When considering family travel to South and Central America, countries like Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Colombia are likely top picks for good reason. So, I wondered how Guatemala could compare to the likes of these top Latin American countries that boast iconic destinations such as the Galapagos, Amazon, Macchu Pichu, etc.
What I discovered is that Guatemala should not be overlooked. This Guatemala travel guide will highlight our family experiences and why we think it’s a must-visit. In fact, according to my teen daughter, the Casa Santa Domingo in Antigua will now be the venue for her wedding, with its beautiful on-site chapels and museums offering the perfect backdrop.
For many years, my husband has come to Guatemala for short trips with his father for deep-sea sports fishing at the Sailfish Oasis Lodge. For the first time, we traveled to Guatemala as a family. My teen son joined him for fishing, a moment that I knew my husband was excited to share with him. This is a great place for a multi-generational experience as well as avid fishing families.
how to get there
The best way to get to Guatemala City is by direct flights from airports in the United States, including JFK and Miami, to La Aurora International Airport. Guatemala City does not have much to offer, but the Westin Camino Real is one of the best places to stay if you need to spend a night. (It has a nicer pool area for families than the Intercontinental.) Our next stop on our Guatemala itinerary included a trip to the city of Antigua, which is only an hour’s drive from Guatemala City.
Driving into Antigua, we quickly fell in love with this town, its brightly colored houses, and its natural beauty. Antigua is the former capital of Guatemala, but due to the Santa Maria earthquakes in 1776, the capital was moved to Guatemala City. These volcanoes in Antigua are a highlight, and my teens loved watching the tops spew ash and smoke. In fact, one of our favorite family memories was taking an excursion to roast marshmallows at the top. One of the good things about Antigua is that it’s a very walkable city. For this reason, we chose to stay in the center of town at the Casa Museo Santo Domingo.
hotel casa museo santa domingo
The earthquake heavily destroyed Hotel Casa Museo Santa Domingo, which was once one of the largest convents in America. In 1989, a restoration project began, and a unique hotel experience has been built into its framework. First and foremost, the restoration and preservation of this important historical site has been prioritized.
One thing I would include in my Guatemala travel guide is adding a secondary 5-star luxury hotel experience on top of this, as it’s a marvel to experience. Hotel guests can enjoy lounging in sun beds resting on ancient stonework and sleeping in former convent rooms with their original fireplace. They beautifully restored it to deliver a warm respite and all the modern amenities. The heated pool area evokes the feeling of a Tuscan country retreat.
on-site amenities
We had good weather, visiting in the dry season in February when daytime temps reached the 70s. The nights were comfortably cool, so the heated pool was much appreciated. (Most Guatemala travel guides recommend avoiding the wet season from May to October.)
The on-site restaurant has good food with a mix of Guatemalan local cuisine and American fare that appeal to all family members. The breakfast buffet offers the same, along with a selection of fresh fruit juices.
I also took a morning to relax at the spa and soak in the expansive hot tub and pool. Afterward, I enjoyed the volcano views from a recliner with a glass of fresh fruit juice.
activities in antigua
If you plan your visit to Antigua over a period of 3-4 days, you will have enough time to explore. Some of the best things to do include outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, ATV and a city tour on the chicken buses. Alternatively, in-town experiences such as chocolate making and jade jewelry are popular.
You can also add excursions outside of town with a local guide, such as coffee tours. Don’t miss the coffee, even if you aren’t a coffee drinker like me. As a devout tea drinker, I’m not easily persuaded to try a cup of the bitter liquid. But one sip of the hotel’s local coffee made me realize what I might have been missing all this time.
My daughter and I took the jade jewelry class at Casa del Jade. We had the best time turning a piece of slate into a beautiful pendant necklace. We also walked up the Hill of the Cross, one of the city’s main attractions. The hike offered panoramic views of the town and volcanoes, as well as great family photos.
plans for the future
For a future Guatemala trip, we plan to explore Lake Atitlan. It’s considered the most beautiful lake in the world and a popular destination in South America. We also want to visit the numerous small towns surrounding the lake. And, of course, our next Guatemala travel itinerary might include a wedding dress in tow at some point.