🌋 Antigua Guatemala • 4 nights

Antigua Guatemala: a relaxed, walkable 4‑night trip

A day-by-day plan (Wed–Sun) that blends Antigua's classic sights, great coffee, a Pacaya volcano hike, and plenty of time to wander. Built around your notes and restaurant shortlist.

Dates: Apr 15–19, 2026 DL 1830 / DL 1831 (nonstop ATL ↔ GUA) Transfer: Trans-land Base: 4 Avenida Sur 3 Big day: Pacaya w/ Old Town Outfitters
✅ Quick decisions
  • Flights: DL 1830 (ATL → GUA, Apr 15) · DL 1831 (GUA → ATL, Apr 19)
  • Transfer: Trans-land private transfer, both directions.
  • Stay: Airbnb at 4 Avenida Sur 3, Antigua Guatemala.
  • Pacaya: Booked with Old Town Outfitters, Fri Apr 17, 8:00 AM.
💵 Money tip (Antigua)
Many places accept cards, but it's normal to need cash (esp. markets, small cafes, and fees). Keep small bills (Q5/Q10/Q20). Get currency from the ATM near Parque Central on arrival.

Day 1 • Wed, Apr 15 — Arrive + easy Antigua stroll

10:01 AM
Depart Atlanta (DL 1830 — nonstop)
  • Arrive Guatemala City (GUA) at ~11:46 AM local time. Flight is ~3 hr 30 min; Guatemala is 1 hour behind Atlanta (CDT vs EDT in April).
~12:00 PM
Trans-land private transfer to Antigua ✓ Booked
  • Driver: Juan. Meet at the exit next to Café Baretto (there are 2 exits — look for Baretto). WhatsApp them when you clear customs so they can move the car to the front.
  • Cash only: Q375 total (pay Juan directly).
  • Drive to Antigua is ~1 hour in normal traffic. Door-to-door to your Airbnb (4 Avenida Sur 3).
  • Check in, drop bags, and take 30 minutes to reset.
Late afternoon
Self‑guided walking tour
  • Parque Central → Cathedral ruins (outside) → Santa Catalina Arch → La Merced Church (facade).
  • Get currency from ATM near Parque Central.
  • Optional: sunset drink/coffee with a volcano view (terraces are the move).
Dinner
Hector's Bistro (no reservations needed)
  • Cozy and reliable — a great first-night pick.

Day 2 • Thu, Apr 16 — Cerro de la Cruz + ruins + markets

Morning
Breakfast at Café Café
Early morning
Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint (best light + cooler temps)
  • Go early for calmer paths and clearer volcano views.
  • Bring water + a light layer; the wind can surprise you.
  • FYI: posted hours are often around 8:00–17:00. If you go earlier, follow local guidance/signage.
Late morning
Convento Capuchinas (Q40 entry, ~1 hour) + Arco de Santa Catalina
Midday
Mercado de Artesanías (El Carmen)
  • Browse textiles + crafts; bargaining is normal (be friendly, keep it light).
  • Cash is useful here.
Lunch
La Casa de las Sopas (traditional Guatemalan)
Afternoon (choose 1–2)
Museums + ruins
5:00 PM — Dinner
La Cuevita de los Urquizu (traditional)
  • Go early — restaurant closes at 6:00 PM.
Why pack in the sights today? Tomorrow's Pacaya hike is an early start, so today is the best day for a "standing + strolling" afternoon instead of another long excursion.

