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Looking for the best way to spend three days in Antigua? Start here.
Antigua is one of Guatemala’s most charming and colorful cities, known for its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and epic volcano views in every direction. There’s so much to explore, but with just three days, how do you fit it all in without feeling rushed? That’s where we come in.
After multiple visits, we’ve done the planning for you and created the ultimate three-day itinerary that blends culture, adventure, and local flavor. From wandering pastel-hued streets to hiking volcanoes and learning to cook Guatemalan dishes, we’re here to help you make the most of every moment. Let’s explore Antigua!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Antigua was this ATV sunset tour! We rode through the mountains to a Lord of the Rings–themed eco-park, before watching the sun set with volcano views. It was pure magic!
Check out the 400+ 5-star reviews and book this adventure here!
Itinerary Overview
What makes Antigua so special isn’t just its postcard-worthy beauty—it’s the way it effortlessly blends history, nature, and everyday life. Around every corner, you’ll find centuries-old ruins, bustling markets, and cozy cafés, all set against a dramatic backdrop of three towering volcanoes.
Getting around couldn’t be simpler—Antigua’s compact center is super walkable, so you won’t need a car once you arrive. Public transportation and shared shuttles make it easy to get here from Guatemala City or other destinations, and guided tours are a great way to explore nearby highlights like coffee farms, volcanoes, and mountain villages. This thoughtfully planned three-day itinerary covers the city’s cultural and culinary highlights, with a few easy excursions beyond the city center for those up for adventure.
Day 1: Start with a guided walking tour to get your bearings, then visit a historic monastery turned museum. Spend the afternoon riding ATVs into the surrounding hills for sweeping views and sunset photo ops. Wrap up your evening with traditional Guatemalan food and a relaxing night in town.
Day 2: Fuel up with an early breakfast before joining a small-group bike tour to a local coffee farm and artisan village. After lunch, browse the markets and join a hands-on cooking class in the nearby village of Jocotenango. End the night with craft beers at a local brewery.
Day 3: Choose your own adventure—either hike up Pacaya Volcano for steaming lava fields and epic views and return in time for an afternoon chocolate-making class, or go all-in with an overnight trek to Acatenango to watch Volcán de Fuego erupt under the stars. Either way, it’s a wild finish to your time in Antigua.
Day 1
Breakfast – Rincón Antigüeño
Start your first day in Antigua with a filling Guatemalan breakfast at Rincón Antigüeño, a casual local spot that’s known for generous portions and traditional flavors. Plates come stacked with eggs, black beans, plantains, cheese, avocado, and tortillas—the kind of meal that keeps you going well into the afternoon. The coffee’s strong, the service is quick, and everything feels homemade in the best way.
It opens at 8 am and is just a 5-minute walk from the starting point of this morning’s walking tour, making it an easy and practical stop before you dive into sightseeing. You can find it tucked along a quiet street just outside the main tourist rush.
Morning – Explore Antigua on a walking tour
After breakfast, it’s time to get your bearings with this guided walking tour of Antigua, and we highly recommend booking the 9 am slot to get the most out of your day. Antigua is wonderfully walkable, and while you could easily explore on your own, having a local guide brings the city’s layers of history to life in a way no map ever could.
For three hours, you’ll wander the cobblestone streets while learning all about the city’s rich history from your guide. Along the way, you’ll pass through the Santa Catalina Arch (yes, the one from all the postcards!) and hear about the nuns who used to cross through it without ever being seen.
You’ll visit highlights like Iglesia de La Merced, the earthquake-damaged Santiago Cathedral, and historic spots like the Church of our Lady of Carmen and Palace of the Captain’s General, all while learning how the city has rebuilt over the centuries.
The tour wraps up at Casa Santo Domingo, a former monastery turned cultural center and luxury hotel, plus a stop at a local jade factory, where you’ll learn about jade’s importance in Mayan culture and watch artisans at work.
We loved this tour because it was the perfect introduction to Antigua—a fun and informative walk that gave us a real feel for the city right from the start. And we’re clearly not alone. Just check out the glowing five-star reviews here and see for yourself why this is the best way to kick off your time in Antigua!
Check availability for your travel dates and book this walking tour here!
