Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting Antigua Guatemala During La Cuaresma and Semana Santa 2026
by Aliisa Oake
Antigua’s iconic Arco de Santa Catalina
Traveling to Guatemala and looking for the ultimate guide to visiting Antigua Guatemala?
You’re in the right place! This blog post features some of the best things to do while visiting Antigua Guatemala during Semana Santa — featuring De La Gente’s community tourism activities, what not to miss out on in Antigua during La Cuaresma, and what to expect during Semana Santa 2026.
Keep reading for a sneak peak into your travel experience into one of the most beautiful countries in Central America. Get ready to witness the cultural and natural vibrancy of Guatemala and insights into the traditions and celebrations of Semana Santa and details involved in Celebrating Holy Week in Guatemala.
If you’re planning to travel to Antigua Guatemala in 2026, don’t miss out on some of the latest happenings going on in the next few weeks – and be prepared for lots of people and delicious food!
De La Gente’s Guide to Visiting Antigua Guatemala | A 7 Day Travel Itinerary Through Coffee, Cuisine, and Local Activities During Semana Santa 2026
As you’re preparing for traveling to Guatemala and your visit to Antigua Guatemala during Semana Santa 2026, know that it’ll be an experience like no other. In this guide, De La Gente invites you to spend seven days intentionally as you explore Antigua through coffee, cuisine, and meaningful local activities. Our guide to visiting Antigua Guatemala was created to help you experience the city beyond the cobblestone streets – from vibrant markets and historic ruins to seasonal traditions like Semana Santa, giving you insights on celebrating Holy Week. We’re highlighting the incredible people, traditions, and vibrant cultural experiences that make Antigua special. Whether you’re here for the coffee, culture, colorful streets, or rich history, this guide offers meaningful ways to explore Antigua with intention.
But first, a little information about our organization and De La Gente’s involvement in local tourism in Antigua Guatemala.
De La Gente is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working with small scale coffee producers in Guatemala to create economic opportunities and also partners with other organizations in some of Antigua’s neighboring towns to create additional sources of income through local tourism. Through partnerships with small scale coffee producers based in Antigua Guatemala, our Community Tourism Program connects travelers directly with the people and communities involved in Guatemala’s world-renowned coffee. From coffee farm tours, cooking classes, and a combination of both – which we call our Antigua Day Trip – coffee producers and their families lead and facilitate activities so that visitors can authentically and transparently interact with and learn from the local community.
Day 1 — Holy Monday
Arrive in Antigua & Start Exploring
Upon arrival, ease into your journey by spending the day exploring the historic streets of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Antigua Guatemala is known for its colorful colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking volcano views that frame nearly every corner. Wander at your own pace past restored covenants, hidden courtyards, and charming cafés. Stop to browse local artisan shops filled with handwoven textiles and locally made goods.
Be sure to visit the iconic Arco de Santa Catalina — the bright yellow 17th century arch that has become a symbol of the city – where you can capture a classic photo with Volcán de Agua in the background. Spend time in Parque Central people-watching, sampling local treats or sipping on a locally-roasted cup of coffee, and getting familiar with the city’s easy-to-navigate layout. Located right next to the park is the must-visit free museum in Antigua, the Museo Nacional de Arte de Guatemala (MUNAG). This local museum showcases Guatemalan art from different time periods, including contemporary works and cultural pieces that showcase Guatemala’s artistic heritage.
Day one is all about slowing down, soaking in the ambiance, and letting Antigua’s warmth, color, and history welcome you to Guatemala.
Day 2 — Holy Tuesday
Antigua Day Trip — Coffee Tour & Cooking Class with De La Gente
Spend your second day with De La Gente! By participating in our Antigua Day Trip, you’ll have a full experience centered around coffee, cuisine, and meaningful community connection with coffee producers and their families. In our Community Tourism Programs, we work with members of our partner cooperative, the Coffee Growers of San Miguel Escobar, in the town of San Miguel Escobar, located just a 15 minute car-ride outside of Antigua. This thoughtfully curated day invites you to celebrate the heart of Guatemala through its most beloved traditions, while gaining a deeper understanding of how coffee sustains families and communities surrounding Antigua.
Begin your day with our Cooking Class, where you’ll peel, chop, and prepare the freshest local ingredients alongside welcoming home cooks, sharing stories while learning authentic recipes and techniques passed down through generations. You’ll prepare Guatemala’s national dish, pepián, along with the traditional dessert plátano en mole, and learn to shape corn tortillas by hand – cooking everything over an open-fire stove and on a comal. After enjoying your delicious, home-cooked lunch, spend the afternoon diving into De La Gente’s signature Coffee Tour in Guatemala’s renowned Antigua coffee growing region. Walk through the fields with a local coffee producer as they guide you through every step of the coffee process from hand-selecting coffee cherries to processing methods. Learn how to roast and grind coffee using traditional methods and drink some of Guatemala’s best coffee at its source.
Day 3 — Holy Wednesday
Explore San Antonio Aguascalientes & Visit Nobi
The town of San Antonio Aguascalientes makes a great day trip location if you’re looking to explore one of the neighboring towns of Antigua. San Antonio Aguascalientes is smaller and quieter than Antigua and known for the high-quality, traditional Mayan textiles and loom weaving. As you walk through the town, you’ll notice many family-run workshops where artisans practice backstrap and foot loom weaving techniques passed down by generations – making this town one of the best places to learn about Guatemala’s living textile traditions. Visit the small central park and church for a glimpse into daily life beyond a popular tourism destination.
