If you’re planning a trip the cobblestone streets of Antigua, Guatemala allow me to be your local guide. I’ve got a fun 3 day itinerary to the entire city. This itinerary is practical, easy to follow and includes exactly what you want to do when you arrive in the city of Antigua. If you’re looking for a new and undiscovered place to visit in Central America then this one is for you. 

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Transit Map (Easy Flow You Can Screenshot)

Antigua is walkable in  central america, but you’ll use short rides/tuk-tuks for spots further out.

Day-by-day route

First night (arrival):

• Dinner + drinks at Aqua Antigua (this was the best place to start my introduction to Antigua, the restaurant is filled with palm leaves, natural materials and has a great view from the upstairs rooftop.  

Day 1 (Old Town + Hobbitenango + nightlife): A very good friday fillied with vibrant colors, central park, city center, must-see churches and cultural celebration. 

• Starbucks → Parque Central → Arco de Santa Catalina → McDonald’s →
• tuk tuk ride to Hobbitenango → Antigua Boreal for the rainbow slide →
• dinner at Cactus Antigua → nightlife at Vice

Day 2 (full excursion): The largest event of the trip, not for the weak but a good idea. 

• Volcán de Pacaya day trip

Day 3 (slow + flexible): A day filled with street vendors, traditional food, intricate designs, huge crowds and rich traditions. 

• Shopping in Antigua

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First Night: Dinner and Drinks at Aqua Antigua

Start your trip in the right place—central, straightforward, and great for a relaxed arrival evening.

What to do

• Check in
• Head out for dinner and drinks at Aqua Antigua

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Day 1: Old Town + Hobbitenango + Rainbow Slide + Vice

Day 1 is your “classic Antigua + fun adventure + night out” day. The sequence below minimizes backtracking by grouping nearby stops together, then adding your tuk-tuk and activity block.

Morning: Starbucks

• Begin with Starbucks (practical advice right?) 

Midday: Parque Central + Arco de Santa Catalina

• Walk the central sights:
  • Parque Central
  • Arco de Santa Catalina

Lunch: McDonald’s

• Keep it simple with McDonald’s before your next leg of the day. (Not really traditional dishes but yummy and completely different from the U.S. in the best way

Afternoon: Tuk-tuk to Hobbitenango

• Take a tuk tuk ride to Hobbitenango for your next highlight.  

Late Afternoon: Antigua Boreal Rainbow Slide

• Head to Antigua Boreal for the rainbow slide. (This was so fun) 

Dinner: Cactus Antigua

• Eat at dinner at Cactus Antigua. (mention them on social media for a free shot) 

Nightlife: Vice

• Finish the day with nightlife at Vice.

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Day 2: Volcán de Pacaya Day Trip

This is your main excursion day. Plan it as a full-day activity with transportation/tour arrangements, so you don’t lose time figuring out logistics.

Main activity

• Volcán de Pacaya day trip (you can book this experience through Viator) 

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Day 3: Shopping in Antigua

Keep Day 3 open, easy, and flexible for browsing.

What to do

• Spend your day on shopping in Antigua, focusing on souvenirs, textiles, crafts, and local goods.
• Keep your route compact so you’re not walking too much before your trip ends.

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Quick Booking Checklist (All Key Stops)

• First night: dinner + drinks at Aqua Antigua
• Day 1: Starbucks, Parque Central, Arco de Santa Catalina, McDonald’s, tuk tuk ride to Hobbitenango, Antigua Boreal rainbow slide, dinner at Cactus Antigua, nightlife at Vice
• Day 2: Volcán de Pacaya day trip
• Day 3: shopping