Early Afternoon – Casa Santo Domingo Museum
Your morning tour wraps up at the stunning Casa Santo Domingo, and luckily, your entry ticket is already included. You’ll spend about 30 minutes here with your guide, but I highly recommend sticking around to explore more on your own—most visitors end up spending 2 to 3 hours to fully appreciate it all!
Built into the ruins of a 16th-century monastery, this place is part museum, part historical site, and part serene garden escape. The candlelit hallways, peaceful courtyards, and beautifully preserved stonework make it one of the most atmospheric spots in Antigua.
Inside, you’ll find six small museums covering everything from colonial art to pre-Columbian artifacts and traditional silverwork. Highlights include the Museum of Colonial Art, which displays centuries-old religious paintings and sculptures, and the Archaeology Museum, home to ancient Mayan ceramics and carved stone relics. There’s even a quirky Pharmacy Museum set inside an old apothecary, and a pair of rotating galleries that spotlight contemporary Latin American artists.
Give yourself time to soak it all in—but don’t forget to leave early enough to grab a snack or quick lunch from a nearby restaurant or street food stall. The next tour departs at 2:15 pm, and it’s about a 15-minute walk from here, so you don’t want to be late!
Late Afternoon – Ride an ATV through the scenic hillsides at sunset
Wandering Antigua’s cobblestone streets is lovely, but without heading into the hills, you’ll miss the region’s best views. That’s exactly why we booked this mountain ATV tour, which takes you up to three scenic mountaintops just in time for golden hour. It was the perfect way to escape the city for an afternoon and experience Antigua from a totally different perspective.
The tour starts at 2:15 pm with a quick ATV briefing before heading up to Cerro de la Cruz, one of the city’s most famous viewpoints. We’d always wanted to visit, but it’s not recommended to hike there solo as thefts have been reported, so doing it as part of a guided tour is the safest (and easiest) option.
After soaking up the views, you’ll wind your way up into the mountains to Hobbitenango, a forested eco-park inspired by The Lord of the Rings. Think misty hills, whimsical structures, and panoramic swings. It really does feel like a fantasy world!
There’s also an optional restaurant stop on the way back—great if you’re hungry now, but if you’d rather wait, we’ve got a fantastic dinner recommendation next. Either way, you’ll be back in town around 7:30 pm, with plenty of time to unwind before another full day of exploring.
With epic views, a little adrenaline, and a lot of fun, this tour ended up being a highlight of our time in Antigua. It struck the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation and gave us some of our favorite memories (and photos!) from the whole trip!
Book the ATV tour here and see Antigua from a whole new perspective!
Dinner – Los Tres Tiempos
If you skipped the restaurant stop on the way down, now’s the time to treat yourself to a proper Guatemalan dinner, and Los Tres Tiempos is the perfect spot. Just an 8-minute walk from where your ATV tour ends, this casual yet stylish restaurant specializes in elevated versions of traditional dishes, all served in a relaxed setting with excellent service.
The menu has plenty of local flavor, from jocón and pepian to tamales and fresh-made tortillas. We loved the mix of comforting home-style food with thoughtful presentation. The portions are generous, the drinks are solid, and if you can snag a seat on the terrace, the atmosphere is even better. If you’re visiting on a weekend or during peak season, it’s a good idea to reserve a table in advance, especially if you want that terrace view.
Day 2
Breakfast – El Viejo Café
It’s an early start today, but El Viejo Café makes it totally worth getting out the door. This cozy spot opens at 6:30 am and serves up one of the best breakfasts in town, and since it’s located just off the main historic square, it’s usually a little quieter and less expensive than the places right on the plaza.
You’ll find all the Guatemalan breakfast staples here (eggs, beans, plantains, and tortillas), along with warm pastries, fresh juices, and good coffee—all served in a beautiful courtyard. Whether you go for something traditional or opt for a flaky croissant and smoothie combo, it’s a satisfying way to fuel up before the day’s adventure.
It’s about a 12-minute walk from here to the tour meeting point, so plan to finish up by 7:45 am. That gives you time to take a leisurely stroll across town and arrive without rushing.
Morning – Bike to a local coffee farm and handicraft market
Antigua has no shortage of coffee shops, but sipping a latte in town is nothing compared to seeing where that coffee actually comes from. That’s why we signed up for this small-group bike tour, which dives into Guatemala’s rich coffee culture, food traditions, and artisan heritage—all while pedaling through the countryside.
