Antigua is a colonial city in Guatemala that is a center point for volcano trekking and backpackers. Antigua is the nearest city to Volcán Fuego and Pacaya and treks can be arranged through most hostels in Antigua. Antigua is a romantic European-looking city with cobblestone streets, arches and cathedrals. One to two days could be spent exploring the historic architecture and the central plaza where locals sell handicrafts. Despite how quickly Antigua can be experienced, many people get enthralled with the city and choose to stay longer. Spanish classes are one big reason that people stay in Antigua for months at a time. I stayed in Antigua for a month because I was volunteering at a hostel called Somos. In that time I discovered the ins and outs of the city.
Night Life
The night life of Antigua runs on a repeating cycle that loses its novelty after about three weeks.
Wednesday means ladies night at Las Vibras night club. Ladies get two free drinks that are actually quite delicious and can choose from either a manicure or a massage. The women are the bait and many local men come out for the night. However, the ladies are roped off in the VIP section and only have to socialize if they want to. This night club has a dance floor and usually a DJ performs. This is also a favorite spot to go to on the weekends.
Thursday means ladies night at Lucky Rabbit. Antigua is a good place to drink for free if you’re a woman! This bar is also a popular place to go to on the weekends.
Friday nights in Antigua mean free Salsa lessons at Salsa Más and an open bar for 30Q. I’ve taken many beginner salsa classes and these lessons are great because you learn a routine with your partner. By the end of the two hour class you feel like a pro. The teacher is really funny and charismatic and encourages the students to get drunk and be silly. After class many people go to Las Palmas to practice their salsa skills with the locals.
Every Saturday night is the infamous Antigua Pool Party. This techno rave takes place in an abandoned swimming pool 16 minutes outside of town. Vans leave from outside of Las Vibras for 25Q a person. Alternatively, you can take an Uber for about 50Q split between four friends. The venue is called La Piscina on the Uber app. The entrance fee is 75Q and from midnight until 8AM on Sunday there is bumping techno music, lasers and many Gringos. Men stand by the entrance of the swimming pool offering drugs but I’ve heard from many sources that you are better off organizing your supplies before the party. I love shuffling and I found this party to be very fun. I went 3 times while in Antigua and consider it a must!
Once a month there is an event called the Wizards Mansion Party. A group of DJs called Wizards Collective throw this and many other different techno parties throughout Guatemala. This event lasts from 7pm until noon the next day. It is one epic party and shouldn’t be missed if you’re lucky enough to be in town during it. The week of the Mansion party the pool party becomes a Reggatone party.
Other Popular Spots
Cafe No Sé
This charming dive bar is full of character. They were the first mezcal bar outside of Mexico. The candlelight ambiance and live music give it a funky vibe.
Antigua Brewing Company
This brewing company has delicious craft beers. A flight of beer includes IPAs, a sour beer, a red ale and dark beers with hints of coffee and chocolate. The rooftop terrace offers great volcano views. As an IPA lover this was my favorite place to drink in Antigua.
El Barrio
This is another popular bar to go out to on the weekends. It has an open courtyard with twinkling lights. There is a side room that often plays good music. Bars line the courtyard with street food for sale as well.
An important thing to keep in mind when going out in Antigua is that all bars and nightclubs shut down by midnight. There is a noise law in Antigua that is strictly enforced. Sometimes the bars will stay open until 1AM but only for those people already inside.
Day Activities
Hobbitenango
This hobbit themed attraction is a 15 minute uber ride or shuttle away. It is at a high elevation giving great views of the surrounding volcanoes. Hobbit houses are tucked into the mountain side. Many games like archery, axe throwing and slingshot are available. My favorite activity was a swing that launches you over the mountain side while attached to a harness.
Caoba Farms
This organic farm allows you to work 3 hours in the morning (Monday through Friday) in exchange for a bag of vegetables. On Saturdays there is a farmers market here. There is also a restaurant that uses the organic vegetables from the garden.
Pacaya Volcano
Unlike Acatenango, this Volcano can be experienced in a few hours. Pacaya is an active volcano and you can roast marshmallows out of the cracks in the ground. Many tours will be during sunset so you can see the crimson lava.
Local Market
If you head west on 3a Calle Poniente you will reach the massive local market. The first few streets have random items like electronics, sunglasses, shoes and kitchen supplies. As you go deeper you’ll enter the fruit and veggie market. At the end of the fruit marker (near the bus stop) is the entrance to the secondhand clothing market. This area is a hidden gem and you can find amazing clothes for very little money. I was lucky enough to find trekking pants, a tie dye jumpsuit and high waisted shorts.
Cerro de La Cruz
After a fifteen minute walk up steps you’ll reach the lookout point over Antigua. This offers a view of the city and the volcanoes in the distance. I’d recommend going early in the morning before there are many clouds in the sky.
La Fábrica Gym
Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you can’t workout! This gym offers a day pass for 35Q and the price gets even cheaper if you do a one week or monthly membership.The equipment is a little outdated but it gets the job done. There is also a large open floor upstairs good for yoga, kickboxing and handstands!
Food
Samsara
A vegetarian restaurant with delicious salads, curry, pasta and wok dishes. There is another Samsara restaurant in San Marcos on Lake Atitlan.
Luna de Miel
The two most delicious crepes I’ve ever consumed were from here. They have both savory and sweet crepes that will make your mouth water. I’d recommend the goat cheese and caramelized onion crepe.
Santa Clara Bakery
This bakery was a part of my daily routine while living in Antigua. Many croissants are stuffed with veggies, cheese and sauce. The best part is that they are only 12Q!
Toku Baru
This restaurant is popular because you get huge portions at a low price. It is vegetarian friendly with falafel and eggplant dishes and the garlic sauce is sensational!
Cactus Taco Shop
This place isn’t cheap but it offers some of the tastiest tacos in Antigua!
Hostels
Somos
I might be biased because I worked here but I think Somos is the best hostel in Antigua. The best way to describe it is social without being a party hostel. The bar is beside the jacuzzi and it is the heart of the hostel. There is also a Netflix area and a kitchen with a view. The beds are cave style which makes it feel like you have your own bedroom even though you are in a dorm.
Matiox
Sister Hostel to Somos, Matiox is similar but slightly outdated. They still have a jacuzzi and some cave beds. The courtyard is amazing though with bean bags and hammocks. They also offer free massages (you only tip) which is perfect after your Acatenango Trek.
The Purpose
My favorite hostel that I didn’t work for. The beds have privacy curtains and there are many common areas with games and comfortable seating. The best part is the rooftop garden with crate beds and spectacular views. The worst part is that there is no kitchen. Tatiana, the owner, is very kind and will never forget your name.
Antigua is a great city with a lot of charm. I’d recommend leaving your time table flexible just in case you get stuck here.
Chronicles of a Wandering Soul 