How to Hike to Cerro de la Cruz in Antigua

Everything you need to know about hiking to Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) for one of the best views in Antigua, Guatemala. 

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Cerro de la Cruz is Antigua’s most famous viewpoint and is worth adding to your Guatemala itinerary. You’ve likely seen it on postcards, with sweeping views of the city’s network of streets leading to the looming Agua Volcano. But how do you see it for yourself?

We headed here as soon as we arrived in Antigua and documented the journey to lay out simply how you can visit too. Just a short uphill walk from the city centre, this hilltop cross offers the best panoramic view of Antigua without needing to leave town. Discover everything you need to know about hiking to Cerro de la Cruz from Antigua, as well as other ways to visit, like on an ATV tour, in this complete guide.

About the Cerro de la Cruz hike

Cerro de la Cruz is an iconic mirador (viewpoint) in Antigua, Guatemala. The hill was originally known as Cerro de Manchén, and after the cross was built on its summit in 1930, the area became known as Cerro de la Cruz (meaning Hill of the Cross). The cross was later replaced by a cement version in the early 1960s.

It was once a colonial lookout and considered sacred, as locals viewed the cross as a spiritual symbol protecting the city. Now, it’s one of the best places in Guatemala for epic views.

On a clear day, you’ll not only see Antigua, but also the looming Agua Volcano to the south and the dramatic duo, Acatenango and Fuego Volcano (the latter of which might be smoking if it’s active). It’s a great way to start a trip to the city at the start of your Antigua itinerary.

Where is Cerro de la Cruz in Antigua?

Cerro de la Cruz sits just north of Antigua’s city centre. It is perched on a hill, which gives it amazing views over the city and makes it one of the best things to do in Guatemala.

Cerro de la Cruz Map

We’ve pinned Cerro de la Cruz on our interactive Antigua map below.

How to get to Cerro de la Cruz in Antigua?

The most popular way to visit Cerro de la Cruz is to walk up to the top of the hill from Antigua.

On your way to the Cerro de la Cruz trailhead, you’ll pass Candelaria Church, one of the best ruins in Antigua, which contains the remnants of a church ruined by Antigua’s historic earthquakes.

You could also take a tuk-tuk to the trailhead – they’re readily available to hail in the street. It should cost around 30Q (~$4 USD) from the city centre to the trailhead.

Alternatively, you can also reach the top by rental car or ATV. Some tour companies offer ATV tours from Antigua that include a stop at the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint, which is great if you want to see multiple attractions in one day – many also include Hobbitenango, which was a highlight of our visit to Antigua. You could also rent an ATV and drive to the top of the hill – Simon S.A. (previously Simoon Rentals & Tours) is popular, with a day rental costing around $60 USD.

If you drive yourself, you can park in the Cerro de la Cruz parking lot near the Santiago Apostle Square (Plaza del Apóstol Santiago). Bring a few quetzales in cash in case you’re asked to pay. It’s right at the top of the hill, so you’ll have a 10-minute walk downhill to the viewpoint, which is arguably easier than taking the stairs up.

How to climb Cerro de la Cruz in Antigua?

The entrance to the trail is accessible via 1a Avenida Norte. The trailhead is on the corner, marked with a big sign (which makes it much easier to find than when we first did the hike).

The walk is uphill, but it’s not too steep, and there are around 333 concrete steps the whole way. If you’re not acclimatised, you might feel the altitude a little, but you can always rest to catch your breath.

Most of the path is through the forest, so it’s shaded by trees, meaning you’re out of the sun. Look out for birds in the treetops.

Once you get to the top, it opens out into a grassy park with a large concrete area with tiered seating.

What is there to see at Cerro de la Cruz?

The top of the hill has been renovated since our first visit to Antigua, and there’s now arced concrete seating all the way around the main viewpoint area.

From here, you get panoramic views over the city and the surrounding area. It’s one of the best views in Antigua, which is why many tourists choose to visit.

You’ll find an information board with a map that highlights notable parts of Antigua, including its volcanoes. On a clear day, you’ll have views of the city, its crumbling ruins, and its three surrounding volcanoes: Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego.

Of course, the top is dominated by the huge cross that gives the hill its name. There are also some quirky statues, like a quetzal wings photo spot and a horseman.

