“Antigua Guatemala is so expensive!” is often attributed to one of the most beautiful cities in Latin America. So, we at Qué Pasa have been out and about to discover ideas that won’t cost you even one Quetzal!
Here are our 10 free things to do in Antigua Guatemala for free.
1. A Walk Up To CERRO DE LA CRUZ (Hill of the Cross)
Recently renovated, Cerro de la Cruz is located north of the city, just a 20-minute walk from Central Park. Head up 1st Avenue North past the basketball court until you reach the 333 steps on the left that take you to the cross. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views of Antigua and the volcanoes. As Cerro De La Cruz is a recreational park, it’s a great place to have a picnic. You’ll also find a few shops that sell cold drinks and gifts.
Open to the public every day from 6 AM-6 PM.
2. CENTRAL PARK, YES! BUT SERIOUSLY, It’s Not The Only Park
Everyone ends up in Central Park (Parque Mayor). Even though it is magnificent, with the usual layout of Central American colonial cities including a cathedral, a town hall, museums and historic buildings around the plaza, it is hard to miss. It’s THE park for people watching including the women in their traditional huipiles from the villages around Antigua selling knick-knacks to the tourists.
And yet, more parks in town can catch your eye, are less crowded and have great photo value, like the park at the front of the church of Escuela de Cristo or the one just a block away in front of the church of Belén (Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Belén). Also, visit Parque San Sebastian and Tanque La Union.
3. It’s MARKET TIME at Antigua Municipal Market
It is one of the most interesting and truly authentic places in Antigua Guatemala. There, the veggies, fruits, meats, cheeses and everything else you can imagine might become a reality. It’s a magical place where small comedores, in-your-face butcher shops and flower stalls come together in a kaleidoscope of colours and scents. Grab some pork chops, fresh herbs and a bunch of roses and be happy! It’s crowded and full of hustle and bustle, especially on market days (Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays) so only carry what you can afford to lose!
4. Which Church to Visit?
In colonial times, Antigua Guatemala could boast of 38 churches of which sadly, many became ruins due to the 1773 earthquake. If you’re sitting in Central Park, you could well be marvelling at the San José Cathedral. It was inaugurated on November 6, 1680 as the largest Cathedral between Mexico City and Lima, Peru. Today the front part is an active Parish, and the ruins behind are no less than spectacular.
Take a walk up 5th Avenue North, and you’ll reach La Merced church. With its striking baroque style and canary yellow and cream facade, it’s definitely worth a visit. Other churches include San Juan de Dios by Tanque La Union and San Francisco.
5. Check out the Pacas
In Guatemala, women who are named Francisca are lovingly given a nickname, Paca. These are not a bunch of Franciscas, when we talk about pacas, The “pacas,” are massive pallets of mixed clothing and shoes from the United States that are often very used. But sometimes you might find a new high-end fashion item amongst the clothes.
Expect to rummage through masses of clothes dumped on tables. Embrace the thrill of searching for great offers and experience the excitement that comes from finding something you always wanted or never thought you would want at an incredibly low price.
You’ll find the pacas located at the back of the Municipal market.
And now for the second half of 10 free things to do in Antigua Guatemala for free.
6. Probably the finest Museum in Antigua
If you’ve only got a day to spend in Antigua, then a visit visit to The National Museum of Art Guatemala (MUNAG) is a must! Situated to the north side of Central Park, the Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site that dates back to the 16th century. The museum charts 3000 years of cultural heritage, from prehispanic, colonial, and republican eras to beyond. It’s the first museum in Guatemala to offer free audio phones in both English and Spanish to make it such an immersive experience. Check out the magnificent views of the park and the stunning courtyard from the second-floor balcony.
Open 10 AM – 6 PM Tuesdays to Sundays
7. The Artisan Market
From Hupiles to ceramics, colourful woven purses to Guatemalan car license plates, the Artisan Market (Mercado de Artesanías) is worth a visit. Set in a pretty courtyard setting, the vibe is far more relaxing than the Antigua Municipal Market. If you’re looking for a handmade huipil, then do head to shop no. 105 and chat with Andrea (she speaks English) who with her mother lovingly weaves huipiles from around Guatemala. If you continue through, you enter the Artisan Market Compañia de Jesus which is slightly less inviting but has many more stalls. Just remember to haggle on the price. but always in a friendly manner!
Both markets are located at the end of 4th Calle Poniente. They are open every day from 9 AM – 6 PM.
8. Santa Catalina Arch
Honestly, you really can’t say that you’ve visited Antigua Guatemala unless you’ve seen the iconic Santa Catalina Arch (Arco de Santa Catalina). Built in 1694, it originally connected the Santa Catalina convent to a school, allowing the cloistered nuns to pass without being seen. A clock, imported from France was added in 1861. Standing by the arch, it’s fun to watch the almost constant professional photo shoots, especially of brides and girls in full gowns celebrating their quinceañeras (15th birthdays). Just walk north from Central Park on 5th Aviendia (Calle del Arco) to fully appreciate Santa Catalina Arch.
9. Visit a Gallery
Antigua hosts several fine galleries. One of my favourites is the Panza Verde Gallery situated in the Meson Panza Verde Hotel on 5th Avenida Sur #19. Every month, the gallery features local and international artists showcasing their work. If you’re lucky to be in Antigua on the first Friday of the month, then head there between 5 PM – 7 PM for the month’s opening. You’ll meet the artist and enjoy a glass of wine. Other galleries of note include the gallery inside Hotel Santo Domingo and the gallery on the north side of Central Park in the Palacio de Los Capitanes Generales.
10. Maybe it’s Time to Volunteer?
For the last of the 10 free things to do in Antigua Guatemala for free consider volunteering. It’s a great way to work on your Spanish and get a feel of the “real” Guatemala away from the Disneylandia of Antigua Guatemala. There was a time, not so long ago when there were so many NGO’s offering volunteer opportunities for free. They were just happy for the help and possible support. While writing this article I discovered that this has changed dramatically. These days almost all NGOs expect the volunteers to pay to volunteer. However, I can suggest the Timmerprogect carpentry project. It’s a Dutch organisation that teaches children carpentry skills so that they can have a future in that industry. Suzan Eleveld has worked tirelessly since 2002 helping to give the children of Alotenango a future. “There are lots of things they can help us with, and it is not always necessary that they speak Spanish or know about carpentry. They can help with marketing, publicity (photos / videos, painting, technical drawings ………. Usually, I make an appointment with the candidates, and we see what they like to do and what we need and see if we can match the two. If they cannot help here, I can suggest another good project they might like.”
Written by Sofia Letona and Scott Stanton
10 free things to do in Antigua Guatemala for free.