Day 3 • Fri, Apr 17 — Pacaya Volcano hike (big adventure day)

8:00 AM
Pacaya Volcano Hike — ✓ Booked with Old Town Outfitters
  • Meet at the Old Town Outfitters shop (5a Avenida Sur 12C) at 8:00 AM. Water, bathrooms, and gear available at the shop.
  • ~1-hour drive to the Pacaya Park trailhead in private transport.
  • Pack snacks + water (2 liters is a safe baseline).
  • Bring cash for park entry (foreigners are often charged Q100, cash at the gate) plus small extras (walking stick, tip, optional horse).
Morning
Hike + lava fields + marshmallow moment
  • OTO takes a quieter route through lava fields, farmland, and forest — with a freshly prepared picnic lunch at the viewpoint.
  • Expect to return to Antigua by ~4:00 PM.
  • Wear sturdy shoes — volcanic rock is loose and sharp.
Lunch (back in Antigua)
Simple, satisfying
  • Pick an easy spot: Rainbow Café, Café Sol, or El Bowl.
6:00 PM — Dinner
Rosanta ✓ Reservation made
  • Reward yourself after the volcano with a proper sit-down dinner.

Your outfitter

🧭 Old Town Outfitters ✓ Booked
Morning day hike departing 8:00 AM from their Antigua shop. Includes private transport, guide, picnic lunch, and exclusive trail access. Park entry (Q100) paid separately at the gate.
Trip detailsShop location

Day 4 • Sat, Apr 18 — La Azotea coffee + cocktails + farewell dinner

7:30 AM
Breakfast at Café Bohème (breakfast with views)
Morning
Centro Cultural / Finca La Azotea (coffee museum + cultural museums)
  • Do the coffee history tour and add the Mayan music / textiles museums if you're enjoying it.
  • This is a relaxed "deep Guatemala" day after Pacaya.
  • Hours (typical): 08:00–18:00. Admission: Q20. Plan 2–3 hours.
Lunch
Caoba Farms (farm-to-table, bakery, nursery)
  • Hours (typical): 8:00–17:00; Tuesday closed (confirm day-of).
4:30 PM
Aqua Antigua — cocktail / snack with great views
  • A perfect golden-hour stop before your farewell dinner.
6:30 PM — Farewell dinner
Restaurante Frida (Mexican) ✓ Reservation made
  • Make it memorable — consider a terrace table.
La Azotea (official site) Aqua Antigua Restaurante Frida

🔄 Saturday alternatives — day excursions away from Antigua

If you'd rather swap La Azotea + Caoba Farms for a full day out of town, any of these work well on a Saturday. Evening plans (Aqua Antigua → Frida) still hold in every scenario.

🌊 Lake Atitlán (full day)
Guatemala's most stunning lake, ringed by three volcanoes and a dozen Mayan villages. The drive from Antigua is ~2.5 hours each way, so an early start (6:30–7:00 AM) is essential. Most guided day trips stop in Panajachel, then boat to San Juan La Laguna (murals, traditional weaving, cacao workshops) and San Pedro La Laguna (coffee culture, lake views). You'll be back in Antigua by 5:00–6:00 PM. A private tour gives you more flexibility; shared shuttles are cheaper but on a fixed schedule.
Browse Atitlán tours GetYourGuide
🏛️ Iximché Mayan Ruins (~1 hr each way)
A Pre-Columbian Kaqchikel Maya capital near Tecpán — pyramid temples, ceremonial plazas, a ball court, and active Maya altars still used for ceremonies today. Far less touristed than Tikal, and close enough for a relaxed half-day trip. Open daily 8 AM–4 PM, entry ~Q50. Pair it with lunch in Tecpán (try pepián at one of the roadside comedores — it's a specialty of this region) and the scenic highland drive is gorgeous. You'd be back in Antigua by early afternoon with time to spare for Aqua Antigua.
Map Tours
🚴 OTO Sip n' Cycle — coffee by bike (half day)
Since you're already booked with Old Town Outfitters for Pacaya, this is an easy add. Two versions: the Finca Azotea ride (beginner, 4 hrs, ~$60) bikes from the OTO shop through the countryside to La Azotea coffee farm — you get the coffee tour and the ride. Or the De La Gente ride (beginner–intermediate, 9 AM–2 PM, ~$124) visits a small family coffee co-op on the flanks of Volcán de Agua — you tour their field, watch them roast beans at home, and share lunch with the family. Both leave from the OTO shop. E-bike upgrade available.
Azotea ride De La Gente ride
🥾 OTO Valley Ride or Antigua Valley Hike (half day)
Valley Ride (beginner bike, 4 hrs, ~$52): a 28 km loop through the Almolonga Valley — past Ciudad Vieja ruins, the Valhalla macadamia farm, and the weaving village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, with three volcanoes as your backdrop. Runs 9 AM or 1 PM. Antigua Valley day hike (moderate, full day): guided ridgeline hike through coffee fincas and mountain villages with panoramic views of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. Multiple route options from half-day to full-day. Ask OTO what fits your energy level after Pacaya.
Valley Ride Valley hikes
☕ Other coffee tour options (no bike required): Finca La Azotea runs its own walk-in coffee tour + chocolate workshop (the current Day 4 default). You can also book a standalone coffee tour through GetYourGuide — several visit small highland farms with cupping sessions and roasting demos. Café Café also runs farm tours from their shop.
Chichicastenango market? It's incredible but only open Thursdays and Sundays — so Saturday doesn't work. If you're flexible, swapping Thursday's Antigua sights to Saturday and doing Chichi on Thursday or adding a Sunday morning market visit before your flight (tight but possible with a very early start) are both options worth discussing.

