Cerro de la Cruz
From the top of Cerro de la Cruz, you can get sweeping views of the town of Antigua, the surrounding emerald green hills, and the soaring silhouette of Volcán de Agua. You can reach the viewpoint, designated by a prominent cross, via a relatively steep climb from the historic center of Antigua, or you can take a taxi to the top.
Pacaya
A little over an hour south of Antigua is one of the region’s most-visited sites, the Pacaya volcano. The hike to the top takes around two hours, and along the way, you’ll get amazing views of the surrounding area. At the peak, you can admire the moon-like atmosphere, complete with lumps of hardened lava and rocks hot enough to roast marshmallows, or watch a spectacular sunset.
The Plaza Central Park
Antigua’s main square hosts beautifully landscaped gardens and fountains surrounded by imposing Spanish-style buildings, the most striking of which is the Santa Catalina Arch, a yellow archway that straddles Fifth Avenue North and is topped with a clock tower. The walkway above the street used to serve as a pathway for the cloistered nuns that resided at the Santa Catalina convent to pass from one wing to the other without interacting with the public. The square is a wonderful place to sit back with a coffee or ice cream and people-watch.