Town in Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
Antigua Guatemala
Central America's easiest first stop: a walkable colonial town ringed by volcanoes, with Spanish schools, cafés and many other travelers. Cobbles, cool nights and volcano-hike robberies are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,180–1,830Comfortable, one person · Q9,000–14,000Details
- Value for money59/100Better value than 58% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Apr, 27°CDetails
- Internet100 MbpsFixed broadband, Guatemala medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDrink bottled or garrafón water; restaurants in the center usually serve purified ice.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$33–65Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundUberVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards work in many restaurants, hotels and tour agencies; markets, tuk-tuks, buses and cheaper eateries want quetzales.Details
Where to stay in Antigua Guatemala
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Central Antigua (near Parque Central) | First-timers: walkable, hostels, restaurants, tour offices |
| San Felipe de Jesús / San Cristóbal | Quieter, cheaper long stays, local feel |
| Santa Ana / El Calvario | Residential streets north of center, short walk to cafés |
| Ciudad Vieja road / Jocotenango | Cheaper rooms and Spanish-school homestays outside the grid |
Apps that work in Antigua Guatemala
Food delivery apps don't cover this area.
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Uber | Limited in Antigua; check the app, tuk-tuks are the norm |
- Maps: Google Maps, Waze
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Tuk-tuks are the main local transport and metered taxis are rare. Hostels can arrange registered drivers and airport shuttles.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Guatemala.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards work in many restaurants, hotels and tour agencies; markets, tuk-tuks, buses and cheaper eateries want quetzales.
- Currency: Quetzal (GTQ). US$1 ≈ Q7.64 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Use 5B (Banco Industrial) or BAC ATMs inside banks or malls; expect a local fee per withdrawal and occasional skimming.
- Tipping: Restaurants often add a 10% 'propina sugerida'; otherwise leave about 10%. Tip guides and shuttle drivers; taxis aren't tipped.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards and Apple/Google Pay work in chains and upscale places; local wallets need a Guatemalan account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the online traveller declaration before arrival and before departure and keep the QR code; airport terminals for it are slower.
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Check your passport is stamped on entry; a missing stamp means a fine and delays when you leave.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 122 · Fire 122 · Tourist police 1500
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Tigo or Claro SIMs from their stores, malls and airport kiosks with your passport; prepaid monthly data bundles are cheap. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Guatemala
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.