10 Best Photo Spots in Antigua, Guatemala + Photography Tips

10 amazing photo spots in Antigua you will love

1. Arco de Santa Catalina

No doubt that the famous Arco de Santa Catalina is one of the best photo spots in Antigua Guatemala. This beautiful yellow arch is a symbol of the town and probably the most photographed site in Antigua.

With its beautiful colonial style and the impressive view of the volcano in the background, this arch is the perfect place to create your Antigua postcard. 

However, it’s important to arrive early to enjoy the site without the usual crowds. Even at 6.30 am, you might find a few tourists and locals, but this can be a great opportunity to experiment with different perspectives.

If you are traveling during the rainy season which goes from April to October, you almost stand no chance of seeing the volcano in the afternoon, so early morning is your best shot. 

Also, during the day there are cars parked under the arch, which can be easily avoided with one early wake-up call. I mean, the benefits of waking up early are endless, so I am sure you can sacrifice your beauty sleep at least once.

For equipment, a zoom lens works wonders, making the volcano appear even more majestic. However, if you don’t have one, getting closer to the arch and using a wide-angle lens can help you frame the volcano within the arch beautifully.

2. San José Cathedral Antigua

The Cathedral of San José is the main religious building of the city and one of the most Instagrammable places in Antigua Guatemala. 

The church was consecrated in November 1680 and only a few years later in 1717, the great Guatemala earthquake damaged it permanently (together with other important buildings in the area).

Nowadays, the cathedral welcomes you with a beautiful white facade adorned with numerous beautiful details. While the interior is more modest, the true highlight is the roofless ruins of the main part of the church.

Ruins is one of the most beautiful places in Antigua and it is great for history & photography lovers. Come on a sunny day and bring your wide-angle lens. Even with photography, it doesn’t take long to visit the ruins.

You can visit the ruins from 9 am to 5 pm and the entrance fee is 20Q. Access is from the east side of the Cathedral on Calle Oriente.

Don’t forget to take a photo of the exterior as well. Parque Central de Antigua Guatemala and the Royal Palace of the Captains General offer fantastic views of San José Cathedral Antigua. However, it is a lively square, so come early!

3. Convento Capuchinas

The Convento de las Capuchinas, or Capuchinas Convent, is one of the most remarkable and historically significant sites in Antigua, Guatemala. On top of that, it is a great photo spot, so bring your camera!

The convent was built in a style that reflects the Baroque influence common in colonial-era Central America. The building is arranged around a central courtyard, which was typical of religious architecture at the time.

The convent’s cloister and gardens are other highlights of the site. The cloister features elegant arches and columns, and the gardens provide a peaceful space. You will love Torre de Retiro inside the convent as well.

Despite the damage caused by earthquakes, much of the original structure remains intact. It is a place where history comes alive and you don’t want to miss it when visiting Antigua.

The convent is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. The entrance fee is 40 Q.

If you love visiting convents and want to see similar photo spots in Antigua, head to Convento Santa Clara and San Francisco the Great Sanctuary. 

4. Iglesia de la Merced

The Iglesia de la Merced is one of the most beautiful churches in Guatemala and one of the prettiest places in Antigua. Its yellow facade with beautiful white details makes it a famous Antigua, Guatemala Instagram spot. 

You can capture the church’s beauty with a frontal shot or opt for a unique perspective from the nearby park. For a frontal shot, a wide-angle lens is ideal. If you’re photographing the church from the side of the park, a 35mm lens will give you the best results.

This is another Antigua photo spot that requires an early wake-up call. The space in front of the church doubles as a public parking area, so cars and trucks often block the view of the façade later in the day.

You can see the interior of the church for free, but the best part is the rooftop of Iglesia de la Merced, which opens at 9.30 am. For 35 Q you can get a fantastic view of Arco de Santa Catalina and the volcano in the back, especially on a clear day.

5. Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol

Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol is a historic church near the town’s central area. This church, dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, stands out for its simple yet charming colonial architecture and deserves to be on the list of the best photo spots in Antigua.

The interior is modest, with a serene atmosphere that invites reflection and quiet prayer. The church is particularly known for its role in local religious life and you can visit it for free.

On the side of the Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol, you will find a miniature church that deserves to be photographed as well. However, it hosts a nonprofit organization and it is not functioning as a church.

This organization offers medical services and due to that fact, the square gets super busy during the weekdays. The best time to visit Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol is on a weekend when the organization is closed.

