City: Guatemala
Top Things to do in Guatemala
10 Free Things to do in Guatemala That You Shouldn't Miss
Coordinates: 15°30′N 90°15′W / 15.500°N 90.250°W / 15.500; -90.250
Restaurants in Guatemala
1. Caoba Farms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 303 reviews
All organic farm that also offers tours, volunteering, a farm-to-table restaurant, a store, Farmers Markets on Saturdays (live music, vendors, free activities..), Thursday- and Friday night activities and much more! Check out our homepage for more details and follow us on Facebook (caoba farms) and Instagram (caobafarms) to keep posted!
Reviewed By LeilaniRuth - Los Angeles, United States
After living in Antigua for over 3+ years, this is a staple for special occasions, when friends visit, or just needing some solo time. There's a bustling energy about the ground on Saturday's when Caoba throws their famous farmers market, although they're open Wednesday - Sunday and hosts various events throughout. Make sure to bring a camera and enjoy a walk around the property. From the beautifully presented snacks to the farm, it's a photographers dream full of color, life, and the beauty of nature all around. Your visit can be a short stop into the artisanal tienda, although you'd be selling yourself short. If you have time, settle into the restaurant for a full meal, straight from the farm, or just a liquado. There's plenty to do for the entire family if time allows - farm tour, workshops, mariposa garden, succulent plant garden, play area for the kids, live music, and much more. They conveniently offer shuttle service from Parque Central, but it's also a very enjoyable 15min walk from town. Uber is also available if a private ride is more your style.
2. Basilica de Esquipulas
3. The Plaza Central Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,952 reviews
This town square, with tree-lined streets and old colonial buildings, is a popular gathering place for locals and tourists.
Reviewed By Rolliecole - Austin, United States
The park itself (during Christmas season) was ablaze with Christmas lights at night and children playing, vendors selling, people strolling day and night. It is surrounded by some of the principal sights of the city, including the cathedral, several banks with guarded ATMs, and several highly-rated restaurants. We walked through it or by it every time we walked somewhere in the city, if only to see what was happening. Our favorite was a parade of dancing horses - the caballeros (and one lady) astride each horse would make them do a tap dance on the cobblestone streets to music blaring from a pickup ahead of each of two or three horses. The park is a reason to visit Antigua; if you go there, you would have to work hard to miss it.
4. Iglesia de La Merced
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,077 reviews
Destroyed twice by earthquakes, this 1548 church was rebuilt in the 1700s to withstand earthquakes and boasts a lovely yellow façade and a huge stone fountain, reputed to be the largest in Central America.
Reviewed By 796alvaror - San Salvador, El Salvador
La Merced is a colonial baroque style Catholic Church, well preserved, it keeps its greatness outside and inside. It’s a must visit place in Antigua. In addition to, its Square has delicious Guatemalan food and it’s a nice meeting place for locals and foreigners day and nighttime.
5. Iglesia de San Francisco El Grande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 531 reviews
One of many ruined churches in the city, this multi-domed church is often visited by pilgrims seeking answers to their prayers from Friar Hermano Pedro, the beatified 17th-century monk buried inside.
Reviewed By T9604IZmattp - San Diego, United States
Make sure you stop here to see the resting place of Hermano Pedro, Guatemala’s first Saint. He was considered the Mother Theresa of his time, and is venerated as such. The church was damaged and eventually destroyed in Guatemala’s famous historic earthquakes, and was rebuilt in the 1960’s. Fun Fact: Scenes from The New Adventures of Tarzan were filmed here when the church was still in ruins.
6. Chichi Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
All the tombs are above ground at this cemetery which marks graves in a variety of ways, some with brightly colored miniature churches and others as mounds with name-bearing crosses or piles of fire-blackened rocks.
Reviewed By colonial23 - County Galway, Ireland
Not a cemetery chaser and did not walk the trail to look at the tombs but I saw this cemetery fromone of the many hills of chichicastenango and it is so pretty and cheery compared to European and American cemeteries that I have to say it is THE BEST cemetery I have ever seen. The colors are magnificent and representative of what I think of the next life being. I believe we go with peace and this certainly is upbeat so I have to say though I do not hang out in cemeteries like some people who actually went and visited , this is a wonderful place compared to the macabre cemeteries everywhere in Europe -except Romanias Satu Mare and the States. Definitely worth a look form the hill if not a visit-lol!
7. Santo Tomas Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Mayans enter through the front door, but others are relegated to the side door of this unusual 1540 church which combines Catholic and Mayan spiritual practices.
Reviewed By BRodrig - Hillsboro, United States
We had an “authorized guide” (with a special guide vest) take us through both churches and the murals by the museum. It was totally worth the cost. She was very thorough and was able to answer all our questions. It makes more sense to go through the main church with someone explaining the Catholic and Mayan traditions held within and outside the church.
8. Mercado Central
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
For really good deals on Guatemalan handicrafts, especially leather goods, woolen blankets and masks, check out the underground stalls here, where fresh produce is also available.
Reviewed By tg0mide - Westbury, United States
Right behind the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Mercado Central is a must. You can get lost in it. Wonderful crafts to delight your eyes and a great place to shop. Prices are incredible, but never pay what the sellers are asking for. Bargain, bargain and bargain. Things are much cheaper than Antigua. If you don't intend to shop, do not skip it. It is a wonderful experience!
9. Palacio Nacional
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 454 reviews
The elaborate interior of this former presidential palace houses paintings and sculptures by famous Guatemalan artists.
Reviewed By Sierrita - Guatemala City, Guatemala
We Just invited to this special building made in 1944 i think. The ceremony was nice and we were with the president of the country. This place was made from a special kind of rock, green colored. The rooms are wonderful and the paintings and everything are splendid. Today is a musuem too, a place to visit in This beautiful country.
10. Lago de Atitlan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 761 reviews
Reviewed By chrisaT9240NB - London, United Kingdom
Really enjoyed being here and visiting villages. Stayed near sleepy Santa Catarina de Palopo but had bumpy boat rides to Santiago de Atitlan, San Juan and San Pedro. Each of the villages were different, and vibrant with colours, lurking volcanoes, goods for sale and fun visits, San Juan, Picturesque and arty, Santiago, interesting and San Pedro commercialised for backpackers, at least near lakeside