Day 5 • Sun, Apr 19 — Breakfast + return to Guatemala City

Morning
Breakfast at Rainbow Café
  • Quick stops after: Parque Central, last photos at Santa Catalina Arch.
10:30 AM
Trans-land private transfer to Guatemala City (GUA)
  • Same service as arrival — driver picks you up at your Airbnb door.
  • Allow ~1.5 hours for the drive plus potential traffic. Aim to arrive at the airport by noon.
1:07 PM
Depart Guatemala City (DL 1831 — nonstop)
  • Arrive Atlanta at ~6:40 PM EDT.
If you have time near the airport: the Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno "Carlos Mérida" is in Zona 13, close to the airport. It can be a smart "departure-day museum."

Arriving: Guatemala City (GUA) → Antigua

Antigua is ~1–1.5 hours from the airport depending on traffic. Peak traffic can stretch this to 3 hours.

Trans-land private transfer ✓ Booked

  • Driver: Juan. Meet at the exit next to Café Baretto (there are 2 exits — head for Baretto).
  • WhatsApp when through customs: text +502 5942 3743 so Juan can pull the car to the front.
  • Cash only: Q375 total, paid directly to the driver.
  • Trans-land monitors your flight — if it's delayed, they adjust automatically.
  • Door-to-door service to your Airbnb at 4 Avenida Sur 3.
Trans-land transfers Trans-land (main site)

Backup options (if needed)

  • Shared shuttle: GuateGo or Atitrans — departures at fixed times, ~$17–19 USD/person.
  • Airport taxi: Official white taxis at the terminal stand. Fixed ~Q350 ($42 USD) for up to 4 pax. Use the stand inside the terminal only.
  • Uber: Available at GUA; pricing varies with traffic.

Departing: Antigua → Guatemala City (GUA)

Trans-land private transfer ✓ Booked

  • Same service in reverse. Driver picks you up at your Airbnb.
  • Your flight (DL 1831) departs at 1:07 PM — leave Antigua by 10:30 AM to allow a buffer for traffic + check-in.
Trans-land transfers

Getting around Antigua

  • Walking is the default: the Historic Center is compact.
  • Tuk-tuks are great for short hops (agree on price first).
Flight details at a glance:
Outbound: DL 1830 — ATL 10:01 AM → GUA ~11:46 AM (Wed Apr 15)
Return: DL 1831 — GUA 1:07 PM → ATL ~6:40 PM (Sun Apr 19)

Your accommodation

You're staying at an Airbnb in the Historic Center — great location for walking to everything.

Your Airbnb details

  • Address: 4 Avenida Sur 3, Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez
  • Check-in: Wednesday, Apr 15
  • Check-out: Sunday, Apr 19
View reservation
Good to know: Read reviews for backup systems (occasional power/water outages happen). Screenshot your address and a map pin before you go out (in case data is slow).

