted in nearly every restaurant, but if you want to go to the market to buy any local produce or crafts you will need to have cash.
Manieren om te besparen
The best grocery store is La Bodegona
It’s crazy, loud, and busy but is the best one in town. You can buy everything there, although the fruits and vegetables are better and cheaper at the outdoor food market (Remember your bargaining skills!). The outdoor market is fascinating, but please be cautious when you visit as pick-pocketing is common.
Cultuur en gebruiken
Emergency phone numbers
Fire dial 112
Police dial 110 or 120
INGUAT (Tourism) dial 1500