Attractions Nearby Antigua, Day Trips and Excursions

(Antigua, Central Highlands, Guatemala)

There is much to see within a few hours of Antigua, with popular excursions including ancient cities, active and passive volcanoes, and half-day hikes to nearby hillside and countryside attractions.

The ancient, former capital of Ciudad Vieja is a matter of minutes to the south-west of Antigua and displays several ancient ruins, while beaches are due south at Monterrico. For volcano day trips, the Volcan Pacaya is the most famous as it frequently emits lava and has the best climbing. There are also tours (often including a quick flight from Guatemala City) connecting a variety of fairly distant attractions, such as Chichicastenango, Copan, the Lago de Atitlan (Lake Atitlan) and the magical archaeological site of Tikal, an ancient Mayan city.

Guatemala City

At less than an hour away from Antigua and just 40 km / 25 miles to the north-east, Guatemala City is the proud capital city and based around a vast flattened mountain range. This is a large and busy city, with much energy and a population of more than one million people. In recent years, the city has worked hard to make itself more appealing, with new and revamped public plazas, exciting festivals and lots to see. The museums in Guatemala City are some of the best on offer in the entire country, including the National Museum of Ethnology and Archaeology, the National History Museum and the National Museum of Modern Art. You may also like to experience the lively bar scene within the Zona Viva, the cultural attractions around the revitalised pedestrianised area named the Cuatro Grados Norte, and the rather touristy Relief Map (Mapa en Relieve).

Ciudad Vieja

Ciudad Vieja (Old City) is just a few kilometres to the south-west of Antigua, reached by taking Highway 14, and is an interesting old city and former capital. Displayed here are many ruins at the hands of volcanic eruptions that swept through the city. The first disaster occurred just 14 years after the founding of the city in 1527, when the Volcan Agua erupted and flooded Ciudad Vieja with its crater lake. Must-see highlights include the original church (Iglesia de La Concepcion) and the remains of the Governor's Palace (Palacio del Gobernador). The neighbouring village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes is worth a visit, being known for its textiles and regular Handicrafts Market (Mercado de Artesanias).

Pacaya Volcano (Volcan Pacaya)

Address: Volcan Pacaya, Parque Nacional Pacaya, Guatemala, GT
The Pacaya Volcano is a 2550-metre / 8,366-foot high conical peak, roughly 25 km / 16 miles to the south-east of the city. This is Guatemala's most impressive volcano and is easily reached from Antigua, although the journey will take around 90 minutes by tour bus, and when you arrive, it will often take up to two hours to walk to the very top. The volcano is usually spewing lava and is best seen on a later tour, when you can fully appreciate the lava glow against the evening / night sky. Visitors can hike the crater rim, which lies within a national park.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge for national park

Water Volcano (Volcan Agua)

Address: Volcan Agua, Near Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala, GT
Tel: +502 7832 7284
Although loftier than Pacaya, at more than 3,700 metres / 12,139 feet in height, the Water Volcano (Volcan Agua) is just not as impressive. This is because it has been dormant since the 16th century, although if you have the energy to make it all the way to the top, then you will find that the summit views are outstanding. Hikes go from the nearby town of Santa Maria de Jesus and take four or five hours. Clearly visible from the city, the volcano is now listed as an officially protected area, covering some 11,000 acres / 4,450 hectares. If you are short of time, then Guatemala Ventures can bus you here, stopping close to the volcano itself, with the summit being a two-hour hike from the drop-off point.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Acatenango Volcano (Volcan Acatenango)

The nearby Acatenango Volcano is most famous for its twin peaks, named the Pico Mayor (3,976 metres / 13,045) and Yepocapa (3,880 metres / 12,730 feet), while the adjoining and very active Volcan de Fuego (Volcano of Fire) measures in at slightly more than 3,760 metres / 12,336 feet in height. Guided tours can be arranged and include 4X4 transport to the volcano, a guide, food and drink, and camping gear if an overnight stay is required. This excursion offers a great way to frequent yourself with the diverse Guatemalan landscape.

Monterrico

The coastal village of Monterrico is the best bet for those hankering for a beach, as it is the closest to Antigua, lying approximately two hours to the south. Although the beaches are of the black (lava) sand variety and the shore drops off fast, they are still worth the trek. You can also go cycling, horseback riding and fishing at Monterrico, and there are some excellent resorts. Other enticing attractions include two sea turtle hatcheries, pretty canals, mangrove areas and the Biotopo Monterrico-Hawaii nature reserve. Whale watching tours depart from nearby Puerto Iztapa all through the year, with the chances of spotting giant sperm whales and humpbacks being most likely between December and May.

Jocotenango

Easy to reach and located to the north-west of Antigua is the village of Jocotenango, where the outlying Centro Cultural La Azotea coffee plantation is the principal attraction, with its 19th-century waterwheel and three museums documenting indigenous life. In the centre of Jocotenango, the historic church graces the village with its Baroque architecture, red-brick facade and ornate stuccowork. During lent, the village sees huge street processions, although many know it for being the birthplace of famous Guatemalan singer, Ricardo Arjona, who was born here in 1964.

Earth Lodge

Address: El Hato, Nr. Antigua, Guatemala, GT
Tel: +502 5664 0713
Email: earthlodge@gmail.com
Website: www.earthlodgeguatemala.com
Earth Lodge makes for a popular excursion from Antigua and this mountain attraction can be reached in just 20 minutes. This is a sizable avocado farm overlooking the surrounding volcanoes and Panchoy Valley. Visitors can expect to find everything from hiking trails and bird watching, to tasty vegetarian food, a traditional Mayan sauna, basic accommodation (cabins and a treehouse) and Spanish lessons. Earth Lodge even lays on its own transport from both the city and the airport.

San Juan Comalapa

Address: San Juan Comalapa, Guatemala, GT
Close to Chimaltenango is the artisan village of San Juan Comalapa, which is called home by numerous Kaqchikel (native Mayans) painters. Established by the Spanish, this is a fairly modern town and has been associated with its folk painting tradition since the 1930s. The main plaza is lined by a number of cheap eateries (comedores) and galleries showcasing their original works.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Santiago Sacatepequez / Sumpango

Each year on November 1st (All Saints' Day), the towns and cities throughout Guatemala visit the graves of loved ones to lay flowers. However, in the northern towns of Santiago Sacatepequez (20 km / 12 miles) and Sumpango (25 km / 16 miles), this date is best known for being the time of year when the Festival of the Giant Kite (Feria del Barrilete Gigante) is held. These enormous kites are constructed using bamboo and tissue paper, and often exceed 15 metres / 49 feet in width. Day trips between Antigua and Santiago Sacatepequez are easy to arrange via local travel agencies, who are happy to lay on transport and provide lunch, complete with a guide who can speak English.