The old capital's main square, ruins and arch, then the museums of Casa Santo Domingo and Cerro de la Cruz, then a day trip to the Maya capital of Iximché.
3 days, 17 stopsBalanced paceNov to AprApproved by TravPa Editors, Nov 7, 2026
Trip at a glance
Add your first day to see each day's date, weather, sunset and closing days.
Day 1: Parque Central, the cathedral ruins and the Arch of Santa Catalina
The main square, the ruined cathedral and the town's best-known arch in the morning, then the Santa Clara convent ruins before dinner.
1
9:00 AMParque CentralStart on the main square while it is quiet; the streets around it follow the grid that UNESCO describes.About 45 min here
Free to visit
Walk about 3 min
2
9:45 AMCathedral of San JoséSee the ruined Cathedral of San José, one of the monuments UNESCO names; check the gate for hours and entry.About 1 hour here
Q[fee]
Walk about 5 min
3
10:45 AMOptionalArch of Santa CatalinaPhotograph the arch with Agua Volcano behind it; it takes only a few minutes and sits on a busy street.About 1 hour 30 min here
Free to view from the street
Walk about 6 min
4
12:15 PMRestaurants around Parque CentralTry pepián, a Guatemalan stew with Maya and Spanish roots, at one of the restaurants around the square.About 1 hour 30 min here
Pay as you go
Walk about 8 min
5
2:00 PMSanta Clara ConventWander the ruins of the Santa Clara convent, named by UNESCO among the monuments of the old capital.About 1 hour 45 min here
Q[fee]
Walk about 10 min
6
4:00 PMOptionalSan José el ViejoLook at the ruins of San José el Viejo on the south side, a quieter corner than the main square.About 2 hours 15 min here
Q[fee]
Walk about 12 min
7
6:30 PMRestaurants around Parque CentralHave dinner where terraces and live music fill the old center after dark; walk back in a group on lit streets.
Pay as you go
Before you go
Wear sturdy shoesAntigua still has colonial cobblestones, so comfortable footwear matters, especially on the walk up to Cerro de la Cruz.
Dress in layersThe town sits at about 1,500 m, with a jacket needed in the mornings and evenings and lighter clothes at midday.
Carry some cashCards work in hotels and tourist restaurants, but markets and small shops need quetzales.
Stay in busy areasAfter dark, keep to well-lit central streets, travel in groups and avoid walking in isolated areas, as Canada advises.
Know the tourist lineINGUAT runs a tourist assistance line on 1500, and ASISTUR helps visitors around the clock.
Where to stay for this plan
Stay in the historic center, so the plaza, ruins and restaurants are a short walk; the museums are a few blocks northeast.
Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.
Plan last checked Nov 7, 2026. Check individual fee sources before you go. TravPa earns a commission when you book through a partner; your price stays the same.
