UNEARTHING ANTIGUA'S COLONIAL PAST
ExplorE 5 Ruins Of Antigua, Guatemala
Exploring the ruins of Antigua, Guatemala is one of the best ways to experience the essence of this quintessential Central American colonial town. The small town’s grid of cobblestone streets is easily taken in on foot, and you’ll catch glimpses of hidden gardens and courtyards wherever you go along the way.
For a small entrance fee (or no fee at all), you can see some of the best hidden historic sites in town. These ancient sites hold untold stories, as if whispering the secrets of the past to those who listen.
For a more intimate experience, consider visiting during the shoulder season, from late April to May and late October to November. This period offers a quieter ambiance, providing ample opportunities to connect with the town's charm away from the crowds. Responsible travelers will appreciate this chance to support the local community while immersing themselves in Antigua's allure.
Get your walking shoes on and discover where history meets the present, and where the essence of a colonial past lingers in every corner.
Here are our 5 favorite ruins to see in Antigua:
Templo de San Francisco: Great for a picnic
Located next to a working Antigua church, this is the perfect place to while away a quiet afternoon under the shade of enormous palm trees after walking the ruins of a sixteenth century chapel and cloister. Pack your own picnic, and take a nap after lunch to recharge before hitting the cobblestone streets again. Check out their on-site museum with walls of milagros and photographs giving thanks to Saint Peter for his favors, and visit his tomb alongside the pilgrims who make their way here each year.
Photo credit: Tato Estralday
Convento de Santo Domingo: visit the spa
This site comprises what was once the largest and wealthiest convent in Antigua. Reborn as a sprawling hospitality complex, Santo Domingo is complete with a hotel, spa, restaurant, and various museums. You don’t have to be a guest here to walk around the accessible restored site rife with original fountains, colonial and pre-columbian art, much of which was discovered in the excavation of the site. Nestled among the ancient arches amid some of the prettiest gardens you’ll see, the on-site spa is breathtaking and well worth a visit!
Photo credit: Eli Orozco
Convento de San Jeronimo: bring your art supplies
Located at the end of a busy market street, the manicured gardens and picturesque crumbling walls make for a perfect refuge to do a little outdoor painting or drawing. If the day is clear, you’ll even catch a glimpse of the majestic Volcán de Agua in the background.
La Recoleccion: Photographer's paradise
Just west of San Jeronimo lies this sprawling collection of chaotic ruins. The original complex included a library, cloisters, and infirmary alongside the monastery, but was brought down by an earthquake just months after its completion. The fallen arches and carved stone make for dramatic subjects, and are the perfect place for photography lovers. Surrounded by a larger park, these ruins are a good choice for those traveling with kids who want to explore.
Catedral de San Jose: Sky gaze
Behind Antigua’s main working church and central park lie the remains of the town’s original cathedral structure. The site is now a collection of cracked arches and crumbling masonry with views to the sky above. Check out the original nave and burial vault that are still used in some ceremonies.
Packing it up
Taking in the ruins scattered around town is one of the best ways to experience Antigua. These snapshots of a long gone colonial past have seen centuries of action, and now usher in a new period in the area’s history. There are countless colonial buildings, ruins, courtyards, and gardens to explore, and we recommend wandering the cobblestone streets to discover the hidden gems around every corner.
CLAIRE KENNEDY
Claire is US-born but has lived in Guatemals for a decade. She writes and curates good things in Central America for Good Trips in addition to running her handmade store in Antigua. Keep an eye out for this badass babe riding through town in her flame-throwing pickup truck.
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