My Antigua, Guatemala Travel Guide: Budget Tips, Awesome Activities, Low-Cost Hotels and Great Coffee

Welcome back to the Winging It Travel Podcast — your go-to show for spontaneous adventures, budget travel tips, and honest tales from the road. I’m your host James, and this week I’m taking you to one of the most photogenic and culturally rich cities in Central America: Antigua, Guatemala. This charming colonial town is a favorite stop for backpackers, digital nomads, and curious travelers looking to soak up history, sip incredible coffee, and explore some epic volcanoes.

In this solo episode, I break down everything you need to know about spending 5 days in Antigua — from getting there, finding budget-friendly accommodation, navigating local transportation, and, of course, where to eat and drink some of the best coffee in Guatemala. I also share my experience with one of the best lookout points in Central America, a unique coffee farm tour that supports local growers, and a quick recap of the Acatenango Volcano hike, which I covered in full detail in the last two week’s episode. Whether you're just passing through or planning to stay a while, this episode is packed with practical travel tips and inspiration to help you make the most of your time in Antigua.

🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Ox Expeditions (for Acatenango hike)
• Gecko Explorer (for shuttles)
• La Casita de Angie & Hotel Casa Del Cerro (budget hotels)
• Delahente Coffee Farm Tour
• Free Walking Tour via GuruWalk
• My favorite cafes: Fat Cat, Fernando’s, Abole, Onzas, and more!

⏰ Timestamps: 

00:00 – Intro: Why Antigua Guatemala?

01:30 – How to Get to Antigua from Guatemala City or El Salvador

03:10 – Currency Tips + Getting Around Town

04:25 – Budget Accommodation in Antigua

06:15 – Best Cafes + Local & International Food Spots

09:00 – Daily Budget Breakdown for Backpackers

10:15 – Top Activities: Santa Catalina Arch, Central Park, & Free Walking Tour

12:40 – Stunning Views from Cerro de la Cruz Lookout

14:20 – Coffee Farm Tour: A Hidden Gem You Shouldn’t Miss

16:00 – Acatenango Volcano Hike Recap & Extra Tips

18:00 – Safety, Language, Digital Nomads & Final Thoughts

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Winging It Travel Podcast Credits

Host/Producer/Creator/Composer/Editor - James Hammond

Contact me - [email protected] 

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Cheers, James.