2 Days in Antigua, Guatemala: The Ultimate Itinerary

Antigua Guatemala is a charming relatively small city that offers lots of things to do. Cobblestone streets framed by crumbling colonial ruins, volcanoes looming over terracotta rooftops, and an incredible food scene that punches well above the city’s size. This UNESCO World Heritage city is endlessly photogenic, culturally rich, and very easy to navigate. Whether you have a quick weekend or are using it as a base for bigger adventures, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your 2 days in Antigua Guatemala.

Day 1: Colonial History, Markets & Iconic Photo Stops

Start with the Ancient Ruins

One of Antigua’s most distinctive features is how seamlessly colonial ruins are woven into everyday life. Rather than being roped off in museums, many of these crumbling structures are open for exploration.

Convento Santa Clara is a must first stop. Founded in 1702 and partially destroyed by the earthquakes of 1773, the ruins today are a stunning tangle of arched corridors and overgrown courtyards. Arrive early to catch the soft morning light filtering through the open roofless chambers — it’s a photographer’s dream.

Beyond Santa Clara, don’t miss La Recolección, one of the most dramatic and expansive ruins in the city, and Convento Las Capuchinas, which has an unusual circular tower. Each site charges a small entrance fee (usually around $5 USD), and the combination of these ruins gives you a picture of just how grand colonial Antigua once was before the 18th-century earthquakes reshaped the city.

Strike a Pose at the Santa Catalina Arch

No trip to Antigua is complete without a photo under Arco de Santa Catalina, the infamous yellow arch you see all over Instagram. Built in the 17th century to allow nuns from the Santa Catalina convent to cross the street without being seen by the public, the arch became the most recognized symbol of the city. Frame it just right and you can capture the Agua Volcano perfectly centered in the arch’s opening. For the best shots, come early in the morning when the volcano is not covered by clouds yet.

Shop for Souvenirs

Right next to the Santa Catalina Arch is one of Antigua’s best artisanal markets, Nim Pot. It’s an indoor market stacked floor to ceiling with traditional textiles, hand-painted pottery, jade jewelry, and embroidered clothing. The quality here is notably high, but so are the prices.

For a more traditional market experience, head to the Mercado de Artesanías at 4a Calle Poniente (just down the street from McDonald’s, more on that later). This large artisanal market is where you’ll find row after row of vendors selling traditional clothing, woven bags, wooden masks, and other traditional Guatemalan handicrafts. Bargaining is expected — just be respectful and keep a smile on your face.

Hop a Chicken Bus

You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Guatemala without riding a chicken bus — the gloriously chaotic, brightly painted and slightly tacky repurposed American school buses that serve as the primary form of public transport throughout the country. Decked out in vibrant colors, chrome details, religious images, and blasting music, these buses are a cultural experience in their own right.

You can take the chicken bus to nearby towns, Ciudad Vieja or San Miguel Dueñas, for just a few quetzales. It’s loud, crowded, colorful, and utterly unforgettable.

Admire the Views from La Merced Church

The façade of Iglesia de La Merced church is arguably the most beautiful in all of Antigua — a stunning bright yellow and white Baroque masterpiece. Inside the church is its famous large fountain, one of the largest colonial fountains in Central America. Then climb to the rooftop for arguably the best views of the city and the surrounding volcanoes.

Hike Up to Cerro de la Cruz

Another great viewpoint is from Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross). Perched on a hill north of the city center, a large cross marks the summit, and from here you get a sweeping view of Antigua with the iconic Agua Volcano rising dramatically behind it. The hike takes about 20–30 minutes from town, or you can take a tuk-tuk to the base. Go late afternoon for the best light, get fresh mango on the way and spend the evening relaxing on a bench.

Day 2: Coffee, Culture & Day Trip Adventures

Do a Coffee Tour

Guatemala produces some of the finest coffee in the world. The volcanic highlands around Antigua — with high altitude, rich soil, and ideal rainfall — are responsible for some of the country’s best beans. A coffee tour is an absolute must-do.

You’ll walk through the coffee plants, learn about the entire process from cherry to cup — picking, fermenting, washing, drying, and roasting — and finish with a tasting session that’ll make you view your morning cup very differently. 

Visit the Hobbitenango Theme Park

A short ride from Antigua, Hobbitenango is a whimsical mountain retreat that’s built into the hillside with hobbit-hole inspired structures, hammocks hung between trees, and jaw-dropping views over Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes. Here you hike the trails, sip hot chocolate in the cafe, and enjoy the views — it’s a memorable half-day trip.

