How to Spend 2-10 Days in Antigua: Itinerary Options + DIY Free Self-Guided Walking Tour
Discover how to spend your time in Antigua, Guatemala: Itineraries for short and long stays, plus our self-guided walking tour of the historic centre’s main sights.
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Antigua may be small, but it’s filled with history, culture, and outdoor adventures. With cobblestone streets framed by crumbling colonial churches and three towering volcanoes, you won’t be short of things to add to your Antigua itinerary. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, planning the right itinerary is key to making the most of your time.
In this itinerary, we cover what’s realistic to see in the amount of time you have, which areas or experiences are worth prioritising (and which to skip), and how to group things so you’re not zigzagging across town. We’ve also included our DIY self-guided walking tour of Antigua to help you explore the best of the city in one route. Some sights in the town absolutely shouldn’t be missed, and there are some day trips from Antigua that we would highly recommend, but then we’ve also offered options where you can choose the best way to spend your time.
Planning an Antigua itinerary
The key to planning an Antigua itinerary when travelling Guatemala is not to rush (otherwise you’ll feel the need to return on a future trip, which is what we did). Here’s roughly how long you should stay, depending on your interests:
We know not everyone has a lot of time to explore Antigua, so we’ve offered plenty of variations to shorten or lengthen the route, so it’s easily adaptable:
More from Antigua
How many days is enough in Antigua, Guatemala?
How many days to spend in Antigua depends on what you want to do, your preferences, budget, and time scale.
At the very least, 3 days is enough to see the main sights and get a good feel for Guatemalan culture.
We honestly think you need 4 to 6 days to really experience the best of Antigua. But most travellers have many other destinations on their Guatemala itinerary and don’t leave enough time – us included on our first trip. Plan more than 5 days if you’re doing the Acatenango Volcano overnight hike and 4 days if you’re not doing Acatenango but want to do Pacaya Volcano.
If you are interested in the various volcano hikes, day trips, and tours that are on offer in and around Antigua, as well as fully seeing the city, then one week would be more suitable to fit everything in. If you have longer, you could spend a few nights in the surf town, El ParedĂłn, which is only 2 hours from the city.
The perfect one-week Antigua Itinerary
There are loads of fun things to do in Antigua, and it can be hard to fit them all into your trip. We’ve planned the perfect one-week Antigua itinerary, but you can find alterations to make it shorter or longer below.
This itinerary works, whether you’ve checked into your hotel in Antigua the day before or are checking in on Day 1. Most accommodations will store your bags before check-in, so you can get out and explore the historic centre right away.
Day 1 – See the sights in Antigua
Start your visit with a walking tour of Antigua (we’ve got a whole self-guided route later in this post that you can follow). Wander past pastel-colored colonial buildings, ruined churches, and lively plazas with volcano views.
Don’t miss iconic landmarks like the Santa Catalina Arch, the ruins of the Cathedral de Santiago, and the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint for a panoramic look over the city. There are also lots of ruined churches in Antigua to explore, from the famous Casa Santo Domingo to the Convento Capuchinas.
Grab a long lunch at one of Antigua’s coffee shops or cafĂ©s, sip Guatemalan coffee, and watch the world go by. As evening falls, enjoy dinner by candlelight and a local craft beer at a bar like Antigua Cerveza: El Bosque or sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar like CafĂ© Sky Bar with volcano views at sunset.
Day 2 – Toast marshmallows on Pacaya Volcano
On Day 2, it’s time for an adventure: hiking Pacaya Volcano. Book a morning Pacaya Volcano tour to ensure the clearest views of one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes.
The hike up is short but steep, winding through cloud forest and cooled lava fields that still radiate warmth from the earth below – you can literally toast marshmallows over the volcanic vents.
Some tours include a stop at a lava-heated pizza spot or a natural thermal spa afterwards, so you can make it a full-day adventure if you wish. Once you’re back in Antigua, you could hike up to Cerro de la Cruz for views of the sunset over the town.
Day 3 – Day trip or join a cultural experience
After a day of hiking, slow things down with an insight into Guatemala’s local life. Book a cultural tour from Antigua and spend the day sampling roasts at a coffee farm or get hands-on in a cacao workshop to see how two of the country’s best-loved exports are made.
You could also join a Guatemalan cooking class or a textile weaving workshop in a neighbouring Maya village.
Alternatively, take a day trip to IximchĂ© ruins for a glimpse into pre-Columbian Mayan history or head to Chichicastenango Market. And if you’re in the mood for something more scenic, but don’t fancy the long journey to Lake Atitlán, Lake Amatitlán and the Château Defay Winery make for a lovely countryside escape.
Day 4 – Hike up Acatenango Volcano and see Fuego
Today’s the day – it’s time for one of Guatemala’s most iconic adventures: the Acatenango overnight tour. This is what most travellers visit Antigua for, and there are loads of Acatenango companies in Antigua to choose from.
