In April 2023, I took a Celebrity Cruise from Florida to California. One of the stops on my 15-day journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific was Guatemala. Guatemala is a South American country home to volcanoes, rainforest, coffee farms, ancient Mayan ruins, and beaches.
Our ship, the Celebrity Summit, sailed into Puerto Quetzal, one of the largest ports in the Pacific Ocean. From there, the ship offered excursions to Antigua, a 2.5-hour bus ride away. The all-day excursion offered me a true taste of the diverse country. I took in stunning views of the volcano, explored a coffee farm, and had time to explore the city of Antigua.
If you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, I’d definitely put Antigua on your list. It’s a beautiful and interesting place. It offers many things to do and see for both cruisers and travelers alike.
Best Things To See, Eat, and Do in Guatemala
What To Do in Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is a small city North of Puerto Quetzal and southwest of the capital of Guatemala City. It’s known for its cobblestone streets and colorful, Spanish colonial architecture dating back to the 1500s.
Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the earliest and best examples of city planning in Latin America.
Arco De Santa Catalina
This landmark is one of the most famous in all of Guatemala, and I almost didn’t get to see it! The excursion I signed up for only took us to a gem museum nearby. However, I wasn’t going to be blocks away without seeing it. So, I asked my tour guide if I could walk over, and to my surprise, he was cool with it.
The Arco de Santa Catalina was built in 1694 to connect a convent to the school on the other side. This was a solution to keep the nuns who taught at the school from having to walk outside on the streets.
Today, the convent is a hotel, and the arch serves as a colorful frame for the cobblestone road and volcanoes in the distance. It’s quite the picturesque scene and the perfect place for a photo op if you’re in town—don’t miss it!
Finca Colombia Coffee Farm & Restaurant
Before heading into Antigua, my cruise excursion stopped at Finca Colombia on the outskirts of town. Finca is a family-owned coffee farm that’s been producing coffee since 1925.
Finca offers public tours of their coffee plantation as well as a light coffee tasting. This was a fantastic way to start the day and immerse myself in the history and culture of Guatemala.
The coffee was fresh, strong, and black. A nice change from ship coffee, which I think is the absolute worst.
I was desperate to enjoy a good coffee for the rest of my trip, so I found some ground beans at Finca. I took them back to the cruise ship and made my own cold brew. It made the last week of my trip so much better.
If you don’t want to buy the drink package but want to enjoy a great cup of coffee, consider bringing your own.
You can pack some instant coffee packets. Cusa has a great coffee variety pack. Don’t forget a frother to mix them properly.
Another option is coffee tea bags. They help you make a nice cup of hot coffee or cold brew if you have access to water.
If you want to get a true taste (pun intended) of Guatemala, put Finca Coffee on your list.
Explore Active Volcanoes
Guatemala is home to over 37 volcanoes. Of the 37, three are considered active: Pacaya, Fuego, and Santiaguito.
Many tour companies offer excursions to hike or ride ATVs around the volcanoes. While I didn’t have time to do this on the day I was in port, I would love to return to Antigua and see the volcanoes up close.
I was super stoked to get a picture of Volcán de Feugo from my tour bus window and to capture a small plume of smoke rising from it. This is something you definitely don’t see every day!
More Things To Do In Guatemala
From cooking to Volcano tours, there’s a lot to do in Antigua. Check out these tours offered by Viator. When I travel, I always book Viator.
Where To Eat in Guatemala
Arrin Cuan
As part of the tour, we were taken to Arrin Cuan in Antigua for lunch. To be honest, I don’t really remember what I had to eat, but I do remember that it was good. I think it was a meal similar to a traditional Mexican meal: rice, beans, tortilla-like bread, and proteins.
In addition to good food, I remember the restaurant being very pretty with fountains and outdoor seating. If you dine here, let me know what you order!
Where to Stay in Guatemala
Although I stayed on the cruise ship, there are a ton of places to stay in Antigua and throughout Guatemala.
I always book on Expedia when I travel. I find it cheaper than booking directly with a hotel. Plus, there are no annoying cleaning or resort fees like on Airbnb.
I also like that you can earn cash back without having to join 100 different hotel rewards member programs.
Is Guatemala Safe?
I did not feel unsafe at all while in Antigua, even when I walked by myself to the Arco de Santa Catalina. However, here’s a summary of the current Guatemala Travel Advisory from the U.S. Department of State:
- Guatemala is currently rated Level 3 — “Reconsider Travel” due to crime. Travel.state.gov+1
- Tourists are not usually targeted, but there is a significant risk of opportunistic crimes (robbery, carjacking, drug-trafficking zones). Travel.state.gov
- Some places are marked as “Do Not Travel” for U.S. government workers and their families. This includes the San Marcos Department, due to crime. Travel.state.gov, Huehuetenango Department (except the city of Huehuetenango). Travel.state.gov, and Zone 18, Guatemala City, and the city of Villa Nueva. Travel.state.gov
The advisory includes safety tips such as:
- Use only approved taxis
- Avoid public transportation
- Avoid driving at night outside Guatemala City
- Be cautious in remote areas.
What To Pack For Guatemala
I found Guatemala’s climate to be like Mexico’s. It was quite hot when I visited at the end of April. Since I live in Florida, I usually wear sun-protective clothing when I’m outside, as I find the sun’s rays pretty intense.
A few years ago, I found these sun protective dresses on Amazon, and I wear them all the time at home in Florida. I find they are especially great when traveling to hot climates as they keep the sun off me, are lightweight, and quick drying. They also double as a swimsuit cover-up, which allows me to pack light.
When I travel to hot tropical places, the worst part is being in the sun all day. So, I recommend wearing sun protective clothing if you’re going to Guatemala. If not, choose breathable fabrics like linen or cotton.
Walk With Me To The Santa Catalina Arch
Tell Me Everything!
What are your favorite things to see, do, or eat in Guatemala?
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I try myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. I am a Viator and Expedia partner. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the Eat Well. Adventure Often. blog!