The beauty you’ll find in Antigua, Guatemala -one of the most enchanting small cities in Central America (arguably, in the whole American continent)- extends beyond its cobblestone streets.
Although the place is charming enough to make you want to stay indefinitely, you’ll find many small towns, exciting hikes, and excursions that make for great day trips from Antigua.
Some are only a short bus ride away, some involve taking a plane. Some are perfect for a day (or half-day) trip, some are more suitable for a 2-day trip (in my opinion), but can be done in one day.
How you want to do it will depend on your travel style, time restrictions, and preferences.
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These are the 10 best day trips from Antigua, Guatemala
Table of Contents
Hike Volcano Pacaya
Walking within feet of bright red lava is one of my most memorable experiences in Guatemala. Pacaya is the most active volcano in the country and hiking to the slopes of Mckenny Peak is a popular day trip from Antigua.
We joined a guided excursion -you must go with a certified guide- departing on a shuttle from Antigua around 2PM, and arrived at the site one hour and change later. As we went uphill, I regretted not bringing a hiking pole (get a hold of one if you can). The hike is more moderate than easy.
About halfway I started falling behind and the guide was looking at me and looking at the horse for hire like Maybe it’s time for you to mount up the horse.
Off we went until we reached a plateau where on one side we had the spectacular view of the peaks of the three volcanoes -Agua, Fuego and Acatenango- breaking through the clouds. On the other side we saw Pacaya’s peak in the distance, with the ash cloud. The sun was still out so the lava flow wasn’t as noticeable. Yet.
We headed towards the area below the summit (you don’t get too close as it’s an active volcano) walking down slopes and sidestepping on jagged rocks of petrified lava.
At this point it becomes clear why sandals aren’t allowed, wearing shorts isn’t a good idea, and trekking shoes are recommended. The barren landscape makes you wonder if you landed on another planet.
Then, the oohs and aahs begin.
You can see the flashing red lava a few feet away, lurking under smoking hot black rocks (you can feel the heat, bring water). And you can roast marshmallows right there.
As the sun goes down the red shines brighter and you appreciate even more the magnificence of Pacaya before making your way down to go back to Antigua.
You can do this hike in the morning, but you won’t see the red glow as clearly as in the afternoon.
Check the weather forecast before you go. If it’s rainy and cloudy you won’t see a thing.
General admission: Q50 (plus the guided hike fee)
Relax at the Hobbitenango Eco Park
Where’s Frodo? In my mind I was searching for the Hobbits, as if they were hiding behind the round doors of the cute houses that remind you of the stubborn ring-seekers.
Or as if they were hiking in the gorgeous surroundings, enjoying the beautiful view with more mountains and volcanoes stretching for miles.
I didn’t find Frodo or Sam, but I found several scenic trails to explore the park and many spots to relax looking at nature.
Try the delicious food at the onsite restaurant, with unbeatable views.
The best time to visit to avoid the crowds is on weekdays, unless you want to go for the all-you-can-eat breakfast or lunch weekend buffet.
General admission: Q50. To get here you can take the shuttle departing from their office in Antigua located in 3a. Ave. Norte # 20A (fee: Q45 round trip). You must make reservations and pay via WhatsApp (3090-8812)
Hike Volcano Acatenango
This guided hike is normally done in two days as an overnight trip but it’s possible to do it in one day starting at dawn (it’s a 12-hour affair). But, you have to be a fast and strong hiker as this is a strenuous trail to the top of Guatemala’s highest volcano.
Full disclosure: I didn’t do this one, but while we were hiking Pacaya one of the guys in the group (a young man who looked quite fit) said he did it and it was challenging, describing it as a steep, rocky slope. His biggest disappointment was that, after all that effort, he wasn’t able to see anything as it was cloudy.
If you have better luck than him (you may if you visit between November and April) and a great deal of stamina, you’ll be rewarded with the best view of Volcano Fuego and its spectacular eruptions.
An easier, but more expensive option is to join a tour that takes you close to the summit (about 80% up) in a 4×4 vehicle, from where you have to hike the very last portion (1 to 2 hours).
