Flight

I booked my flight with Jetblue - New York JFK airport to Guatemala City GUA airport nonstop (5hrs). The cost: $320 round trip. I went at the end of January for my birthday and it was the best decision ever! Let me guide you through my Guatemala trip!

What you should know

Guatemala City is divided into Zones: Zona 1, Zona 2, Zona 3 and so on. Make sure to only do your research on the safe zones: Zone 1, Zone 4, Zone 10, and Zone 9.

Transportation

When we landed at Guatemala City GUA airport, we requested an Uber to take us to our Airbnb. The Uber cost 5$ for a 20-minute commute. The best way to get around Guatemala City and Antigua is by taking Ubers.

Where to Stay!

• Airbnb

Zona 4 Rate: 8/10 Cost: $-$$

This Airbnb has one of the best views of Guatemala City. The Airbnb is on the 8th floor of the QUO building. The Airbnb is clean and provides filtered water for guests. It has good wifi quality. My favorite part of it all is the balcony. The views during sunrise and the night are beautiful. The location is convenient due to the many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and supermarkets within walking distance. The area is super safe! Plus, the host communication is efficient!

The Good Hotel

Zona 4 Rate: 9/10 Cost: $$-$$$

The Good Hotel is super comfortable and cozy. The front desk staff are friendly and professional. The beds feel like you are sleeping on clouds! (Literally lol) The rooms have artistic portraits, well-thought-out touches, and a patio to watch the sunset. The hotel is in Zona 4– near restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The hotel was super secure and clean. When staying at the Good Hotel, a profit goes to a foundation called “Ninos De Guatemala.” The foundation helps local children gain an education and attend school. The Good Hotel is the perfect stay to explore Guatemala City. @goodhotel.co

To check-out this Airbnb, CLICK HERE.

To check-out this Hotel, CLICK HERE.

Things to Do – Places to See!

In Guatemala City

• Mercado Central

The central market is a great way to experience being with the locals. This central market is located underground with many vendors that sell fruits, vegetables, ceramics, handmade clothes, knitted vintage bags, woolen blankets, woven baskets, leather, and souvenirs. Many vendors asking if you want to buy from them. There's a food court in the market that serves authentic Guatemalan food. I ordered a chicharron taco served with guacamole salsa, it was crispy and juicy. (Cash only $-$$) @mercadocentral

Parque Central

Here is where you can sit and enjoy being around the locals. After walking from Zona 4 to Zona 1, we decided to rest at Parque Central. This area is super busy with people selling traditional ice cream and souvenirs— there is plenty of seating area. The center is surrounded by some iconic buildings you can visit: the National Palace of Culture, the Cathedral of Guatemala City, the Gate of Commerce, and the National Library of GUA. @parquecentral

• Catedral Metropolitan de Guatemala

The architecture in this holy church is stunning! This cathedral is free and open to the public in Zona 1. The statues and colonial artwork are beautifully detailed. The Catedral Metropolitana is a Basilica. A Basilica is where the pope meets people when he visits. It was built between 1782-1868 and became open to the public in 1871.

In Antigua

We went on a day trip to Antigua from Guatemala City and loved it! We took an Uber that cost $30 for a 1hr drive (one-way). I honestly wish I had more time in Antigua because the town is so beautiful and historical! It has a different vibe from Guatemala City. The town represents a mix of Spanish and Mayan culture. The streets are cobblestone, so I recommend wearing comfy shoes or sneakers. Next time I visit Guatemala, I will take an Uber straight to Antigua from GUA airport and book my stay there.

