Antigua Excursion: What to do with your limited time in Guatemala

Tour Bus Trip to Antigua

The one-and-a-half-hour bus trip from Puerto Quetzal to Antigua offers stunning views of Guatemala’s landscape and countryside. As the bus traveled the winding roads, we saw rolling hills, lush forests, and small villages. Our guide spoke most of the way sharing information about the population, history, economics, and environment. For me, the highlight of the bus trip was seeing our first glimpse of Volcan de Fuego, the Fire Volcano puffing ash into the sky.

Antigua, Guatemala is located in a region that is surrounded by several active and inactive volcanoes, providing stunning views. Volcán de Fuego – is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America, with frequent eruptions producing lava flows and ash plumes. It stands at the height of 3,763 meters (12,345 feet). The last major eruption occurred on June 3, 2018, when the volcano erupted with a massive explosion that sent ash and lava flowing down its slopes. The eruption was one of the largest in Guatemala’s history and resulted in the deaths of over 190 people, as well as causing significant damage to nearby communities. You can see the damage done by the eruption clearly on the drive to Antigua.

Exploring Antigua on our own

The Jade Museum

Once we arrived in Antigua our guide led us to the Jade Museum where we had a chance to learn about the history of jade in Guatemala, see a Mayan jade workshop in action, view pre-Columbian jade objects, and purchase modern jade jewelry. They also have public restrooms. I very much enjoyed this stop and picked up a lovely necklace.

Architecture, History, and Shopping

From there we were free to roam on our own for about three hours, I could have easily spent three days or more. The city is full of well-preserved colonial buildings, including churches, palaces, and private homes. I couldn’t help but take a ton of photos of the stunning Cathedral of San José, the Palace of the Captains General, and the Santa Catalina Arch.

The Santa Catalina Arch is an iconic landmark in Antigua, Guatemala. It is a beautiful, yellow-colored arch that spans across 5th Avenue North, a busy street in the heart of Antigua. The arch was originally built in the 17th century to connect the Santa Catalina convent to a school across the street. Over time, the arch became a symbol of Antigua and an important part of the city’s cultural heritage.

But Antigua isn’t just about its impressive architecture. The city is also known for its vibrant culture and history. Founded in the 16th century by Spanish conquistadors, it quickly became an important center of trade and commerce in Central America. Today, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience its unique blend of Spanish and Mayan cultures.

Thank Guatamala for Avocados

Lunch at The Antigua Brewing Company

The Antigua Brewing Company is a popular microbrewery located in the heart of Antigua, Guatemala. It is a unique establishment that offers visitors a chance to try locally crafted beers while enjoying the lively atmosphere of the city. The rooftop dining area offers spectacular views of the city and the Volcán de Fuego.

Antigua Brewing Company offers a range of beers on tap, as well as delicious food from the on-site restaurant. We can recommend the nachos. The brewery also offers tours and tastings, giving visitors a chance to learn about the brewing process and the history of beer in Guatemala.

Shopping at Puerto Quetzal

Three hours was not enough time to explore the city’s many attractions, including museums, art galleries, and handicraft markets. We did enjoy shopping at the many artisan markets. Antigua is home to many skilled artisans and we found a wide range of handmade crafts and goods in the local shops. Some popular products include woven textiles, pottery, wood carvings, and jewelry.

We thought the shops at Puerto Quetzal were some of the best cruise terminal shops of the entire trip. The port is home to the Mercado de Artesanias, a traditional Guatemalan market offering a wide variety of locally made handicrafts, such as textiles, pottery, wood carvings, jewelry, and other souvenirs. There were dozens of vendors offering a wide variety of products at similar prices to what we saw in town.