A variant of this alternative is to join a tour that combines the 4×4 vehicle trip with an overnight camping experience before ascending to the summit the next morning.
If you want to give it a try, book your trip with a reputable company.
Visit Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlán is a beautiful destination near Antigua that could be done as a day trip, but given that it takes around 2 hours and change each way and that the best things to do there are scattered around, I would save this for a 2 or 3-day trip.
If you still want to give it a try, plan ahead what you want to do (check out my travel guide to Atitlán) as some activities require that you hire a guide in advance or start early in the day.
You can do hiking (most hikes require a guide, but not all), kayaking, and paragliding. You can also take the ferry to visit the little towns around the lake and check out the work of local artisans, take a birding tour, or relax with the majestic view of the volcanoes surrounding the lake.
You can go to Lake Atitlán on your own (book in advance any guided activity -birding tours, guided hikes-) by taking the first shuttles departing from Antigua to Panajachel (the biggest town in Atitlán). From there, you can explore “Pana”, or take a ferry to other towns.
If you prefer to book a tour, be aware that most consist of the shuttle, riding a ferry (labeled as a “cruise”), and walking from shop to shop.
Walk around the Gardens at the Valhalla Macadamia Farm (and Enjoy All Things Macadamia)
Learn how macadamias grow from a tiny tree to a delicious, crunchy and buttery nut on a guided walk through the beautiful gardens and trees of this organic farm. Did you know that it takes an average of seven years for a macadamia tree to start producing nuts? That’s why they’re so expensive.
There’s a cafe on site overlooking the trees and serving delicious food including macadamia pancakes (I loved them!), macadamia waffles, omellettes, pizza, and pasta with macadamia pesto and smoked macadamia nuts.
The on-site store sells macadamia-based products: nuts, chocolates, macadamia flour, and personal care products like soap and oil.
You can even book a facial or a massage in their spa. And you must see the bathroom!
This is perfect for a relaxing half-day trip near Antigua.
From the Antigua bus terminal take the Dueñas “chicken bus” (San Miguel Dueñas) and ask for “Las Macadamias” stop. Hours: 8AM-4PM
Explore the Towns of San Pedro Las Huertas and Ciudad Vieja
These old towns are blessed with little gems in the form of beautiful baroque churches and scenic surroundings resulting from being on the slopes of Volcano Agua.
But the location that brings amazing views also brought the destruction of “Ciudad Vieja, 1.0” -formerly known as Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala and second capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala- when a mudslide destroyed most of the city in 1541.
The volcano’s crater filled up with water and collapsed causing so much damage that the capital had to be moved to Antigua.
In Ciudad Vieja (Old City in Spanish) you’ll find Guatemala’s oldest cathedral in Baroque style and featuring a plethora of niches: the Church of Immaculate Conception (Iglesia de la Inmaculada Concepción), founded in 1534.
You can time your visit with local festivals to see the decorations.
Not as imposing as the Immaculate Conception but worth seeing is the Church of San Miguel Escobar, closer to San Pedro.
In San Pedro de Las Huertas, you’ll find the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle and Saint John the Baptist, built in 1672.
To get there take the San Pedro “chicken bus” from the Antigua bus terminal (a short ride) and get off at the main square where you’ll see the church. From here you can walk west towards Ciudad Vieja.
You can also explore the area on a bicycle guided tour of the Almolonga Valley.
Enjoy One of the Best Views of Antigua from San Cristóbal El Alto
You’ll want to sit here for hours having a drink while you see the mountains surrounding Antigua. San Cristóbal El Alto is a village located only six kilometres from Antigua’s centre, but that feels like another world where time slows down and where special gifts are hidden around every corner.
First you’ll find the restaurant/organic farm Cerro San Cristobal, a great place to have drinks with killer views and enjoy fresh farm-to-table food. You can walk around the small farm and see their orchid collection.
Follow the cobblestone streets and you’ll see locals selling honey and produce, and artisans selling textiles and pottery. On Sundays there’s a handicraft market in the historic Central Park square.
