Antigua

For our Florida people, Antigua is St. Augustine if Guatemala City is Jacksonville. It’s a smaller, colonial, historic town with cobblestone streets and bright colors. Nestled between volcanoes, Antigua was once the capital of Central America. However, due to several earthquakes, it was later moved to Guatemala City. It remains a highly populated city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of the first things you will notice is that much of the architecture includes churches, convents, and monasteries. After the earthquakes in the 1700s, many of the convents and monasteries were abandoned, but have since been converted into boutique hotels, museums, and cafes.

What to Expect:

  • Walkability: Antigua is best explored on foot. Pack comfortable shoes, as the cobblestone streets can be tricky.

  • Weather: Expect warm days (70s-80s°F) and cooler evenings (50s-60s°F). Layers are your friend.

  • Cash & Cards: Many restaurants and shops accept credit cards, but carrying some Guatemalan quetzales (GTQ) is helpful for markets and smaller vendors.

  • Safety: Antigua is one of Guatemala’s safest areas, but like any tourist destination, be mindful of belongings.

Sightseeing (all walkable):

  • Santa Catalina Arch

  • Parque Central and Cathedral

  • Casa Museo Santo Domingo

  • Iglesia de La Merced

  • Convento Capuchinas

  • Convento Santa Clara

  • Volcanoes (Pacaya and Acatenango)

    • If you’re looking for an adventure and have some extra time to spare, hiking the (active) volcanoes on a day or overnight trip would be a great addition to the itinerary.

Recommendations (locations linked):

Lake Atitlan

When asking ChatGPT to create a prompt for Lake Atitlan based on my the description of Antigua above, it surprisingly spit back, “If Antigua is St. Augustine, then Lake Atitlan is Key West.” While that wouldn’t be my first comparison…..I do see some of the similarities, maybe more so to the Florida Keys. About a two and a half hour drive from Antigua, you slowly start to lose the hustle and bustle of the city. Passing through villages, and driving though switchbacks, until the lake and the volcanoes that frame it come into view.

Rod has been coming to Atitlan since he was little (pictured to the left). It is our favorite place in Guatemala, and once you arrive you will see why. Small villages dot the hillsides, while the lake is surrounded by three volcanoes; Atitlan, San Pedro, and Toliman.

Hotel Atitlan is nestled in a cove within a town called Panajachel. The hotel sits on a large, but rural property. And unlike Antigua, it is not walkable. Onsite are botanical gardens that we hope you take some time to explore. Right away you will spot and hear the macaws (Rod’s favorite) and tucked away in the back is the toucan (Sav’s favorite).

The closest village is Panajachel, and can be reached by taxi or tuktuk. Situated across the lake is San Juan La Laguna and San Pedro La Laguna. Both can be reached by water taxi, which can be arranged through the hotel.

Within walking distance there is also the Atitlan Nature Reserve.

What to Expect:

Boat Travel: The best way to get around is by boat, which serves as a water taxi between villages. This can be arranged though the hotel.

Altitude: At 5,000 feet above sea level, hydration is key.

Slower Pace: Expect a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere.

Recommendations:

Village Hopping (by boat): Visit San Juan for Mayan textiles, San Pedro for a lively backpacker vibe, and Santa Catarina for traditional hot springs.

Adventure: Kayak on the lake or hike to Indian Nose for an unforgettable sunrise.

Relaxation: Enjoy a poolside drink, a massage at the spa, and a stroll through the gardens.