The tour kicks off at 8:30 am with a ride out to Finca La Azotea, a lush, shade-covered plantation where you’ll cycle between coffee plants and winding trails. Our guide, Pablo, was incredibly warm and knowledgeable. He answered our questions about everything from coffee production to community projects the company supports.
After biking the farm, you’ll head into the museum to learn how beans are picked, dried, roasted, and brewed, and of course, you’ll get to taste a few samples for yourself.
Next, you’ll ride to the village of San Felipe de Jesús, home to a vibrant artisan market where you’ll learn about local crafts and traditional candy-making. On the way back, there’s a quick stop to sample Guatemalan kombucha-style drinks like Fresco de Suchiles, and our group even had the chance to watch a local woman cook dobladas over a woodfire. It was an unforgettable moment we never saw coming!
This tour was such a special experience. It’s hands-on, local, and full of heart. If you still need convincing, just check out the glowing five-star reviews here and see why so many travelers say it’s one of the most unique and rewarding things to do in Antigua!
Reserve this bike tour here and enjoy FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
Early Afternoon – Go shopping at the local markets
After your bike tour wraps up around 1 pm, head over to Antigua’s bustling markets for a casual, unstructured afternoon. Both the Mercado Central and Mercado de Artesanías El Carmen are local favorites. Between the two, you’ll find just about anything, from handcrafted textiles and pottery to fresh produce, spices, and clothing.
Mercado Central is just a 5-minute walk from the tour drop-off point and is perfect for browsing everyday items, picking up souvenirs, or practicing your Spanish with friendly local vendors. After that, head over to El Carmen, just a few blocks away, where the vibe is a little more artisan-focused, with handmade jewelry, leather goods, and colorful woven fabrics on display.
You’ll have a couple of hours to explore both markets, which is plenty of time to wander, shop, and snack. This is a great spot to grab a light bite, too! We recommend trying the rellenitos, tostadas, papusas, or even a Guatemalan-style hot dog from one of the street stalls. Just don’t fill up too much—a hands-on cooking class is up next!
Late Afternoon – Learn how to cook authentic Guatemalan food
After exploring the markets, it’s time for our favorite Antigua experience: this hands-on Guatemalan cooking class! Hosted in the nearby village of Jocotenango, this experience offers more than just recipes. It’s an immersive introduction to Guatemala’s culinary heritage, daily life, and warm hospitality.
We recommend booking the 4 pm option, which gives you enough time to explore the markets beforehand and still arrive relaxed and ready to cook. Once you get to the cooking school, you’ll meet Chef Carolina and Sous Chef Iris, who guide you through the process of choosing and preparing a traditional Guatemalan meal.
We loved that you could select your own dish from a rotating menu that includes local favorites like pepian, jocón, kak’ik, chiles rellenos, and tamales, with vegetarian options available, too.
As you chop, season, and stir, you’ll pick up cooking techniques and cultural context along the way. The atmosphere is friendly, relaxed, and full of flavor (literally). And once the cooking wraps up, you’ll sit down to enjoy your homemade meal with a view, either in a colonial-style dining room or out on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Agua Volcano.
From the ingredients to the stories behind the dishes, this experience was such a rewarding and personal way to connect with Guatemalan culture. In fact, you can read hundreds of five-star reviews here that echo just how special and unforgettable this experience really is.
Don’t miss out—secure this cooking class here before spots fill up!
Evening – Antigua Cerveza
After the cooking class, wind down your day with a stop at Antigua Cerveza, a cozy local brewery with a welcoming vibe and a great selection of craft beers. From crisp lagers to bold IPAs, we loved it here! The drinks were solid across the board, and the tasting flights let you try a bit of everything.
It’s a relaxed, no-fuss spot with indoor and courtyard seating, perfect for toasting to a full day of cycling, cooking, and exploring. It’s not a late-night venue, which makes it an ideal final stop before heading back to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow.
Day 3
Today’s all about volcano views—and you’ve got two epic options to choose from.
