5 Unique Things To Do In Antigua Guatemala

When mentioning the historic capital of Guatemala in interactions with other travelers, there is usually a pleasant reaction. I assumed there would be a ton of fun stuff to do when I got there because of this. However, after climbing Volcano Acatenango and seeing the quaint alleys, I was at a loss for what else to do. Antigua, where American fast-food businesses are hidden beneath old-world façade, is pricy, crowded with visitors, and not particularly inspirational.

Hobbitenango in the hills above Antigua

In New Zealand, Lord of the Rings was shot. I am aware of this. Everyone is aware of this. No scenes from Lord of the Rings were filmed in Guatemala. For $75 Quetzals ($10), head to the Hobbitenango Office on the northern side of Antigua to obtain a shuttle pass and ticket. Shuttles run often (see the schedule here), and the trip takes 20 to 30 minutes. The best time to go to Hobbitenango is on a clear day so you can enjoy the sunshine and explore the immaculate gardens. At an elevation of 2,500 meters, Hobbitenango offers views of Antigua and the nearby volcanoes Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango. It gives the impression that you have ascended a mountain in Guatemala without really having to do so.

Hike to Volcano Fuego

One of the most well-liked activities in Antigua is the climb to the top of Volcano Acatenango. The view from the ridge is only a few hundred meters from the peak of Volcano Fuego, but it feels much closer. There aren't many sites in the world where you can climb and stay on a dormant volcano (Acatenango), to witness the magnificent fireworks on the adjacent active Volcano Fuego. Since a fuego eruption typically lasts between 15 and 20 minutes, activity is virtually always present. Additionally, if you take this additional climb just before sunset, you'll have a spectacular view of Volcano Agua and the distant volcanoes on Lake Atitlan.

Take as many Free Salsa Classes as you can

I attended two of the classes, both of which were a lot of fun. Although the teacher spoke Spanish, everything was easily understood, and the environment was informal and entertaining. It was an excellent venue to meet new people because the majority of the class was made up of fellow travelers. After practicing a few techniques we had learned, we would continue to add more moves to the sequence. I was still terrible at dancing by the conclusion of the lesson, but everyone else in the group appeared to be a professional.

Eat where the Locals eat

The center of Antigua might be a challenging place to locate inexpensive meals, but fortunately, there are two places set aside for street food that can help you stick to your budget. Furthermore, both locations are close to some of Antigua's ancient structures, making it simple to combine sightseeing with stomach-filling. Head to the palm-tree-lined Tanque La Union, which is close to Antigua's center, in the morning. Baked pastries, tamales, fruits, and a range of other breakfast and snack delicacies are available here. Choose an area on the lush grass where you may eat. A sizable basin can be seen at the park's far end, where inhabitants have long flocked to wash their clothing.

Clear your head at Earth Lodge

Earth Lodge is situated in the rarefied air above Antigua, near below Hobbitenango. Escape here if the throng in Antigua's center become too much for you. There is delicious cuisine, refreshing beverages, and more board games than you could ever play in a lifetime. Also, hammocks. Many hammocks. From dorm rooms and tents to more opulent accommodations, you may visit for a day or spend the night in a range of various lodging options. Yoga sessions, hiking paths, and other wellness activities are available for staying active. If you're anything like me, though, relaxing on a hammock will be more appealing than exercising once you get there and see the scenery.