Alternate hotel picks (if plans change)

Splurge: history + gardens

Casa Santo Domingo — an iconic hotel-museum complex (with on-site museums).

Casa Santo Domingo

Elegant boutique (rooftop terrace)

Casa Encantada — rooftop terrace with volcano/skyline views.

Casa Encantada

Classic comfortable (5 min to the plaza)

Porta Hotel Antigua — gardens, pool, dependable service, great base.

Porta Hotel Antigua

Your restaurant shortlist (organized)

These are pulled from your notes and grouped to make daily choices easy. Hours can vary — check day-of.

Breakfast / coffee

  • Café Café — Thu breakfast pick
  • Café Bohème — Sat breakfast pick (views)
  • Rainbow Café — Sun breakfast pick
  • Café Sol • Amanecer Juice Bar • Awakana Superfoods Bowls
  • El Bowl • Hector's Bistro (also great for brunch)

Lunch

  • Caoba Farms (farm-to-table, bakery) — Sat lunch pick
  • La Casa de las Sopas — Thu lunch pick
  • Rainbow Café, Café Sol, El Bowl

Cocktails / snacks

Dinner

  • Hector's Bistro — Wed dinner pick
  • La Cuevita de los Urquizu (traditional, closes 6 PM) — Thu dinner pick
  • Rosanta ✓ Reserved — Fri dinner pick
  • Restaurante Frida (Mexican) ✓ Reserved — Sat dinner pick
  • Toko Baru (Mediterranean) — good backup any night
Payment note: some restaurants/cafes may be cash-only or have card minimums. Keep quetzales on you.

How to choose each day (simple rules)

  • Morning: pick based on proximity + terrace vibe (you'll walk a lot).
  • Post-Pacaya: choose something quick and carb-friendly for lunch (you'll be hungry).
  • One "repeat" is fine: Antigua is about pace, not checking boxes.

Your "anchor meals" (already planned)

  • Hector's Bistro — Wed night (easy first-night win).
  • Rosanta — Fri night post-volcano reward.
  • Aqua Antigua → Restaurante Frida — Sat cocktails-to-dinner arc.
  • Caoba Farms — Sat lunch (nice reset).

Day-by-day dinner summary

Wed
Hector's Bistro
Thu
La Cuevita (5 PM)
Fri
Rosanta ✓
Sat
Aqua Antigua → Frida ✓
Sun
Rainbow Café (AM only)

Map links (tap to open in Google Maps)

These use simple "search" links so they work even if places move slightly over time.

🏛️ Core Antigua
🌋 Views + coffee + excursions
🍽️ Food quick links
Optional "capital museum" link: Museo Nacional de Arte Moderno "Carlos Mérida" (Guatemala City)

Pacaya packing list

  • Cash: park entry + small extras (walking stick, tips, snacks). Park entry is often Q100 for foreigners.
  • Water: 1.5–2 liters per person.
  • Layers: it can be hot on the climb and cool/windy at viewpoints.
  • Rain shell: lightweight jacket (weather shifts fast).
  • Footwear: trail runners or hiking shoes; volcanic rock is abrasive.
  • Sun: hat + sunscreen.

Comfort + safety basics

  • Walking at night: stick to well-lit streets in the Historic Center.
  • Photos: keep your phone/camera close in crowded markets.
  • Hydration: Antigua is at elevation; pace yourself the first day.
  • Cards vs cash: keep both; ATMs exist but can be finicky.
Pro move: screenshot your Airbnb address (4 Avenida Sur 3) and a map pin before you go out (in case data is slow).

Optional add-ons (if you feel like it)

🎟️ Guided walking tour
If you'd rather not self-navigate on Day 1 or 2.
Self-guided tour
🧵 Textile + artisan deep dive
Return to El Carmen market with a goal list (textiles, masks, ceramics).
🛁 Spa / slow afternoon
Especially nice after Pacaya.
Example spa