If you’re after a shorter and more laid-back adventure, Option 1 is a half-day volcano hike (with the option to ride a horse up to the top!). It still packs in great scenery, but leaves you plenty of time to enjoy Antigua in the afternoon—think tasty food and even a chocolate-making workshop.
Option 2, on the other hand, is for those craving a true challenge: an overnight trek up Acatenango Volcano. It’s long, steep, and strenuous—but absolutely unforgettable. You’ll camp out above the clouds with front-row views of Volcán Fuego erupting through the night, and wake up in time summit before the sunrise.
To help you choose, I’ve broken down the details of each adventure below!
Option 1: Pacaya Volcano
Morning – Hike to Pacaya Volcano
If you’re craving a bit of adventure and a break from the city, kick off your final day in Antigua with this unforgettable hike to Pacaya Volcano, one of the most active (and accessible) volcanoes in Guatemala. You’ll be picked up at your hotel around 6 am, and after a scenic one-hour drive, you’ll arrive at Pacaya National Park to begin the hike.
The trail takes about 1.5 hours and winds through forested paths and black volcanic rock until you reach a wide plateau with steaming vents and hardened lava fields. You can’t go all the way to the crater, but you’ll definitely feel the heat underfoot—and even roast marshmallows over the vents!
Optional horse rentals are available for about Q300 ($40 USD) if you’d rather ride than hike. There’s also the option to try a pizza cooked on hot volcanic rocks (not included, but easy to arrange).
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness, but the guides do a great job pacing the group and taking breaks, so it’s very doable for most travelers. Don’t forget to bring Q100 (about $14 USD) in cash for the national park entrance fee, and wear proper shoes, sun protection, and layers depending on the season.
If you’re up for the adventure, this is one of the most unique and rewarding hikes in the country, and you’ll be back in Antigua by lunchtime, with epic memories to prove it!
Book this guided hike in advance here so you don’t miss out!
Lunch – Madre Tierra
After wrapping up your morning adventure around noon, you’ll have definitely worked up an appetite—and Madre Tierra is the perfect place to recharge. Just a short walk from the town center, this cozy local favorite serves up hearty Guatemalan fare in a relaxed setting.
The star of the show here? Their fresh, handmade tortillas, which come warm and fluffy with nearly every dish. Pair them with a traditional plate like pollo en pepián or a grilled steak with beans and plantains, and you’ve got a seriously satisfying post-hike meal.
It’s casual, but packed with flavor—exactly what you need before diving into your afternoon plans!
Afternoon – Chocolate workshop (optional)
After a morning hike and hearty lunch, you might be tempted to crash at your hotel, but if you’re still up for something fun (and delicious), this small-group chocolate-making workshop is a sweet way to round out your afternoon. You’ll be back in Antigua around noon, so there’s plenty of time to grab lunch and recharge before heading to the ChocoMuseo for this hands-on experience.
The 2-hour class kicks off at 3 pm and takes you through the entire bean-to-bar chocolate process, from roasting the cacao beans to grinding, mixing, and molding your own chocolate treats. Along the way, you’ll taste a few traditional chocolate drinks and learn how cacao has played a central role in Guatemala’s culture for centuries.
Our instructor, Diana, was top-notch! She was energetic and informative, and made the entire session feel like a fun mix of history lesson and dessert party. Plus, at the end, you’ll leave with 120 grams of handmade chocolate, packaged and ready to take home—if you don’t eat it all first!
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids, this workshop is low-effort, high-reward, and one of the most family-friendly and memorable things to do in Antigua. If you’re still not sure on this one, just check out the hundreds of five-star reviews here and see why so many travelers say it’s one of the tastiest experiences of their trip!
Reserve your spot in this hands-on chocolate workshop here!
Dinner/evening – Enjoy the historic center
If you joined the chocolate-making class, you’ll wrap up around 5 pm, but if you opted for some well-deserved rest instead, no shame in that either. Either way, ease into your final evening in Antigua with a relaxed stroll through the city’s enchanting historic center. The cobblestone streets, softly lit colonial buildings, and looming silhouette of Volcán de Agua create the perfect backdrop for one last wander.
Start with dinner at Hector’s Bistro, a cozy gem near La Merced Church known for its French-inspired Guatemalan dishes. The food is flavorful and well-crafted, and the ambiance is perfect for a final meal in town. After dinner, keep an eye out for street vendors selling Atol de Elote—a warm, sweet corn drink topped with cinnamon that’s both comforting and uniquely Guatemalan.