The trek is tough, climbing to over 3,900 metres (12,795 ft), but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in Central America. As you ascend through farmlands, cloud forest, and alpine landscapes, you’ll begin to see Fuego Volcano puffing smoke in the distance, which is what makes this one of the top things to do in Guatemala. By late afternoon, you’ll reach base camp with a front-row view of Fuego’s eruptions lighting up the night sky.
You’ll have the option to join extra sunset or sunrise hikes, or you could simply enjoy the view from the comfort of your cabin. Bring warm layers, as it gets freezing at the top (don’t forget a thing with our Acatenango packing list), but the experience is more than worth it.
Day 5 – Summit Acatenango and return to Antigua
If you’re up for it, rise before dawn to make the final push to Acatenango Volcano‘s summit for sunrise. It’s a steep, sandy climb, but the reward is breathtaking – 360° views over Guatemala’s highlands, with the sun rising over a sea of clouds. From the top, you can often spot up to six volcanoes on a clear day, including the active Fuego.
After soaking in the moment, you’ll descend back to base camp for breakfast, then begin the long hike down to meet the shuttle. The descent is faster but can be hard on the knees, so trekking poles are your friend.
You’ll be back in Antigua by mid-afternoon, where a hot shower awaits. Then, enjoy a celebratory meal in one of Antigua’s best restaurants.
Day 6 – Rest, recuperate, and potter around Antigua
After multiple days of hiking, you’ve earned a rest day. Start your morning with a slow breakfast and maybe a massage – several spas in Antigua specialise in post-trek recovery treatments.
Then, spend the day exploring the city’s quieter corners that you might have missed on Day 1. Duck into one of Antigua’s interesting museums, browse local art galleries, or simply people-watch in Parque Central. Take your time exploring hidden courtyards, boutique shops, and artisan markets, which are perfect for a spot of sustainable souvenir shopping.
Day 7 – Visit Hobbitenango (and sleep in a hobbit house)
Wrap up your week in Antigua with a day trip to Hobbitenango, a whimsical eco-park perched high in the hills. Just 20 minutes from the city, it’s like stepping into Middle-earth, complete with The Lord of the Rings-style houses, giant swings, and incredible volcano views.
Spend the day playing mini golf, axe-throwing, or just relaxing with a drink overlooking the Panchoy valley below. For something special, spend the night in one of the on-site hobbit houses — cosy, round-door cabins that make you feel like you’re living in the Shire. It’s a perfect, lighthearted way to end your time in Antigua.
Antigua Itinerary Adaptations: Stay Longer or Shorter
Everyone who’s been to Antigua quotes the same activities as being the best and tells you to fill your itinerary in the same way, but we know everyone is different, so we’ve created a couple of variations of itineraries so you can adapt your time to best suit your interests.
2 days in Antigua, Guatemala
There are countless 2 and 3-day Antigua itineraries out there, but they’re missing out on so much of the city’s best adventures. With only two days in Antigua, you’ve not got time to do much more than explore the city and maybe do a day trip.
It might be tempting to fill every minute of your Antigua itinerary with something fun, but some of the best moments come from simply wandering the cobblestone streets and discovering unique places in Guatemala that you haven’t read about from someone else. It’s worth staying longer and leaving some space, not only recovering from all the fun day tours and activities like volcano hikes, but also to simply soak up the atmosphere, eat in local restaurants, and admire the intricate architecture.
3 days in Antigua, Guatemala
With three days in Antigua, we’d recommend prioritising a couple of excursions that you’re really interested in, like the Pacaya Volcano tour and Hobbitenango, and then exploring the city in your free time.
Because of the limited amount of time, you might consider doing an afternoon Pacaya day trip. While the visibility might be worse (we had thick fog and couldn’t see a thing), you might get lucky with clearer views, and it leaves the morning open for sightseeing.
You can squeeze Acatenango into three days, but you’ll only have one day in the city itself, and there will be no time left to do any other day trips.
5 days in Antigua, Guatemala
Five days in Antigua is a much better amount of time, leaving space to enjoy local restaurants, coffee houses, shops, and museums, as well as the usual tourist attractions and day trips.
You really need more than 5 days in Antigua if you’re dedicating 2 days to Acatenango Volcano. While you do get half a day in Antigua after the descent, you’ll probably be too tired to do any real sightseeing. It’s recommended to take it easy the day after as well, so make sure to plan a calm day in the city or an easygoing tour.
If you’re keen to do it, you can squeeze Acatenango into 4-5 days. If not, you have more time to relax in the city and take a few other day trips.
10 days in Antigua, Guatemala
We’ve already covered why we think a week in Antigua is the perfect amount of time, but any longer is a bonus. Antigua is also a great base for digital nomads who might wish to use the city as a base for a longer trip. You could easily spend 10 days or longer in the city, which gives you loads of time to do all the top day trips and excursions, as well as to explore the city thoroughly, so you don’t miss any landmarks, and you can even find your own hidden gems.
