1. Walk the UNESCO World Heritage historic centre
Santa Catalina Arch, Parque Central and San José Cathedral. Go early in the morning, when the light falls on the cobblestones.
2. Climb Cerro de la Cruz at sunrise or sunset
Views of the city framed by the Agua, Fuego and Acatenango volcanoes. Free and reachable on foot. If you go up at sunset, stay to watch Fuego Volcano erupt.
3. Take an authentic Guatemalan cooking class
Real family kitchens in Jocotenango or San Antonio Aguas Calientes. Make pepián, jocón or tamales from scratch. One of the experiences travellers recommend most in 2026.
4. Do the coffee tour on a real farm
Walk the coffee fields in San Juan Alotenango, see the traditional roasting process, taste single-origin coffee at the grower's home and take home a freshly roasted bag.
5. Explore the surrounding villages and crafts
Macadamia in San Miguel Dueñas, Ciudad Vieja, a jade factory, a chicken bus workshop and chocolate with a tasting.
Bonus: Holy Week in Antigua — flower carpets, processions and one of the most impressive celebrations in Latin America.