See

Cerro de la Cruz

The Hill of the Cross is at the north end of the city and offers the best views of Antigua. You can walk to the base of the hill from anywhere in Antigua within 10–20 minutes. Robberies have taken place on the walk up the hill in the past, but there are now police on the track during opening hours, and it is considered safe by the locals. The walk from the foot of the hill lasts less about 10 minutes. If you are concerned about either safety or fitness you can catch a tuk tuk to the top and walk down with other people.

Hours: Daily 07:00-18:00
Price: Free

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Listing from Wikivoyage: Antigua Guatemala, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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Iglesia de La Merced
Erected in 1767 by friars from the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy, or Mercedarians, La Merced was one of the few buildings in Antigua to withstand the Santa Marta earthquake that struck seven years later. This was due to the ingenuity of architect Juan de Dios Estrada, who designed the building with his memories and observations of the tremor of 1751 fresh in his mind: the building's modest height, bottom-heavy orientation, wide arches, and robust columns were intended to withstand earthquakes. La Merced was abandoned in 1829 when President Francisco Morazán expelled all clergy from what was then called the Federal Republic of Central America; the church wasn't reopened until 1853, by which time the attached monastery had fallen victim to looters who plundered its building materials for use elsewhere. Today, visitors can take in a distinctive yellow facade that has been called the most beautiful example of Spanish Baroque architecture in Antigua, pay the admission fee for the ruins of the monastery whose courtyard boasts what is reputed to be the largest fountain in Central America (the Mercedarian monks once raised fish in it), or, if you are in town during semana santa (Holy Week, the week before Easter), check out the processions that wind through the streets of old Antigua on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, beginning and ending at the church.
Mon-Fri 08:00-12:30 & 15:00-18:00, Sat Sun 08:00-12:00 & 14:00-18:00Admission fee to convent GTQ15
See
Convento de las Capuchinas
Formally known as the Convento e Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (Convent and Church of Our Lady of the Pillar of Zaragoza), this partially reconstructed building (which is also home to the offices of the National Council for the Protection of Antigua Guatemala) was, from 1736 to the devastating earthquake of 1773, home to a community of cloistered nuns. Today, visitors can explore the ruined remains of the former nuns' dormitories, amble through the desolate tranquility of the convent's still-thriving gardens, and take in a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop terrace.
Q40
Eat
La Canche
Café La Parada
Popular among locals and well hidden behind the tienda this family-run restaurant rarely sees tourists. The ladies are very kind and helpful even though they don't speak English. They serve breakfast for Q20 and set lunch for Q20-25 that includes a drink. The lunch options are written on a board in front of the shop. Enjoy authentic homemade Guatemaltecan cuisine while sharing a table with locals and being watched by a parrot.
Daily 06:45-20:30Q15-25
Drink
Fernando's Kaffee
Some of the best coffee in Antigua, plus great breakfasts. Fernando, the owner, is very friendly and may show you his operation: the coffee roaster, grinder, etc. Pleasant courtyard seating is found when walking through the first two rooms and around the kitchen. The breakfasts are awesome: pancakes and crepes and fresh fruit. It is a great place to relax drinking wonderful coffee.
Mon-Sat 07:00-19:00, Sun 07:00-13:00