Antigua is a paradise for travelers in search of active volcanoes and colonial architecture. I might even go as far as putting Antigua as the number one highlight in a visit to Guatemala. I was completely blown away by everything this beautiful place has to offer. The picturesque city is in a valley with three volcanoes towering above the Sacatepéquez district in the highlands of Guatemala.
The colonial city was originally founded during the 16th century and was once the capital for the Kingdom of Guatemala. Antigua was considered the most prominent seat of the Spanish colonial government between Mexico City, Mexico to the north and Lima, Peru in the south. The original city was founded in 1524 under the name of Santiago de Guatemala. The original city was destroyed by rebelling locals and indigenous forces, sparking a rebuild in 1527.
Antigua was originally in a different location but was built in an earthquake prone region. In 1541, the city was decimated by both earthquakes and avalanches. Avalanches completely covered the city’s location. This caused city officials to relocate to Valle de Pacán (or Valley of Panchoy), where the city is today.
The new location was inaugurated in March 1543 and served as the capital for 230 years. The government eventually moved to Guatemala City in 1773, due to a massive string of earthquakes. The 1773 earthquakes caused widespread destruction throughout the city. Many of the principal monuments were preserved as ruins. After this event the city was mostly abandoned until the 1800s. Many of the surviving buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, demonstrate magnificent examples of colonial architecture in the America’s.
During the 1800’s the area experienced an increase in production of agriculture from both coffee and grains, igniting a renaissance in Antigua. This production increase propagated new investment in the region. These investments correlate with a population boom. As of 2020, the valley sustains a population of nearly 100,000 people with a major focus around tourism.
The city’s grid was inspired by the Italian Renaissance. The grid follows a north to south and east to west orientation. The streets feature the original cobblestone roads, lined with an array of colorful facades that feature iron wrought balconies often laden with colorful flowers. The city also features several low bell towers as well.
Three Volcanoes, One City
Antigua offers imposing views of the inspiring volcanoes surrounding it. Volcan Agua is to the south, while the famous pair of Acatenango and Fuego loom to the west. Fuego experienced its last major erupton in 2012 and is famous for its near constant activity. Fuego stands at 3,766 meters (12,355 feet), while neighboring Acatenango stands at 3,976 meters (13,045 feet). Acatenango is the third tallest volcano in central America. However it’s last recorded eruption occurred in 1972.
Antigua is the gateway to a booming coffee scene, towering volcanoes, and world class cuisine. It is easily the cultural and culinary capital of the country. The old city is home to traditional central American cuisine. Several restaurants offer traditional plates that generally focus on beans, rice, and plantains while featuring eggs. Several international restaurants offer different styles of culinary as well. Dotted all over the city, tourists will find an array of Mediterranean, Italian, Asian, and American restaurants, along with British pies and French pastries peppered in.
There are plenty of activities to keep the most anxious traveler busy. Adventure seekers will be right at home with several options for an overnight hike and tour of Acatenango. Most companies also offer the choice to add on Fuego as well. I highly recommend going through Soy tours, the same company I selected.
Soy Tours takes visitors up a much cleaner side of the mountain. They have a clean campsite that offers imposing views of Fuego while it erupts during the night. If tourists find themselves out of energy, then don’t feel pressure to miss out on Fuego. It’s possible to see it erupt from camp, and the closer views from the hike aren’t that worth it. I will be writing a full article on this hike and will go in depth about my experience and provide everything that’s needed to know about completing this overnight hike in my next article.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The city of Antigua was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. This ensures the protection of the Baroque architecture and the Italian renaissance grid. The UNESCO designation helps to protect the living traces of Spanish culture with the principal monuments demonstrating excellent preservation. The concentration of churches and monasteries testify to the influence of the Catholic church throughout the colonial period.
Antigua offers a thriving textile scene, that features an array of colorful handmade goods by local indigenous people. The locals make a living by selling their artwork to tourists. These artisans can be found all over the city and generally near the biggest sites that tourists visit.
The most prominent piece of architecture is the Santa Catalina Arch. It is easily the most recognizable monument in Antigua. The arch is painted a bright yellow, and when photographed at the right angle, features Volcan Agua in the background either below or above the arch. I instantly recognized the stunning piece of architecture the moment I approached it.
Antigua’s climate is hot during the days and cool during the nights. I found that after the sun would set, I needed a light hoody. The average temperature annually hangs around 24-26°C (76-78°F), but that doesn’t mean it’s not hot. Generally, the hottest time of the year tends to be from March through May, with the coolest period in January. The wet season spans between September and November. However, it can begin as early as July thanks to the hurricane season. I wouldn’t let that deter you as hurricanes can be rare for the area.
I spent about a week here, which was not enough. This is a city I could easily live in. The views are incredible, the city is beautiful, and the people were very friendly. I was hard pressed to find something that I didn’t enjoy about Antigua. However, if I had to pick one thing it would probably be that it is more expensive than most of Guatemala. The locals have an incredible city, and they know it!
Antigua is the perfect place for just about any traveler. Families can spend time here, with plenty of activities to keep anyone occupied for at least a week. It’s the perfect stop for an adventure traveler, while also being an excellent destination for those that are a little more relaxed. Do yourself a favor and stop in for at least four nights. Go out for lunch, find a patio view, and watch as Fuego erupts in the background.
