Antigua is a beautiful old city with 3 volcanoes and a rich Spanish colonial history. On this page, we have listed down the things you can do in the city and also about the flights to Antigua Guatemala. With this best-curated guide, you can plan a perfectly curated exotic getaway!
Antigua Guatemala, Perfect Holiday Destination
Are you thinking of taking a break to an off-beat and immersive location? Are you thinking to take a break away from the monotony of busy town life, just take a flight to Antigua Guatemala. It is going to be a lifetime memory and we promise you that.
Antigua is a beautiful old city with 3 volcanoes and a rich Spanish colonial history. The bright sunshine intricately preserved old monuments. Overall, Antigua is a must-go location.
Since the city carries the UNESCO Heritage City tag, you will be able to see buildings that have been preserved over the hundreds of years. Do not be surprised to see even the golden arches and the KFC inside a building old enough to be a museum. Just a walk down those cobblestone alleys is going to change your experience.
Antigua Guatemala: What Makes It So Special
Antigua is a place that has a wonderful amalgamation of rich colonial past, beautiful indigenous culture, untouched biodiversity, and thriving culture.
The towering volcanic mountains give a mystic touch to the place. The paved roads lined by old colonial buildings carry their own charm. The city boasts several old monasteries and churches. Also, the sound of church bells and the lush greenery will surely be a moment to cherish.
Let us have a look at the prominent places of Antigua that you must not miss on your trip:
Tikal
Dating back to the 4th century BC, Tikal is the epitome of Mayan civilization. These used to be ceremonial temples. Towering at 44 ft, these temples used to be the economic, political, and military center of the Mayan civilization. These are situated inside the Tikal National Park. The flora is unmatchable. Travelers get amazed by the bird sightings as well.
Lake Atitlan
It is not just a lake. It is a straight out of the dreams lush blue water body with picturesque villages. You can do various activities on this lake like paragliding, hiking, boating, and swimming. You can always enjoy the view of the lake from a quaint coffee shop down the road or choose to summit the volcanic peaks. Several village markets along the lake give you a glimpse into the local culture.
Chichicastenango
The base of the Quiche civilization, Chichicastenango is your gateway to experiencing the Mayan culture. The city boasts of being the biggest market in Central America. You get to see the local artisanship, fabrics, masks, flowers, and musical instruments, etc.
Immerse yourself in the greenery with common sightings of several animals and birds. The locals here are amiable so that you could easily start a random conversation, given you speak Spanish. It would be a great way to learn more about their rich cultural heritage.
Antigua City
Antigua used to be the capital city of Guatemala before a deadly earthquake destroyed the city in the 1770s. While the capital was shifted to Guatemala City, the old city became a living example of vibrancy. You can find innumerable churches, colonial buildings, arches, and cobblestone paths.
The Coffee Tour
Coffee has put Antigua on the world map. If you love coffee, do not miss the chance to learn about coffee cultivation. Book yourself an Antigua ATV coffee tour. It begins with a plantation tour in Jacotenango City, followed by another plantation tour in La Azotea.
Here, you also get to learn about the whole coffee processing unit. Further, you get to visit the music museum and then the El Cerro de la Cruz. Overall, it is a great guided trip.
Hiking Over the Active Volcanoes
Add a hint of adventure to your hiking routine in Antigua. Home to several active and dormant volcanoes, you can hike here and appreciate nature’s beauty. The most hiked volcano is the Pacaya. It is easier to climb, and you have a high probability of seeing lava flowing in it.
Acatenango and Fuego volcanoes are challenging hikes, and both often get active. To climb Fuego, you must be accompanied by a registered and licensed guide. No matter what, it is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
These volcanoes are surrounded by lush forests and give a spiritual upliftment to the soul.
Food tour
Antigua has a rich gastronomic culture. It is a soulful blend of Central American, Mayan, and Spanish culinary culture. Take a guided food tour through the city to enjoy the special dishes. Do not forget to try the pepian and steaks here. Try local drinks like atol and desserts.
Many tourist guides conduct such food tours. You will get to immerse yourself in the culinary delights of the country. From trying local dishes to visiting the farmers market, you get to experience all. Moreover, you also get to visit the cacao museum and learn about chocolate making. Overall, it will turn out to be a tummy-filling journey and not to miss.
How to get to Antigua Guatemala Airport
Guatemala has 2 international airports. The La Aurora International Airport (IATA: GUA) is in Guatemala City and is nearest to Antigua. You can also fly to another airport, named as Mundo Maya International Airport (FRS). However, it is in the northern part of Guatemala. So, traveling to Antigua from here is lengthy. Hence, most tourists prefer to fly to La Aurora International Airport.
From the airport, you must travel by road to Antigua, which is 40 km away and can take about 1.5 hrs-2 hrs.
You can choose any of these modes to travel to Antigua:
Uber
Uber is readily available outside the airport. However, they can be expensive here.
Airport cabs
Since the La Aurora airport is a tourist hotspot, the airport authorities have arranged for various cab services. You could hire a taxi from here to your destination. It is safe, reliable, and economical.
Hire a personal driver
If you know someone in Guatemala or have been a frequent traveler, you could also arrange for your driver. Many agencies offer this service. You can contact them even before planning your journey.
Book a shuttle
It is the most common and safest mode. Just hop into a shuttle with your fellow passengers at a common destination.
Chicken buses
Though they do look exotic and fun, it is advisable to give them a miss. Locals know how to navigate through a jam-packed bus, but as a tourist, it might not be a good experience for you. However, if you love adventure and are looking to experience something new, you can give it a try.
Different Types of Flights to Antigua Guatemala
There are direct, nonstop, and connecting flights to Antigua Guatemala from various U.S. cities. While the direct and non-stop flights are more accessible to travel, you can also opt for the connecting flights to Antigua Guatemala.
Airfare
Of course, we know that airfare is always volatile. While doing a random check, we found that the airfare to Antigua Guatemala can be as low as $44 and as high as $311. So, it is basically in the average range of $200-250 for a 5-hour journey on the flights to Antigua Guatemala.
Direct flights to Antigua
These airlines operate flights from various cities of the USA to Antigua around the year:
Most of these flights fly out of JFK, Miami, Newark, and Los Angeles airports.
Nonstop flights to Antigua Guatemala
These airlines offer non-stop flights to Antigua Guatemala:
- United Airlines from Newark airport: the one-way ticket costs around $97. It takes about 5 hours to travel.
- Jet Blue Airways from NYC (JFK) airport: It costs about $122 for a 5-hour journey.
- Avianca: Flying out of JFK, costs about $163 for a one-way ticket. It takes 4.45 hrs to travel.
Visa requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to visit Guatemala. As a tourist, you can stay up to 90 days. You need to show your passport, travel itinerary, and proof of funds for obtaining the tourist visa. Be sure to accustom yourself to the customs regulations and vaccine requirements.
Do not carry anything that the custom deems unfit. Also, make sure to keep your immunization updated. Do not forget to keep your COVID-19 vaccine certificate handy.
FAQs
Does Delta fly to Antigua?
Answer: Yes. Delta has nonstop flights to LA Aurora Airport.
Does Southwest fly to Antigua?
Answer: No. Southwest does not have a Direct flight to Antigua.
What airlines fly into Antigua?
These airlines fly into Antigua, Guatemala, from the USA:
Conclusion
What makes you wait? A perfect vacation is waiting for you. Pack your bags, some sunscreen, and a camera, and live the best moments of your life!
