Antigua, Guatemala
Egg Fights, Volcano Hikes & Taco Bell?
Antigua, Guatemala—a city of cobblestone charm, colonial buildings, and, as we soon discovered, unexpected egg fights in the street. When we rolled into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we were buzzing with excitement… and, thankfully, so was the city. We did notice it was more expensive than the other places we explored in Guatemala but that was to be expected.
First Impressions: A City Frozen in Time (In a Good Way)
Antigua used to be the capital of Guatemala until a series of earthquakes in the 1700s shook things up—literally—and the capital was moved to Guatemala City. But Antigua refused to be forgotten. Instead, it became one of the most beautifully preserved colonial cities in Central America. Think Spanish Baroque architecture, vibrant pastel facades, towering volcano backdrops, and streets so cobbled they made us question our choice of footwear.
Markets, Museums & Chicken Buses Galore
Our first wander brought us to the town square, where we discovered all the good stuff: charming museums, carriages, and unique artisan shops selling everything from handwoven textiles to oddly specific fridge magnets.
We also saw Guatemala’s famous chicken buses—those old American school buses painted like rainbow fever dreams. They’re loud, chaotic, and somehow majestic. A must-see, even if you don’t brave a ride, you should definitely get in one though it just adds to the experience!
Egg Fights & Flour Bombs: Antigua’s Easter Traditions
We happened to be in Antigua around Easter, which is a huge deal here. The city is famous for its stunning Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions and vibrant street carpets made of colored sawdust. But the part we didn’t see coming? The egg fights.
Yes, egg fights.
Local market vendors selling eggs to all, and—before we knew it—we were full-on battling strangers (and each other) in the streets. It was hilarious. And just when you think you're safe? Bam—a handful of flour to the head. It's all part of the fun and a local tradition. Safe to say, our clothes were destroyed but we had the best time so that’s all that matters!
Where We Stayed: A Hostel with Heart
Our hostel was absolutely gorgeous—a traditional colonial building with terracotta tiles, a leafy courtyard, and a rooftop view that made morning coffee feel a bit cinematic. It was packed with fellow traveler’s sharing tips, stories, and strong opinions about the best local food and tours to try out which helped us to make decisions on where to go next.
The Only Letdown: The Main Square’s Menu
As much as we adored Antigua, we were a little surprised to find big-name American fast food joints right on the main square. We were craving traditional Guatemalan cuisine, not... Taco Bell. But Tilly? She was overjoyed. Burrito in hand, she declared it "the best part of the trip." You win some, you lose some.
The Sweet (and Strong) Side of Antigua: Cocoa & Coffee
Wanting to redeem our taste buds, we signed up for a cocoa and coffee tour, and it was deliciously worth it. We learned how cocoa beans are roasted (and yes, sampled them fresh), and how Guatemalan coffee gets its creamy yet bold flavor. The whole thing was educational, hands-on, and a caffeine lover's dream.
Tilly´s food technology session with culture!
A Hobbit Hole Detour: Not-So-Magical After All
One day, we ventured out to a spot that had been recommended to us—a so-called Hobbit hole place tucked away in the mountains just outside Antigua. The idea sounded dreamy: quirky hillside homes, beautiful mountain views, and a peaceful escape from the town.
Well… not every story has a fairytale ending.
Let’s just say it looked a lot better in the brochure. There really wasn’t much to do once we got there, and to top it off, we paid for a lift back to town that never showed up. So there we were—stranded, we ended up getting a taxi back into the town. The highlight to this place was the swing and the large hand you can stand on to capture an awesome picture!
Joe’s Volcano Adventure: Acatenango, the Beast
While Tilly and I relaxed (read: browsed markets and had a girly day together), Joe met a local man named Marco near one of the churches. Marco told him, with a slight twinkle in his eye, that he can organise a trip for us to go and hike Acatenango Volcano. I really wanted to do it but we knew it would be too challenging for Tilly so I was happy to stay with her so Joe could go and explore, it was right up his street too!
The next morning, Joe set off on a two-day trek up Acatenango Volcano, and he came back transformed. “Hardest thing I’ve ever done,” he said—and that’s coming from a guy who served in the military. The altitude was brutal, the terrain steep, but the reward? Watching neighboring Volcán de Fuego in the distance while camping under the stars. Unreal!
(Watch our video below to see Joe’s full Acatenango hike—plus what was included in the tour!)
Final Thoughts: Antigua, You Quirky Gem
Antigua really had it all—culture, color, chaos (in the best way), and even the occasional fast food comfort. It’s a place that surprises you at every corner. Whether you’re chasing volcano views, learning about ancient chocolate-making, or love seeing different colonial buildings this place is a must to visit!