• Santa Clara Ruins

  Rate: 10/10 Cost: $5

I highly recommend going to the Santa Clara Ruins when visiting Antigua. The Santa Clara Ruins was founded in the 1700s and destroyed 73 years later by an earthquake. The stones, arches, and garden remain standing gorgeously. You don't need a tour for this. The entrance fee is $5. (Cash only)   @santaclararuins

Excursion Day

• Pacaya Volcano Hike

Hike Level: Moderate    Rate: 10/10 Cost: $94

I booked a tour from Guatemala City to Pacaya Volcano on Viator. This unique experience is incredible and unforgettable! This excursion includes pick up and drop off from and to your stay. I highly suggest wearing hiking boots or comfortable sneakers and bringing a hat, extra water bottles, and protein snacks. This 2-hour hike is challenging for beginners, but you can ride a horse up to the volcano for $20. The scenery at the top is worth the sweat. To see a volcano up close is such a phenomenal feeling! Touching the lava rocks is something you will never forget. During this excursion, you will roast marshmallows and bake pizza with the heat of the lava. It’s a 40-minute hike down to the lava store, where they sell bracelets and necklaces made of dry lava. Tip: I highly recommend staying in Antigua due to a faster commute to your Volcano destination. (Cash Only) 

To book an excursion from Antigua to Pacaya Volcano on Viator link: Pacaya Volcano Hike from Antigua. @volcanpacaya

To book an excursion from Guatemala City to Pacaya Volcano, CLICK HERE.

Excursions: With flexible booking policies that allow you to reserve now and pay later, along with offerings from around the world, booking our experiences through Viator was easy #partnership

Places to Eat

• El Hato Verde 

Antigua, GUA Rate: 9/10 Cost: $$$-$$$$

Where do I begin!? El Hato Verde is a luxury restaurant that comes with an exceptional experience. Once you enter the property, a person greets you and drives you in a golf cart to the top of the mountain. The workers are welcoming and kind. They highly recommend reservations. The restaurant is full of nature with a peaceful atmosphere. The bathroom and patio have aesthetics. There is a net on the patio that you can lie on and look at the mountains. The food is delicious - I ordered a perfectly cooked sirloin steak with creamy mashed potatoes. After that, we had drinks on the patio and watched the sunset. I suggest bringing a cardigan or sweater because the restaurant is in the mountains and it gets chilly. To leave, I noticed many Uber drivers were canceling the call. But don’t give up– there’s always someone willing to accept the ride request. Just make sure to leave a good tip! :) @elhatoverde

• Miettes

Guatemala City Rate: 8/10 Cost: $$

This cafe is an eye catcher! We noticed this cafe while walking around in Zona 4. Miettes is known for making breakfast and brunch meals with freshly baked bread. Once you walk in, you will see someone making the dough for the bread. You can buy freshly made bread and pastries to go. We ordered avocado toast and BLT with an Americano coffee- the avocado toast was creamy, the BLT was crisps, and the Americano coffee was pleasant. This cafe has an open indoor and outdoor seating area. The atmosphere is calm, with smooth tunes playing in the background. Great way to start your morning! @miettesgt

Nightlife

• Ulew Bar  

Antigua, GUA   Rate: 10/10 Cost: $$

Antigua Brewery bar with a secret hidden speakeasy cocktail bar - Once you walk in, you will find yourself in Antigua Brewery, which has a rooftop seating. But the secret hidden speakeasy is what I do not want you to miss! At the entrance of the brewery, you will see a red phone booth on your left side. This bar was the highlight of my night! Walk inside the red phone booth and pull the curtains to the side. You will enter into this well-thought-out cocktail bar called Ulew Bar. The music is on point! The drinks are fancy and tasty. I highly recommend this cocktail bar when visiting Antigua because the ambiance feels like a wine cave, and the drinks are top shelf. @ulewcocktailbar

• Balam Cocktail Bar

Guatemala City   Rate: 8/10 Cost: $

This speakeasy is an intimate bar in Zona 4. It is dark, plays soft music, and has leather interior seats. This bar is known for making drinks with cusha. Cusha is a fermented spirit made from distilled maize – you start by choosing a cusha mixer, and then the bartender will create a unique cocktail, based on your cusha selection and taste preferences. The owner of this bar is a chef named Diego Telles, who is also an artist. Balam Cocktail Bar has Diego's art hung up– they are intriguing and pleasing. @balam_bar

-xoxo E.