Antigua Guatemala : Everything For Every Budget

If you’re considering joining us this July in Antigua, whatever your budget, you’ll be looking for ideas to get the most bang for your buck. Here’s our insider's lowdown of the best places to eat, sleep, shop and visit for every pocket

Conserve The Cash

Hotel - At the Yellow House Guest House, rooms are adorned with Guatemalan textiles and art. Plus, there’s a free buffet breakfast every morning. https://www.facebook.com/yellowhouseantiguahostel/

Bar/Cafe - Puerta Once is popular with young Guatemalans - serving a range of drinks and tasty bar-staples wings, burgers and tacos. Every day there’s a deal, making it super affordable. And in the heart of downtown it’s the perfect stop, early evening, after a day exploring the cobbled streets. https://puertaonce.com/

Restaurant - Rincon Antigueno is Antigua’s most famous locale for typical Guatemalan cuisine. You’ll recognise it by the line outside at weekends and the fresh tortillas being made by hand at the main door. For just under $5 (£4) you get main meal with sides, tortillas and juice. https://www.instagram.com/rincon_antigt/?hl=en

Coffee Shop - If pennies are tight but you want the best of Guatemala’s coffee, visit El Gran Cafe coffee of the day is just 10Q (£1, $1.20) . Staff are very friendly and can give you a great tip on a bag to take home, based on your taste preferences.https://elgran.cafe/

Day Trip - With its fertile, volcanic soil, Antigua is one of Guatemala’s eight coffee-producing regions. If you’re keen to learn all about the coffee-making process from seed to cup, visit La Azotea and join an organized tour (and it's right next door to The School of Hope). You’re sure to walk away with a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into cultivating and making coffee. https://www.laazotea.gt/

Souvenir shop - The Chile Santo sauce is local Guatemalan's favorite for flavorsome local cuisine. Take an authentic, useful gift home at El Comalote. https://elcomalote.com/producto/chile-santo/

Middle Of The Road

Hotel: The charming Meson de Maria hotel is a converted colonial home with just twenty beautiful rooms chock full of character, a lovely roof terrace and lots of relaxing seating areas dotted around the hotel. http://hotelmesondemaria.com/esp/

Cafe/Bar - 6 blocks north of the park, Cafe Sky has the best view of the city from it’s rooftop terrace accessed via a twisty spiral staircase. The tortilla soup here is arguably the best in Antigua. https://www.instagram.com/cafesky_antigua/?hl=en

Restaurant -Patio de la Primera - hidden inside a courtyard, you’ll feel like you’ve been immediately transported to the Mediterranean. Delicious pizza, pasta and cocktails and often has live music. https://www.instagram.com/patiodelaprimera/?hl=en

Coffee Shop - Take a seat and enjoy locals getting their coffee fix. With fresh aqua interiors and friendly staff this place can’t fail to put a smile on your face. https://12onzas.com/

Day Trip - Hobbitenango translated to ‘Place of the Hobbits’, makes for a perfect half-day trip amongst nature. Spend a few hours relaxing, walking and playing games in this quirky Lord Of The Rings inspired park with an incredible view of the Panchoy Valley and its volcanoes. https://en.hobbitenango.com/

Souvenir Shop - A simple way to take home the colours and vibe of Antigua in the palm of your hand. Buy a pair of beautiful colourful earrings which will brighten up any dreary post-vacation day. https://www.loscoloresdelatierra.com/

Splash Out

Hotel - Once a monastery, the 5 star luxurious Santa Domingo Hotel is arguably one of the most atmospheric hotels in the world. With fine dining, a spa and a pool, and it’s right in the heart of Antigua. https://www.casasantodomingo.com.gt/

Bar/Restaurant - Situated in a gorgeous boutique hotel of the same name, this restaurant is a warren of loveliness with a garden, terrace and ticks every box on the romantic chart. It hosts live music several times a week.
https://www.panzaverde.com/restaurant-1

Cafe - Cafe Condesa - situated right by Parque Central, this gorgeous garden cafe prides itself with sourcing local produce and preparing everything fresh in-house. Choose from delicious breakfast and lunch menus. https://www.cafecondesa.com.gt/

Coffee Shop - Experience the coffee that won the cup of excellence. For Q65 (£6.50 , $8) you can sip with the best. https://artistadecafe.com/coffee-shop/

Day Trip - Lake Atitlán Sightseeing Cruise - Lago de Atitlán is breathtaking. Jungle-clad hills dot the landscape, and over everything looms the volcanoes, permeating the entire area with unique and striking beauty. Spend the day discovering the Lake and the picturesque villages that line its shore, during this 10-hour sightseeing excursion. Many tour guides offer this trip all bookable in Antigua.

Souvenir Shop - Named as the best rum in the world. Drink it straight or on the rocks. It’s delicious and anyone who has to stay home while you travel would be delighted to receive a bottle! https://lacasadelron.gt/