More amazing views await. From Los Nisperales lookout you can see Volcano Agua, and from Del Campo, you can see all three volcanoes (Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango).
Towards the end of the road you’ll find Casa Xicaya Bed & Breakfast, featuring short trails with lovely gardens. They offer guided hikes to nearby waterfalls and coffee plantations. If you’re looking for a place to get away from everything this is it. You can even camp here, if that’s your style. They also offer Spanish lessons.
Across the entrance they created another lookout, Mirador Xicaya, a beautiful garden with a view of the three volcanoes.
To visit San Cristóbal El Alto take the paid shuttle departing from the Nim Po’t store in Antigua (5a. Ave. Norte #29, close to the arch of Santa Catalina).
See the Mayan Ruins of Tikal
I think a 1-day trip to Tikal is too short, but it’s an option should you think otherwise. There’s so much to see there -not only in Tikal, but in the Petén area- that it’s better to spend at least three days there instead of rushing through a few pyramids.
There are other archeological sites, caves, nature reserves, and birdwatching opportunities. I’ve heard that watching the sunrise from the pyramids is a magical experience (can’t do that in the 1-day trip).
If this is your only chance to see these famous Mayan ruins from the Classic period -a UNESCO World Heritage Site-, or if one day is more than enough for you, give it a try.
This ordeal starts around 3AM with a shuttle from Antigua to Guatemala City to catch a 45-minute flight to the airport near Tikal and then take another shuttle to the site, visit some structures and then take another flight to go back to Antigua late at night.
If you decide to go for this, you’ll have a much better experience during the dry season, especially between January and March, when it’s dry, not that hot, and prices aren’t through the roof.
See Sacred Art and Have Some Chocolate at San Juan del Obispo
In this sleepy town near Antigua you’ll find what was the residence of Francisco Marroquín, the first bishop of Guatemala.
The complex, built in the 16th century and with cloisters surrounding gardens with flowers and fountains, is now the San Juan del Obispo Museum, and the convent of the Bethany Sisters. I loved the amazing carvings of the furnishings and the beautiful doors. You can also learn about the history of Guatemala.
Close to the museum you’ll see the Baroque-style Church of Saint John the Baptist (Iglesia San Juan Bautista) one of the first churches in Guatemala.
A visit to this little town will make chocolate lovers very happy, as here you’ll find the Chocolate Antigua shop. You can see how they make artisanal chocolate with different flavours (cardamon, macadamia, orange, ginger).
You’ll find several stores selling traditional sweets, marmalades, and fruit preserves. It’s also a chance to try níspero (neeseberry) artisanal wine, and some other fruity stuff. I’m not a fan, but you may like it.
Spend a Beach Day in Monterrico
If you’re craving a beach day during your stay your best bet is the town of Monterrico. But I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re staying in Antigua only for a few days. If that’s the case, I would prioritize other things to do.
If you’re staying longer and you want to plan a beach day, be aware that Monterrico’s beach is more for walking and relaxing. It isn’t good for swimming, as it has strong waves and undertow. It’s better to take a 2-day trip and stay for the fabulous sunset and also take a boat tour in the nature reserve.
Check out my blog post about what to do in Monterrico to help you decide.
There are so many fun things to do near Antigua that it’s worth staying long enough to enjoy them all. What would you be interested in trying? Hiking a volcano? Or maybe taking that long trip to Tikal? Have you ever thought of exploring Guatemala?
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BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS
Book your flight without losing your shirt
We check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights. Also, check Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, (and Skyscanner on the premium service) to find the best airfares.
To find a place to stay for less
Booking.com: you’ll find any type of property you can think of in their massive listing, with one of the most comprehensive filters. We’ve found great deals on boutique hotels, apartments, and private rooms in hostels.
Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%. Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.
House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.
To get travel insurance
SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.
Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings
Thank you for this article. I visited this city once and it’s absolutely amazing. Your itinerary is excellent. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading! Antigua is truly amazing, with many fun day trips.
I have really learned a lot about Anigua Guatemala from this post, a beautiful place to consider for a visit. Thanks.
Antigua and its surroundings are a jewel in Guatemala.