Antigua is one of these places in Guatemala that every backpacker or traveller must visit when in Guatemala. But just how well do you plan on getting to know the town?
Getting to know a new city or further exploring a city you think you already know, … it’s an activity you can try to do on your own, but it’s always better with a local guide. These knowledgeable guides tend to have a lot of interesting information you can’t easily find on your own. That’s why these guided walking tours of Antigua Guatemala is one of the very best ways to get to know this old town.
Explore the best things to see in Antigua and immediately get the correct story behind the facade as well. Whether you book a free walking tour or rather a specialty tour where you discover the old stories and legends of Antigua, by the end of the tour you will know a lot more than you can ever discover on your own.
Best free walking tour in Antigua
Let’s get started with the sweet and comfortable free tour of Antigua! Free walking tours are a great way to explore a new city. Or for that matter: a city you think you already know. Usually these tours are led by local guides who know the city very well. And, they like to share all the ins and outs of the city with their following.
This free walking tour of Antigua can be joined every day. You don’t have to pay to join, but, as is the case with every free walking tour, you are expected to give the guide a tip.
Half day walking tour of Antigua
Explore the wonders of Antigua Guatemala on a half-day walking tour that takes you back in time to its colonial splendor. As you stroll through the cobblestone streets, you’ll discover the rich history of this once-thriving city, now a peaceful haven of stunning churches and beautifully restored architecture. Marvel at the intricate ultra-baroque style of La Merced Church and admire the Mermaid’s Fountain, a symbol of a local legend.
Delve into the city’s past as you visit La Unión tank, a historic laundry facility that offers a glimpse into the lives of the elite. This guided tour offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the charm of Antigua and learn about its fascinating heritage. The tour lasts for a half day and concludes with a convenient drop-off at your hotel, ensuring a memorable and informative experience.
Full day walking tour through Antigua Guatemala
Discover the enchanting city of Antigua on a day-long guided walking tour that showcases the rich history and culture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. This immersive experience will take you through cobblestone streets lined with colourful colonial buildings and charming squares, all while revealing fascinating stories about the city’s past.
During this 8-hour tour, you will visit iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of San Jose, the Central Park, and the ruins of the Santa Clara Convent, each offering unique insights into Antigua’s heritage.
This full day tour start early in the morning, around 9, and it lasts until 17h. This means you see the city wake up and come to rest, with a siesta along the way. Your guide takes you to an amazing lunch spot, but you have to pay for your lunch separately.
Specialty: Street food tour
Embark on a 3-hour street food tour in Antigua. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich culture and vibrant sights of this colonial town, while also exploring local food you might not try on your own. You can expect a personalized experience as you stroll through the cobbled streets, adorned with colonial architecture and colourful facades.
This immersive tour will last approximately 3 hours, taking you to many iconic landmarks and local eateries alike. Explore the baking culture of Antigua, introduced by the Spanish conquistadores. Taste tamalitos, chuchitos, dobladas, or vegetarian variants of the local delicacies.
Aside from baked food, your local guide wil also introduce you to the local fruits to try. By the end of this street food tour, you’ll know exactly which fruits to pick in the supermarket and which dishes to try next time you dine out in Guatemala.
So, why wouldn’t you dive in and explore the unique flavour of Guatemala?
Specialty: Taste Antigua
This specialty food tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of this charming city firsthand. At the same time, you also get a detailed insight into the local food to try and where to get the best ingredients.
During this unforgettable tour, you can expect to visit historic sites such as the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua Cathedral, and the vibrant Central Park. Learn fascinating stories about the city’s past and present from knowledgeable guides who bring each location to life.
This guided walking tour in Antigua typically lasts around 3 hours, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Antigua. You’ll learn how to make corn tortillas and taste a variety of local dishes during this tour.
Specialty: Legends of Antigua
Every city has stories and legends. Antigua is no different! Are you interested in knowing about the history and ‘assumed’ history of this beautiful old town? Then dive into the stories and legends there are to tell. Explore the tales and find out if they have truth in them or not.
This evening tour of the city lasts about 2 hours. It starts at 18.30 and lasts until 20.30. During this time, a local guide will tell you the tales that have become legends over the years. There’s the story of ‘The carriage of death’, ‘The legend of the owl’, and many more.
Care to explore these tales and get to know a few interesting facts about Guatemala while you’re there during an evening walking tour of Antigua? Then book your spot!
Why you need to book a guided walking tour
Antigua city is not the largest city you’ll ever visit, so this place is easy to walk through. Chances are good that you’ll do a good amount of walking at your own pace during your visit.
But, I’m pretty sure that you will miss a lot of interesting sights if you’re only walking on your own. We had this exact same issue the first time we visited. After our visit, we discovered quite a few other things to see and do, which we just missed because we were unaware.
So, unless you have done your research very well and drew a walking tour of your own, with all the interesting sights (and even then so) a guided walking tour will offer you so much more interesting insights.
How to select the best walking tour in Antigua
There is so much history in Antigua, it’s a destination that should be included in every Guatemala itinerary, whether you’re travelling with a suitcase or backpacking through Guatemala.
Most guided walking tours in Antigua take you to a lot of the same sights, obviously. The Santa Catalina Arch is in every itinerary, without a doubt!
But, aside from the unmissable sights, you might rather be interested in testing the street food or discovering the local markets. Maybe you want to discover the folklore and legends of Antigua.
If you’re simply looking for a local, knowledgeable guide to tell you all the interesting details about the city and take you to the best sights in town, we recommend taking the half day walking tour or maybe the full day walking tour.
Also consider taking a coffee tour in the Antigua area. Or maybe even explore the local cuisine during a cooking class in Antigua.