Day Trips from Antigua: Beyond the City Walls

Antigua’s location makes it one of the best bases in Central America for day trips and multi-day adventures. Here are some day trip ideas.

Acatenango Volcano Overnight Hike

This is the crown jewel of Guatemalan adventure travel. An overnight hike up Acatenango Volcano (3,976m / 13,045ft) is one of the most epic experiences in Central America — and the views of the neighboring Volcan Fuego erupting through the night are life-changing. 

It’s a challenging hike, but the views are absolutely worth it. I’ve written a full, detailed guide to the Acatenango overnight hike — including what to pack and exactly what to expect — so check that post before you go here. 

Chichicastenango Market

Another memorable and deeply cultural experience is visiting the Chichicastenango market. Chichicastenango (or “Chichi”) hosts one of the largest and most vibrant indigenous markets in all of Latin America, and it’s a must have cultural experience in Guatemala. Vendors from across the highlands gather to sell traditional textiles, colorful masks, fresh produce, handicrafts, and religious offerings in a riot of color and noise that completely overwhelms the senses in the best kind of way.

Pacaya Volcano: Hike & Volcano Pizza 

Hiking Pacaya Volcano is more accessible than Acatenango but no less memorable. The trail winds through lava fields to the active summit where you can toast marshmallows over geothermal vents — a genuinely delightful experience.

But the real highlight, besides summiting an active volcano, is Pizza Pacaya, the extraordinary operation run by Chef Mario David García Mansilla. This entrepreneurial chef carries pizza ingredients up the volcano and bakes fresh pizzas right on top of the volcano using the mountain as his oven. It sounds impossible — and yet, it’s completely real and absolutely delicious. It’s one of those only-in-Guatemala experiences that you’ll be telling people about for years to come.

Food & Drinks in Antigua: Where to Eat and What to Try

Antigua’s dining scene is impressive for a city of its size. Here’s where to eat, drink, and indulge during your stay.

Breakfast & Brunch

Y Tu Piña También is a great brunch spot. Bright, colorful, and hopelessly Instagram-friendly, this spot serves creative, fresh dishes in a beautifully decorated space. Expect lines on the weekends — arrive early or embrace the wait with a freshly squeezed juice in hand. It’s absolutely worth it.

Lunch

The McDonald’s – yes, really. Set inside a beautifully restored colonial building with a lush garden and direct views of the Agua Volcano. This McDonald’s is considered to be the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. Go for the views and the photos with Ronald McDonald, even if a Big Mac isn’t your usual choice of food.

Similarly, the Starbucks in Antigua, just a few blocks away, is a must visit! It is housed in a beautiful colonial building and is far more charming than your average chain coffee stop. Grab a coffee, admire the murals, and spend some time in the gorgeous garden.

For something more local, grab lunch at Pollo Campero — Guatemala’s beloved fried chicken chain. It’s fast food, yes, but it’s a genuine piece of Guatemalan culture, and the chicken is honestly delicious.

Dinner

For dinner, choose between two very different but equally memorable experiences:

Porque No is a tiny and delightfully quirky restaurant that packs a serious culinary punch. The space is small and full of character, the menu is creative, and the food is delicious. Fairly priced, at about $12-$14 USD per entrée, this place fills up fast, so book ahead or go early.

Como Como is the vibe restaurant. Cozy, warmly lit, and buzzing with atmosphere, it’s the kind of place where you linger over a bottle of wine and great food long after you intended to leave. The menu is innovative, the ambiance is quaint, and it’s one of Antigua’s most beloved spots.

Dessert

I stumbled upon this place by accident (aren’t those discoveries the best?). Doña Maria Gordillo is a legendary sweet shop that’s been operating in the city for over 100 years. The store is famous for its traditional Guatemalan sweets: crystallized fruits, coconut candies, cajeta (a caramel-like confection), and pepitoria (pumpkin seed brittle). Not only is it a wonderful slice of local culinary tradition, but the décor is so unique – the whole place is covered with traditional wooden owls. This is a must in Antigua.

Drinks

Antigua’s bar scene is intimate and eclectic. For a drink with character, try these:

Two days in Antigua Guatemala will leave you wanting more — but done right, with this itinerary as your guide, you’ll leave with full memories, a bag full of beautiful textiles, and a serious craving to come back.