6. Cafe Sky Bar

If you are looking for the most Instagrammable cafes in Antigua Guatemala, you have to visit Cafe Sky Bar. The highlight of the cafe is the rooftop that offers the best views in Antigua, Guatemala. 

Once you climb the stairs to reach the rooftop of the bar, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the Agua Volcano, with the San Francisco Great Sanctuary also in sight. To be honest, I didn’t find another cafe in Antigua that could compete with this view.

When it comes to camera equipment, a 50 mm lens hits the sweet spot and lets you capture the landscape fully.

The cafe is open every day from 8 am to 10 pm and it’s a great breakfast spot, but you can come later in the day for drinks and sunset if you are lucky with the weather. We were at the cafe at 8 am and we had the rooftop all to ourselves.

7. Parque Central de Antigua Guatemala

Parque Central de Antigua Guatemala is the heart of the town and it simply has to be included in your Antigua itinerary regardless if you are a photographer or not.

Located in the center of Antigua, the park is surrounded by some of the city’s most significant landmarks, including the Cathedral of San José, the Palacio de los Capitanes Generales, and the Ayuntamiento.

The fountain, which dates back to 1738, is one of the most iconic features of Parque Central. It was designed by Diego de Porres, a renowned architect of the time, and features four mermaids that symbolize fertility and abundance.

You already know that this park offers a great view of the Cathedral, however, you will want to capture the lively atmosphere of the park itself. If you come early in the morning, you will greeted by a fantastic light perfect for Antigua photography.

8. Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala 

Markets hold a special place in my heart as it gives incredible insight into local life and Mercado Central Antigua Guatemala is no exception. In fact, it is one of the best places to take photos in Antigua Guatemala. 

First, the location offers one of the best views of Antigua, Guatemala. Secondly, the market is a feast for the senses, showcasing the full spectrum of Guatemala’s colors—whether it’s the bright fruits and vegetables, the local fabrics, or the fresh flowers.

If you’re interested in portrait photography, the market is full of locals dressed in traditional attire, offering a unique opportunity to capture the local culture. Just make sure you ask permission first!

The liveliest days to visit the market are Monday, Thursday, and Sunday, with stalls open from early morning until late afternoon. There’s no need to visit at a specific time or use a particular lens—just be creative!

9. Cerro de La Cruz

Cerro De La Cruz offers the best views of Antigua Guatemala. This hill, located just a few minutes from the old town, can be reached on foot, by taxi, or by tuk-tuk.

The hill is named after the large stone cross that stands at its summit, a structure that dates back to 1930. The cross itself has become a symbol of the site, standing tall against the backdrop of Volcán de Agua, which looms majestically in the distance.

You don’t need to wake up early, but I recommend you pick out a clear day to visit Cerro de La Cruz as you don’t want the clouds blocking the view.

We spent almost 2 months in Antigua during the rainy season and noticed that every day would start with a clear sky that would turn into rain and overcast later in the day. If you are visiting Antigua during the dry season, it shouldn’t be an issue.

I recommend taking transportation to the top and walking down after your visit. While Antigua is generally very safe, it’s best to avoid walking the stairs after dark.

10. Hobbitenango

For a touch of magic and some stunning Instagram spots in Antigua Guatemala, you should visit Hobbitenango. This themed park transports you to a hobbit-inspired world reminiscent of “The Lord of the Rings.”

The park’s charm lies in its breathtaking landscape, surrounded by Guatemala’s mountains and three volcanoes. Within the park, you’ll find two restaurants, a bar, and 26 unique areas to explore.

Hobbitenango features several panoramic viewpoints that offer some of the best vistas of the volcanoes around Antigua. If you’re not into photography, you can enjoy activities like mini-golf and archery.

If you are looking for a unique experience, there are 3 hobbit-style houses where you can spend the night. You can check the availability here, however, make sure you book it as soon as possible because it’s almost always fully booked.

The park is located a few kilometers away from central Antigua but there is a shuttle service for those who want to visit the park. Make sure you read how to visit Hobbitenango from Antigua in Guatemala.

The entrance fee for adults is 50Q and 30Q for kids. The transfer price is 45Q and the first transfer leaves from Antigua at 8 am.

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best photo spots in Antigua, Guatemala and I’m sure that after reading this article you are impatient to get to Antigua and create some unforgettable postcards.

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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