With its charming colorful streets, countless religious buildings, colonial remnants, and surrounding landscapes dotted with impressive volcanoes, the city of Antigua has no shortage of attractions. Once the former capital of the Captaincy General of Guatemala, it is often described as an open-air museum. Discover why Antigua is a must-visit city to experience on a Guatemala trip.

For Its History and Cultural Heritage

Founded in 1524, Antigua Guatemala, more commonly known as Antigua, is the former capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala. Renowned for its colonial architecture influenced notably by Spanish conquistadors, the city was partially destroyed by earthquakes. Indeed, it witnessed several tremors, with the 1773 earthquake being the most violent. Due to its colonial past and picturesque urban landscape, Antigua was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Among the colonial buildings and religious structures (whether ruins, intact edifices, or those built after the earthquakes) that are must-sees during a stay in Antigua, you'll find:

• Cathedral San José: located near the famous Parque Central, it was inaugurated in 1680 and is renowned for its beautiful Baroque façade.

• The former Santiago Cathedral: though only ruins remain, you'll be impressed by its massive arcades and towering columns.

• The Palacio de los Capitánes Generales: this building with colonial architecture today houses the Santiago Museum (where you can discover an impressive collection of objects from the colonial era) as well as the seat of the tourism office, the prefecture, and the Old Book Museum.

• The Convento de la Compañía de Jesús: once an important religious complex and destroyed by the 1773 earthquake, some of its buildings have since been renovated.

• The Arco de Santa Catalina: this is undoubtedly the emblem of Antigua. This yellow arch dating from the 17th century was originally used by nuns who crossed it to pass from the Santa Catalina convent to a school without being seen. On clear days, you can spot the Agua volcano in the background.

• The Iglesia de La Merced: Destroyed and rebuilt several times, this Baroque-style church is one of the most beautiful in the city. Just beside it, you'll find the former Merced convent where you can see an impressive 18th-century fountain whose basin measures 27 meters in diameter!

• The Convento Capuchinas: inaugurated in 1736, it is one of Antigua's best-preserved convents. It was once inhabited by Madrid-born nuns who ran an orphanage and hospice for women there.

Because of Its Exceptional Landscapes

Surrounded by three volcanoes, the city of Antigua is the ideal starting point for hiking and venturing through exceptional landscapes. You'll find the Agua volcano (3,766 m), the Fuego volcano (3,763 m), and the Acatenango volcano (3,976 m).

The Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes are situated side by side. The former is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America. To observe its frequent eruptions, you must climb the latter. Indeed, from the summit of Acatenango volcano, you can enjoy the lava flows and smoke clouds from Fuego volcano. Note that the expedition typically takes two days with one night at a mountain camp and requires good physical fitness.

As for the Agua volcano, an inactive stratovolcano, it is the sixth highest volcanic massif in Guatemala. It's possible to hike to its summit from the town of Santa María de Jesús. Plan for approximately 4 to 5 hours of climbing.

For beginner hikers, the Pacaya volcano is known to be the most accessible. Located just over an hour's drive from Antigua, its ascent takes only 45 minutes of walking.

Beyond the volcanoes, the surroundings of Antigua comprise numerous coffee, chocolate, and macadamia nut farms. An opportunity for lovely hikes on foot or by bike and to meet the locals.

For Its Unique Atmosphere

Beyond its numerous colonial-era buildings and vestiges and exceptional landscapes, the city of Antigua is renowned for its unique atmosphere. Its peaceful living and multicultural traditions often make Antigua a Guatemala highlight. This cosmopolitan city is therefore not merely an open-air museum. It is also a privileged place for its calm yet lively atmosphere.

To discover Antigua's local life as it should be, we recommend strolling through its many paved, colorful streets and visiting markets like the Mercado, Nim Po't, Mercado de Artesanías, or the Mercado del Carmen. It's also an opportunity to sample its many restaurants and bars where you can taste traditional Guatemalan dishes or even Italian or French cuisine!

Don't wait any longer and discover our itineraries that will take you to explore Antigua:

• Multi-Activity Adventure in Mayan Lands

• In the Land of the Mayas