The Complete Guide to Antigua Guatemala: What’s New in 2026

By Silvanna Pacheco, January 8th, 2026

Antigua Guatemala remains one of the most enchanting colonial cities in the world. As we move into 2026, more travelers are choosing Guatemala as a more budget-friendly, culturally rich alternative to other Central American countries. New eco-lodges and “regenerative” tours are focusing on indigenous-led experiences. Let our travel experts craft your next Guatemala vacation.

Antigua, Guatemala is a UNESCO World Heritage site where 16th-century Spanish colonial architecture meets a backdrop of three towering volcanoes. Whether you are planning a trip for 2026 or simply soaking in the history, here is how to make the most of this colorful city.

Culinary Excellence: A Gastronomic Spotlight
In late 2025, Antigua took center stage as the host of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, casting a massive spotlight on the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Some must-try venues that are defining local flavor in 2026 are:

El Comalote: A “must-visit” for heritage corn. They serve traditional dishes like pepián and tamales using heirloom crops sourced directly from local farmers.

Quiltro: For a sophisticated experience, this fine-dining spot offers 10–12 course tasting menus that blend Guatemalan ingredients with world-class techniques.

La Fonda de la Calle Real: The classic choice for traditional “Chapin” (Guatemalan) food. Don’t miss their famous Caldo Real.

Nanik: A newcomer gaining massive popularity for its “ancestral-modern” fusion, focusing on local fish and artisan products.

Ulew & Wisdom: The city’s premier speakeasies. Ulew is hidden behind a phone booth in a brewery, while Wisdom is tucked away behind a wig shop.

Guatemala has a rich coffee history dating back to the 18th century and has become one of the top coffee producers in the world focusing mainly on Arabica beans. Here are some recommended cafes:

Artista de Café: The current “gold standard” for aesthetics. It’s minimalist, serves incredible pour-overs, and is a favorite for digital nomads.

Fat Cat Coffee House: For the true coffee purist. They focus heavily on the science of roasting and varied extraction methods.

Cafe Boheme: Famous for its bohemian rooftop terrace. Great for a “balanced” experience—excellent coffee paired with healthy tartines and a view.

Alegría Café: Located near the main square, it features vibrant murals and some of the best espresso-based drinks in town.

New direct flight routes (including Air Canada’s Montreal-Guatemala City route) make getting to Guatemala easier than ever. Once you land at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, you are just a 45-to-90-minute drive from the colonial highlands.

To admire the colonial architecture of this beautiful town, you can start at the iconic Santa Catalina Arch at sunrise, allowing you to capture the Agua Volcano framed perfectly by the yellow landmark before the midday crowds arrive. From there, a short walk leads to Parque Central, where you can admire the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales and the Catedral de Santiago; the latter’s hidden ruins behind the main altar provide a haunting look at the 1773 seismic shifts.

For a deeper dive, head north to the Convento de las Capuchinas to see its unique circular retreat cells, or visit Iglesia de la Merced, whose intricate white stucco facade is widely considered the finest example of colonial craftsmanship in Central America. Our team can help you find the perfect day trips from Antigua.

If you’re looking to capture the perfect photo of the valley, here are other must-visit locations for your gallery:

Hobbitenango: A “Hobbit-style” eco-park on a hill overlooking the valley. Features a “giant hand” photo op with volcanoes in the background.

Cerro de la Cruz: A short walk or tuk-tuk ride up the hill for the best panoramic view of the entire city.

Convento Santa Clara: Perhaps the most photogenic of the ruins, with its symmetrical arches and lush inner garden.

Hiking the volcanoes around Antigua is a bucket-list experience, but the physical challenge and volcanic activity require proper preparation.

The overnight trek to Acatenango is considered one of the most rewarding hikes in Central America, though it is physically demanding. From the high-altitude base camps, hikers spend the night watching the neighboring Fuego Volcano erupt, a spectacle that is both humbling and exhilarating.

For those seeking a less strenuous experience, Pacaya Volcano provides a more accessible day hike through lunar-like landscapes. Here, the main attraction is walking across hardened lava fields where you can roast marshmallows over natural heat vents and enjoy views of the three volcanoes surrounding Antigua: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. The best time to hike volcanoes is January and February where there is great visibility and dry trails.

Safety is paramount when exploring these active peaks, especially given the unpredictable nature of volcanic activity and high-altitude conditions. Authorities and reputable tour operators monitor INSIVUMEH (the national seismic institute) daily; it is mandatory to hike with a certified guide who can navigate changing terrain and emergency protocols.

Guatemala Highlights in a Week Package
Discover the must-visit destinations of Guatemala in a week! You will visit the colorful villages around Lake Atitlán, experience the authentic weekly market in Chichicastenango, discover the intriguing history of Antigua and unveil the secrets of the Mayan world by visiting Tikal.

Most day trips from Antigua focus on volcanic adventures, coffee culture, and indigenous markets. You can go to Lake Atitlán, often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Many stay overnight, but a full day is available to visit the lakeside Mayan villages of San Juan La Laguna (famous for textiles) and Santiago Atitlán.

The Chichicastenango market is a massive, colorful indigenous market held every Thursday and Sunday. It’s about 2.5 hours away from Antigua and is the best place in the country for textiles, masks, and pottery.

Seasonal Events & Festivals
The best time to visit Antigua is during the dry season from November to April. You can expect clear blue skies and great temperatures around 75°F (24°C) with cool, crisp nights. The main event is Semana Santa (Holy Week) (March/April). The streets are covered in “alfombras” (intricate carpets made of colored sawdust and flowers) for massive religious processions. We recommend to book your accommodations 6 months in advance. Other events that you should write on your calendar are Fiesta de Santiago (July 25), Antigua’s patron saint day with parades, traditional dances and street fairs.

Getting around Antigua is very simple. The city is best explored on foot, but you can always hop into a colorful tuk-tuk for a quick ride (expect to pay between Q10–Q20 for local trips). While modern restaurants and boutiques generally accept credit cards, make sure to keep some Quetzales on hand for authentic market finds and must-try street food. For a worry-free experience, stick to the well-lit main thoroughfares after dark. You’ll find the POLITUR (Tourist Police) are highly visible, friendly, and always ready to assist visitors.

With its blend of ancient ruins and modern energy, Antigua is just the beginning of what Guatemala has to offer. Whether you’re chasing sunsets on volcanoes or sipping world-class coffee in a 500-year-old courtyard, the magic is waiting for you. Start planning your custom Guatemala vacation today and discover the heart of the Mayan world.