To end the night, head to Cafe Sky Bar for a rooftop drink with panoramic views of Volcán de Agua. Whether you catch the sunset or linger under the stars, it’s a relaxed, scenic spot to toast to your adventure and savor one last magical moment in Antigua.
Option 2: Acatenango Volcano overnight trip
If you’d rather go big than take it easy and you can fit it into your schedule, hiking Acatenango should be at the top of your Antigua itinerary. This overnight hiking trip is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences in all of Guatemala. This dormant volcano towers over 13,000 feet (3,976 meters), and from its slopes, you’ll get a front-row seat to Fuego Volcano’s spectacular eruptions every 15 to 30 minutes.
This is a tougher hike than Pacaya, but it’s a true bucket-list adventure. The trail covers 18 kilometers (11 miles) and is split over two days, starting with a hike up to base camp, where you’ll sleep overnight with incredible views of glowing lava bursts. The next morning, wake up before sunrise to summit Acatenango and soak in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks before descending back to Antigua.
The experience is fully supported with meals, warm layers, camping gear, and backpacks provided, so you can focus on the adventure. It’s high-altitude and steep in sections, but totally doable with moderate fitness and determination.
Note: This overnight tour includes a pre-trip meeting at 5 pm the day before, so if you choose this option, you’ll need to skip the cooking class on Day 2 and opt for a different dinner that evening, but trust us—it’s worth it!
This was easily one of our favorite experiences in all of Guatemala—and for good reason! It’s a major draw for travelers visiting Antigua, and if you’re up for the challenge, the overnight trek is an unforgettable adventure you’ll be talking about for years.
Reserve this overnight hike here and get ready for an epic adventure!
Related Read: Want even more ideas for your trip? Check out our guide to the 10 most fun and exciting things to do in Antigua here for extra activities, local favorites, and can’t-miss highlights.
Where to Stay in Antigua, Guatemala
Now that you have your itinerary sorted, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. The good news is that there are plenty of accommodations to choose from.
Whether this is a stop on a larger tour around Central America for you and you want to save money at a more budget-friendly hotel, or if comfort and style are top of the list, I’ve listed the best options in Antigua for every type of traveller below:
Luxury – $$$
Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo isn’t only a destination that’s one of the best places to see in Antigua, it’s also one of the best places to stay! It’s a luxurious 5-star experience with a stellar pool, beautiful garden area, spa, and museums all onsite. This former convent feels like you’re staying in a piece of history. The rooms range from $250 to $400USD and include rooms with fireplaces, scenic views, and options for cozy suites.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Feel like you’re staying in an art gallery at this stunning boutique hotel. Hotel y Arte Antigua has a great location that’s within walking distance to lots of local restaurants and many of the sights like Parque Central and Convento Santa Clara. The rooms are big and SO colorful with art and decor. The staff members are really attentive and helpful, too.
Rooms here are around $90 USD per night and can be reserved in advance here.
Budget – $
Only a 3-minute walk from the famous Santa Catalina Arch, the Selina Antigua is centrally located for easy access to explore the city. There are also bike rentals available here, along with a swimming pool and a nice garden to relax in. If you don’t mind sharing a dorm-style room, you can pay as little as $15 USD per night. If sharing isn’t for you, there are private rooms more in the $60 USD per night range.
Get your room on Booking.com or Hostelworld.com.
To see all of the available hotel options for your travel dates, click here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Whether you’re wandering through colorful markets, sipping fresh coffee at a local farm, or hiking above the clouds to catch a volcanic sunrise—Antigua is the kind of place that sticks with you long after you’ve left. With its charming cobblestone streets, rich culture, and epic landscapes, three days here is just enough to fall in love with this little Guatemalan gem.
I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Antigua! And if you’re continuing your adventures through the region, be sure to check out some of our other Guatemala travel guides for more tips, itineraries, and can’t-miss experiences. Here are some of our favorites to get you started:
ULTIMATE Guide to the Acatenango Volcano Hike, Guatemala
23 FUN Things to do in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
10-Day Guatemala Itinerary – The BEST Places and Things to do