Antigua:
Mirador Cerro de la Cruz: At the top you have a great view of Antigua and the Agua volcano. Go in the morning for a clear viewpoint. If you go straight on Avenida 1, you can take the stairs up. (around 15 minutes walk) Only go between hours of 7am-6pm.
Santa Catalina Arch: Famous archway where locals gather to play chess, hangout, etc
Iglesia de San Francisco: Most famous ruins in Antigua behind the new cathedral, you can walk around the former monastery which has beautiful gardens & flowers
Casa Santo Domingo
Muso de art colonial
Convento covientas
Parque Central: great to people watch
Caoba Farms: is an organic farm. butterfly garden and organic shop, selling fresh vegetables and herbs
Restaurants/Bars:
La Cuevita De Los Uequizu: our favorite with great stew options
La Fonda De La Calle Real: traditional dishes and great specials
Antigua Brewing Company: cool brewery, scenic rooftop
Ulew Cocktail Bar: Speakeasy inside the brewery through phone booth
El Local : great for dinner & romantic
Samsara: chic vibes with healthy options
AM BKFST: perfect for a sit down breakfast
Patio de la Primera: Great cocktails
27 Adentro : one of our favorites from the trip
Lake Atitlan:
Lake Atitlan
There are a punch of towns around the lake, you can get to all of them by boat taxi. They’re about $5 and they run from early in the morning and stop around 5-6pm.
You can ride tuk tuks around town and neighboring towns. They stop running at night and you also have to switch once you get into the neighboring town, they’ll take you a few minutes into the town but after that you need to walk
Make sure to bring a bunch of cash, it’s pretty much cash only town. ATMs frequently run out of money so bring cash on hand.
San Pedro
A big city to stay in if you are looking for nightlife
San Pedro you can take a $3 tuk tuk to San Juan.
Hike “Indian Nose / Mayan Face”: early hike for sunrise but worth it. Maya Travel is a great company & you must go with a guide
Restaurants and Bars
Smoking Joe’s (Great AYCE bbq on Sunday)
Pupusas Salvadores: street vendor lady slinging amazing pupusas.
Bar Sublime: Local Spot
Panajachel
Do not recommend staying here but the biggest town on the lake
Shopping on Calle Santander
Azul Rosa: beach bar on the lake with DJ’s
Deli Jasmine- restaurant close to the lake with a big menu and nice outdoor space
Coffee at Crossroads Cafe
San Juan
Restaurant Sabor and Vista is great for lunch on the lake.
Panoxti house: a magical place ancestrally known for its great positive energy - sauna/jacuzzi
Xunah Kaab: 9am-4pm tour with the bees and localize honey
Casa Del Tejido- weaving demonstration
Nativo coffee shop is the best
Santiago
Mayan Cultural Hub: great for a day visit
San Marcos
OUR FAVORITE TOWN: we did not want to leave
Eat:
Circles Cafe, Vida and Konojel
Shambhala Café - Post class smoothie
Blind Lemon, Moonfish, and Cafe La Fe ($5)
Cerro Tzankujil Natural Reserve ($2) you can access reserve with 30ft wooden platform for cliff jumping
Zen Cafe for smoothies
Yoga Forest (Kawoq Forest) for massages & yoga. AMAZING
Eagles Nest for yoga was the most beautiful view & they do private yoga lessons
Acatenango Hike:
Amazing Experience
You must book with a group and we recommend Wicho and Charlie’s who were amazing for the entire experience.
Book in advance for a private cabin.
The hike is VERY challenging but doable but be prepared for a steep climb