Our free self-guided walking tour of Antigua
While taking a guided walking tour of Antigua is a great way to learn about the city’s history, you can easily explore the city’s quaint streets and famous landmarks on a self-guided walking tour that takes around half a day at a relaxed pace. We recommend doing this on Day 1 to orient yourself when you first arrive.
DIY Free Antigua Walking Tour Map
1. Cerro de la Cruz
Start your self-guided tour with a short hike up to Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross) for the most famous panoramic view of Antigua. From here, you can see the city’s perfect grid layout framed by Agua Volcano to the south, as well as Acatenango and Fuego.
The viewpoint is about a 15-20 minute walk uphill from the trailhead, which is a 10-15 minute walk from the city centre, depending on where you’re starting from. You’ll pass the Ruinas de la Iglesia de la Candelaria on your way.
At the top, you’ll find a large stone cross overlooking the UNESCO-listed colonial town, making it a perfect photo stop. Locals often come here for morning exercise or evening sunsets, and it’s a great place to get your bearings. It’s also free to visit, making it an ideal start to your Antigua itinerary.
Early morning is the best time to visit, before the crowds and haze roll in, but if you reverse this route, you could always end your day here at sunset.
2. Iglesia de la Merced
From Cerro de la Cruz, head downhill to La Merced Church, one of Antigua’s most photogenic churches. Its bright yellow-and-white baroque façade, decorated with intricate stucco patterns, stands out even among Antigua’s colourful streets.
Inside, the church is peaceful and beautifully restored, and the adjoining ruins offer a peek into the city’s colonial past. Don’t miss the courtyard with its massive stone fountain, which is one of the largest in Central America.
3. El Arco de Santa Catalina
A few blocks south lies the Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua’s picture-postcard landmark. Once built to allow nuns to cross between convent buildings unseen, today it’s the city’s most photographed spot, especially when Agua Volcano is visible as a backdrop.
Come early to avoid the tour groups and catch the best light, or pop in later in the day and have a drink in the nearby Tabacos y Vinos wine bar. The street beneath it, 5a Avenida Norte, is lined with shops – pop into Nim Po’t Market for artisanal souvenirs.
4. Church and Convent of Las Capuchinas
Continue a few minutes east to Capuchin Convent, one of Antigua’s most fascinating ruins. Built in the 18th century for the Capuchin nuns, the convent features unusual circular living quarters and beautifully preserved corridors.
Wandering through its quiet stone halls is like stepping back in time, and the gardens are lovely and peaceful. There’s also a small museum in the convent. It’s 40Q (~$5.20 USD) per person to get in.
5. Casa Santo Domingo
Next, head to Casa Santo Domingo, a former monastery turned luxury hotel and museum. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s well worth visiting for its mix of archaeology, art, and architecture. The grounds include excavated ruins, candlelit tunnels, sculpture gardens, and small museums dedicated to colonial artefacts and contemporary art. There’s even a chocolate shop, restaurant, and spa tucked among the ruins.
Nearby, AM BKFST is a great place to grab brunch, or you could do a spot of jewellery shopping in Jade Maya.
Optional stop: Mercado Central
If you’re keen for a dose of local life, detour all the way along Calle 3a Poniente to Mercado Central, Antigua’s main market. It’s a maze of colour and chaos, packed with everything from fresh produce and street food to textiles and souvenirs. There’s also an artisans’ market next door.
6. Parque Central
Now it’s time to head into the heart of the city, Parque Central, Antigua’s main square and social hub. Shaded by leafy trees and ringed by historic buildings, it’s the perfect place to take a break and people-watch. You’ll find street vendors selling snacks, families chatting on benches, and musicians surrounding the Fountain of the Sirens in the middle.
Around its edges, you can visit the San JosĂ© Cathedral, which is home to the Santiago Cathedral Ruins and the Royal Palace of the Captains General, which is home to the National Museum of Guatemalan Art. You’ll also find the ChocoMuseo here, too.
7. Tanque La UniĂłn
End your walking tour at Tanque La UniĂłn, a large public square known for its pastel yellow colonial washbasin, once used by local women to do laundry. It’s one of the city’s most photogenic corners, especially in the golden light of late afternoon. Locals gather here to relax, kids play, and vendors sell ice cream under the trees – it’s also a great spot for cheap street food in the evening.
From here, you’re close to several great restaurants, as well as other attractions like the Santa Clara Convent, the yellow San Pedro Apostol Church, and the San Francisco the Great Sanctuary, which houses the tomb of Saint Hermano Pedro, if you want to keep exploring.
Planning a trip to Antigua?
Prepare for your trip to Antigua with our comprehensive travel guides! They include lots of handy tips like how to get to the city and get around, as well as the best things to do, tours, accommodation, restaurants, and more.
Read next:
7 Gorgeous Cafés and Coffee Shops in Antigua
18 Churches, Convents, Colonial Landmarks & Ruins in Antigua
10 Fascinating Museums in Antigua to Visit
A Sustainable Guide to Souvenir Shopping in Antigua
How to Hike to Cerro de la Cruz in Antigua
A Practical Guide to the Acatenango Overnight Hike
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