Vacation Time: Antigua Guatemala!

Kayli Liebenberg
6 days ago
2 min read

Historic streets, timeless beauty

Rustic interior of an old brick building with arched doorways, wooden beams, and stained-glass windows. Warm lighting creates an inviting mood.

STAY AT HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL Hotel Casa Santo Domingo, built from the ruins of Santo Domingo, once one of the most important convents in Central America. The hotel houses several museums and an art gallery, and you can explore the convent’s original chapels, crypts, gardens and courtyards.

Ornate courtyard framed by an arched entryway, featuring a central stone fountain, potted plants, and intricate details, under a cloudy sky.

EXPLORE GUATEMALA’S COLONIAL PAST at Museo de Arte Colonial. Spanish rule lasted for nearly 300 years (1524– 1821) and the museum contains an extraordinary collection of religious paintings, sculptures and relics. Works by both indigenous artists and Spanish craftsmen are on display.

Volcano towering over grassy plains under a clear blue sky. Dark lava trails down the slope, and a small plume rises from the peak.

VENTURE UP VOLCÁN PACAYA just 30km from Antigua for the best pizza you will ever have! This two-hour trek takes you across dried lava fields with striking views of the neighbouring volcanoes. You get to bake your very own pizza over the lava rocks and guides provide sticks for marshmallow roasting.

A hobbit-style house with a round yellow door, grass roof, and stone pathway, surrounded by lush greenery and hills in the background.

ENTER THE MAGICAL WORLD of J.R.R. Tolkien on a tour of Hobbitenango, a whimsical eco-lodge and theme park located high in the mountains about 8km from Antigua. It’s inspired by The Shire from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, with hobbit-style houses built into the hillsides, and there are panoramic views of the Guatemalan highlands.

Ancient stone building with arched doorway at sunrise, cobblestone plaza in foreground, volcano emitting smoke in background, pinkish sky.

EXPERIENCE ANTIGUA AFTER DARK with charismatic tour guide Luis Francisco Gonzáles as he takes you on a walking tour of Antigua’s most haunted locales. Both spooky and educational, this tour is also a thrilling way to familiarise yourself with mythical figures from local folklore like La Llorona (the Weeping Woman) and El Sombrerón (the Little Hat Man).

Ornate yellow and white building facade with intricate carvings, columns, and a cloudy sky backdrop. Vibrant, detailed architecture.

VISIT IGLESIA DE LA MERCED, a striking yellow Baroque masterpiece and former monastery that homes the largest fountain in Central America – 27 meters across, it’s shaped like a water lily, a traditional symbol of power for the Maya. The church remains active, with a candlelit procession held monthly.

Colorful street leads to a yellow arch with a clock, set against a mountain backdrop. Vibrant blue and worn buildings line the path.

ONCE THE CAPITAL OF GUATEMALA, Antigua Guatemala is a lively city where history, culture and everyday life come together. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s known for its cobblestone streets, colourful colonial buildings and one-of-a-kind views of nearby volcanoes. There are countless iconic sights including picture-perfect Arco de Santa Catarina, built back in the 17th century.

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