Is the Pacaya Volcano hike safe and worth it?

Yes—Pacaya is one of Guatemala's most accessible active volcanoes. The 2.5-hour guided hike reaches areas with volcanic activity where you can roast marshmallows on hot rocks. Tours depart daily from Antigua ($25-35 per person). Wear sturdy shoes and bring warm layers—it gets cold at altitude.

When is Holy Week (Semana Santa) and should I visit?

Holy Week (week before Easter) features Guatemala's most elaborate religious processions with colorful alfombras (sawdust carpets) covering streets. It's spectacular but extremely crowded—book hotels 6+ months ahead and expect higher prices. If you prefer fewer crowds, visit any other time.

Is Antigua safe for walking at night?

Antigua's colonial center is generally safe but street crime occurs. Use tuk-tuks after dark (Q10-30 / $1.30-4), avoid deserted streets, and don't display valuables. Stay in well-lit areas near Central Park. Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint is safe during the day but avoid at dusk due to occasional robberies.

Antigua Guatemala

Antigua

Colonial gem with Spanish Baroque architecture, cobblestone streets, and volcano views. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🌐Other Cities in Guatemala

Flores

Guatemala City

Panajachel

🏨Search HotelsSearch on Agoda ✈️Search FlightsGoogle Flights 🎯Tourist SpotsPopular Spots

Recommended Hotels in Antigua Guatemala

Hand-picked hotels and accommodations from Agoda (10 properties)

View all on Agoda →

Socialtel Antigua

★★★★★

8.8(24 reviews)

From $73

/night

100

20% OFF

La Villa Serena

★★★★★

9.5(24 reviews)

From $62

/night

Hotel Casa Anturio

★★★★★

8.8(43 reviews)

From $56

/night

117

Hostal de la Fuente

★★★★★

9.1(41 reviews)

From $43

/night

Hotel Don Valentino

★★★★★

7.9(134 reviews)

From $63

/night

Nikikot Hotel & Hostel

★★★★★

7.5(20 reviews)

From $60

/night

Sonnenhaus Antigua

★★★★★

5.8(6 reviews)

From $32

/night

104

One Day Trip

★★★★★

7.0(7 reviews)

From $8

/night

View all on Agoda →

🏛️Main Attractions

✓Santa Catalina Arch
✓Central Park
✓Cerro de la Cruz
✓Convento Santa Clara
✓Jade Museum

Also check attractions in other Guatemala cities:

Flores Guatemala City Panajachel

🏨Recommended Hotels

★Casa Santo Domingo
★Hotel Casa Encantada
★Porta Hotel Antigua
★El Convento Boutique Hotel

🍜Restaurants & Food

•Hector's Bistro

$$$

Fine French-Guatemalan fusion cuisine

•Café Sky

International menu with spectacular volcano views from rooftop

•Nokiate

Traditional Guatemalan cuisine and local coffee

•Doña María Gordillo Dulces Típicos

Traditional Guatemalan sweets and chocolate since 1874

Also check restaurants in other Guatemala cities:

Flores Guatemala City Panajachel

🛍️ Shopping

•Mercado de Artesaníasmarket
Handicraft market with colorful textiles, jade jewelry, ceramics, and traditional Mayan crafts.
•Nim Po'tcraft_cooperative
Fair trade cooperative selling authentic indigenous textiles directly from artisan communities.
•4ta Avenida Norteshopping_street
Main street with boutiques, galleries, jade shops, and local artisan products.

💡 Travel Tips

• Climb Pacaya Volcano (2.5 hours) for active lava flows - tours daily, bring warm layers
• Spanish language schools abundant - Antigua is top destination for Spanish immersion
• Holy Week (Semana Santa) features elaborate processions and alfombras (sawdust carpets) - book early
• Three volcanoes visible from city - Agua, Acatenango, and Fuego (frequently erupting)
• Watch for street crime at night - use tuk-tuks after dark, avoid deserted streets