Antigua and Acatenango: Journeying Through Guatemala’s Trendy Center Activities
Arrival in Antigua
We walked into the city and immediately felt the energy and culture. It was Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), and the streets were alive celebrating the dead. There is so much culture thrown in your face. Antigua is full of backpackers and locals, no in between.
The following day the city was out again for a city-wide bike race, celebrating again. Families pack onto motorcycles, sometimes with a dog balanced between them, bouncing through the cobblestone streets. There are stray dogs roaming everywhere as if they are owned by the whole town. The markets are a sensory overload and a culture shock with vendors calling out their goods, the smell of fresh tortillas and produce filling the air, and stalls bursting with vibrant crafts and textiles.
Exploring Antigua’s Highlights
Antigua Market: A must-visit for handmade crafts, fresh produce, and an authentic look into local life. The food is simple yet delicious—think beans, eggs, tortillas, and plantains. Everything is fresh, affordable, and full of flavor.
Where to Stay: I split my time between Hostel Hopa and the Chabad of Antigua. Both offered a welcoming atmosphere, and the mix of locals and backpackers made connecting with others easy.
Hobbitenango: A bit of a touristy spot, but this theme park in the hills is a spot where The Hobbit was filmed. Lots of tourists, but offers stunning views if you want a fun little afternoon activity.
Antigua Bar Crawl: This bar crawl was a highlight of the Antigua experience. This was a great way to jump into the trip and meet so many other travelers. Each bar had its unique vibe and it was exciting exploring the town’s evening scene.
Acatenango Volcano: A Hike Like From Another World
When walking around Antigua, you can see Volcán Fuego erupting in the background. An hour drive from Antigua is the intense Acatenango trek, taking you as close to an active volcano as you’ll probably ever get. It is a one night, two day hike. I joined a tour with Extreme Life Tours, known for its smaller groups and personal touch. I highly recommend.
The Hike: The trek to base camp on Volcán Acatenango takes about five hours and is steep most of the way. It’s challenging, but rewarding. Our guide Carlos made it seem like it was no big deal, but I really couldn’t feel my legs.
Base Camp Views: From our campsite, we watched Volcán Fuego erupting every few minutes. Lava lit up the night sky while we warmed up with pizza cooked by Carlos.
Fuego Lookout Hike: After getting to basecamp, they give the option to hike Fuego, the active volcano. Since we had a smaller group, we came to the conclusion to hike it in the morning when it was less cloudy. At 3 AM, we got up and hiked in the freezing cold for a closer view of Fuego’s eruptions. It was an intense hike, one of the most intense of my life. The volcano was exploding right in front of our faces and the ground of Fuego was shaking. Watching the sunrise from above the clouds was unforgettable.
The Descent: After Fuego we stopped at basecamp for breakfast. Then we had the four-hour downhill trek that was tough on the legs, with steep and dusty trails. Despite the difficulty, the breathtaking experience made every step worth it.
Traveler Tips for Antigua and Acatenango
Antigua Must-Do’s
Explore the market for handmade crafts, fresh food, and a glimpse into local life.
Join the Antigua Bar Crawl to meet fellow travelers and enjoy the nightlife.
Go to a nearby farm for fresh food and drinks.
Acatenango Hiking Tips
Stay hydrated and pace yourself; the hike is tough but incredibly rewarding. Bring 4-6 Liters of water and some snacks.
Bring an adequate amount of items, don’t overpack. It is tough to hold your heavy bag the whole way.
Bring some warmer clothes as it gets colder the higher you trek. Most companies allow you to rent coats and hats and gloves
You need a walking stick!!! It makes all the difference.
Pace yourself.
Play with the dogs that follow you throughout the hike! They are all over the volcanoes!
Taking a Jeep to basecamp is an option if you believe you need it.
Why Add Antigua and Acatenango to Your Bucket List?
Antigua offers a perfect blend of culture, charm, and community, while Acatenango delivers a unique adventure with natural beauty from another planet. Together, they do a great job showcasing the beauty of Guatemala.
Whether you’re drawn to diving into a new culture, enjoying nightlife or looking for a challenge with jaw-dropping views, Antigua and Acatenango won’t disappoint.
