Antigua was the capital of Guatemala during Spanish colonial times, from 1543 to 1773. It lies southwest of Guatemala City, which has been the capital since 1776. Antigua is a beautiful town with cobblestone streets and charming one-story buildings, surrounded by dramatic volcanoes. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its preserved architecture and vibrant cultural festivals.
From Semuc Champey to Flores
There’s no way around it: to leave Semuc Champey, you’ll need to spend another 10 hours on a tourist shuttle. Pro tip: the front seats, directly behind the driver or next to him, offer a bit more legroom! Your accomodation will help you to book it and it costs about 20 USD.
Antigua
Antigua Guatemala, nestled at 1,500 meters above sea level, offers a temperate climate and stunning views of three surrounding volcanoes – Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. Its cobblestone streets are lined with colorful colonial-era buildings, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploring the city’s vibrant culture. Known as a hub for learning Spanish, Antigua attracts international visitors drawn to its language schools and rich local traditions. The city is also famous for its high-quality jade craftsmanship and coffee production, with workshops and tours showcasing these specialties. As a popular tourist hub, partly due to its proximity to the volcanoes and Lake Atitlán, Antigua’s food and accommodation prices tend to be slightly higher than in other parts of Guatemala.
Acatenango Hike
Without a doubt, the most famous activity in Antigua is hiking Acatenango and staying near the summit overnight to immerse yourself in the view of the constantly erupting Fuego, one of the worlds most active volcannos located right next to Acatenango. The hike begins around 10 am at an altitude of 2,400 m and takes approximately 5 hours to reach the base camp at around 3,700 m. Gaining 1,300 meters in altitude in a single day is a safe way how to get altitude sickness and can only be done if you descend the next day. Various tour operators offer their own cabins at the camp, providing hikers with a perfect vantage point to enjoy Fuego’s eruptions, which are especially spectacular after nightfall.
Unfortunately, when I did the hike, it was an incredibly foggy day, and we saw next to nothing until 8 pm, when a few breaks in the fog allowed glimpses of the eruptions. Having spectacular views blocked by fog and clouds seems to be a recurring theme on my journey 😔. However, after spending the night in the cabins, we woke up to a clear sky and admired Fuego in the breathtaking light of the rising sun.
The entire trip costed USD 105, which included three meals, entrance to the volcano park, guides, and an overnight stay in the cabin. This is arguably the most iconic experience to have in Guatemala and should be a highlight of any trip to this wonderful country.
Antigua and its volcanic surroundings :