From the main viewpoint, a park spreads up the hill and is a popular hangout spot with locals, especially on the weekend. There are toilets at the top of the hill, and there may be vendors milling about, selling snacks and drinks.

You could spend some time walking in the park, which has a few different trails through the forest. The Santiago Apostle Square (Plaza del Apóstol Santiago) sits at the very top, with a statue of the city’s patron saint, Saint James of the Knights (Santiago de los Caballeros).

How long is the Cerro de la Cruz hike?

The path to Cerro de la Cruz is not really a hike, but more of a walk. It’s one of the easiest hikes in Antigua, and is much easier than both Pacaya Volcano and the Acatenango Volcano overnight trek.

Cerro de la Cruz is around 2 miles (3 km) round-trip from the centre of Antigua.

The trail itself is only around 300 metres (0.3 km), consisting of about 333 steps. Once you reach the viewpoint, you’ll have gained about 90 metres (300 ft) in elevation.

How long does it take to climb Cerro de la Cruz?

The trailhead itself is a 15-20 minute walk from the centre of Antigua, depending on where you start from. From there, it’s another 10-15 minute walk up to the viewpoint, depending on your pace.

So all in all, it’s about 30 minutes each way from Antigua to the viewpoint or a 1-hour return trip. We’d recommend an hour and a half in total to hike up, enjoy the views, and walk back down.

How much does it cost to climb Cerro de la Cruz?

Hiking to the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint is completely free.

You may need a few quetzales if you plan on parking nearby, and we’d recommend bringing some cash in case you want to purchase snacks or souvenirs from the local vendors. Or you could save your money for dinner in one of Antigua’s best restaurants after the climb.

Is it safe to hike Cerro de la Cruz?

Historically, Cerro de la Cruz has been a hotspot for assaults and robberies. But Guatemala has become a lot more touristy in recent years, and therefore a lot safer. We’ve noticed the improvement just in the three years between our first and second trips.

There’s no need for a police escort anymore – it’s normally perfectly safe to do the walk yourself. Police are often stationed at the bottom of the path to Cerro de la Cruz or milling about in the general area. In the daytime, you should have no problems.

That said, it’s still wise to practice basic safety precautions, like keeping your wits about you and not flashing valuables. And we wouldn’t recommend hanging around after dark. If you stay for sunset, head back into town straight after.

When to do the Cerro de la Cruz hike?

The best time to visit Guatemala to hike Cerro de la Cruz is in the dry season, from November to April. The official times the trail is open are between 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, although there’s no way to enforce this as there’s no entrance fee.

We’d recommend visiting on a clear day, when views of the city are best. Cloud tends to roll in around mid-morning and can obscure the view. There’s not much point in going up on a cloudy day, as you won’t see much.

Timing your hike for sunset or sunrise is a great way to get picture-perfect light across the city. You’ll also avoid many of the crowds that gather throughout the day – it can be a popular spot.

On New Year’s Eve, there is a music festival on Cerro de la Cruz, which can be fun to witness if you’re in the area.

Where to stay to visit Cerro de la Cruz

If you want to be close to Cerro de la Cruz, you should stay in the north of the city. But no matter which part you choose, there are plenty of lovely hotels in Antigua to choose from, and you won’t have too long a walk. Here are our top picks.

Is Cerro de la Cruz worth it?

Hiking up to Cerro de la Cruz is absolutely worth it. The hill provides some of the best views of Antigua, it’s a short walk, accessible to most people, and it’s completely free. However, we’d recommend checking the weather forecast when planning your Guatemala trip before your walk – you might be disappointed if the view is stolen by thick fog or clouds.

What to pack to hike to Cerro de la Cruz?

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience at Cerro de la Cruz, it’s important to pack the right things. Don’t forget to pack your:

Wear sturdy shoes, as it’s there’s some uneven ground, and pack layers since temperatures can be cooler, especially in the early morning or evening.

Read next:

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2-10 Day Antigua Itinerary + DIY Free Self-Guided Walking Tour

10 Top Day Trips from Antigua + 4 Tours to Avoid

28 Amazing & Unique Things to Do in Antigua

Where to Stay in Antigua: 18 Best Hotels From Budget to Boujee

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