One of the local businesses located in this town is Nobi – a company focused on designing unique, artisanal Guatemalan products that highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage. They work closely with local artisans, incorporating handwoven textiles and locally sourced materials into thoughtfully crafted goods. By visiting Nobi, you’ll get an insight into how traditional craftsmanship can evolve into current day design while still honoring cultural roots.
Guatemala is filled with unique things to do, learn, and experience – which makes each town unique and well-known for different products and natural resources. San Antonio Aguascalientes is about a 25 minute car ride from Antigua Guatemala, and while historically known for hot springs, this town offers a peaceful, authentic cultural experience for any visitor.
View of fountain and church in the Central Plaza of San Antonio Aguascalientes
Day 4 — Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo)
Explore Antigua’s Ancient Ruins & Intricate Alfombras of Jueves Santo
Intricately decorated alfombra in the streets of Antigua during Semana Santa
Jueves Santo, or Holy Thursday/Maundy Thursday, is known for the commemoration of the Last Supper and the beginning of not only the most elaborate processions, but also families working through the night to create intricate alfombras (sawdust carpets).
On Thursday, begin your morning exploring Antigua’s ancient and historic ruins before the crowds fill the streets. Visit locations like Convento Santa Clara, Ermita San Jeronimo, and Iglesia y Convento de San Agustin, where you can explore centuries-old stone structures and open courtyards – learning about some of Antigua’s history.
As the afternoon approaches, make your way back towards the historic center of Antigua to witness the creation of the many alfombras that will fill the streets in the upcoming days. Along the routes of the procession, families, friends, and groups carefully stencil and sift brightly dyed sawdust, pine needles, flowers, and fruit into elaborate, intricate designs. As processions pass through, the evening air of Antigua will become filled with incense and the echo of solemn marching bands. This is one of the most moving and visually stunning experiences of Semana Santa in Antigua – a moment where devotion, artistry, and tradition come together in unforgettable beauty.
Day 5 — Good Friday (Viernes Santo)
Coffee Shop Crawl & On-Going Processions
Viernes Santo, or Good Friday, in Antigua Guatemala is the most monumental of Semana Santa – marked by solemn, massive processions of El Santo Entierro (The Holy Burial) in the afternoon. This procession often features statues of Christ being carried on enormous wooden andas (large, heavy wooden platforms or floats).
Throughout the day and late into the night, the streets will be filled with people gathered to watch the procession and spend time with each other. With all of the roads in Antigua being closed to vehicle traffic, the entire city becomes even more walkable. It’s one of the few times of the year when you can wander freely without worrying about cars. Between procession routes and viewing points, what better way to spend the day than to go on a Coffee Shop Crawl? Antigua is known for its specialty coffee scene, especially being located in the renowned Antigua coffee region of Guatemala. Take breaks throughout the day to step inside beautiful coffee shops, rest your feet, and sip on some incredible coffee.
Antigua is full of dozens of coffee shops to choose from, but here’s a few specialty coffee shop options to get you started:
El Gran Café - 5a Calle Poniente 3B
Fat Cat - 4a Calle Oriente inside La Fuente Mall and Foodcourt
12 Onzas - 4a Calle Oriente 5
Coffea - 6a Calle Oriente 18A
Artista de Café - 5ta Avenida Sur 34B
Alegria Café - 7a Avenida Norte 2-2
Siena Luz - 6a Avenida Norte 34D
Day 6 — Saturday (Sabado de Gloria)
A Morning of Antigua from Above with a Visit to Convento Capuchinas & Artisan Markets
On Sabado de Gloria, Saturday of Holy Week, you can expect fewer processions, but lingering communal traditions. Many neighborhoods will come together to have small gatherings and religious observances, but Antigua itself will seem a little calmer than the previous two days. Some businesses and museums may change their hours, but you can still enjoy what Antigua has to offer.
Start your morning seeing Antigua from a new perspective – go up! Make your way up to Cerro de la Cruz – either a short hike or a quick tuk-tuk ride – and take in the panoramic views of the colonial city below, framed by Volcán de Agua in the background and Volcán de Fuego erupting far to the right. On your way back, step inside Iglesia de La Merced and, if open, head up to the rooftop for a closer view of the Arco de Santa Catalina and the surrounding volcanoes in the distance.
Panoramic view of Antigua Guatemala from Cerro de La Cruz
Later on, explore the historic Convento Capuchinas, one of the most unique and architecturally fascinating ruins in Antigua, famous for its unusual circular dormitory tower. Nearby, browse the local artisan market for handmade textiles, ceramics, woven goods, and paintings. There are a few artisan markets located in different areas in Antigua, such as the bustling Mercado Central, Handicrafts Market Antigua, or Mercado de Artesanias El Carmen, a charming market located near the historic El Carmen church ruins. If you’re going to Mercado Central, be prepared for the crowds! On Saturdays, this is one of the biggest market days where locals sell fresh produce, flowers, spices, clothing, and much more. Support Guatemalan craftsmanship while taking home something unique as a way to remember your travel experience.
Day 7 — Easter Sunday (Domingo de Resurrección)
Travel to Guatemala During Easter — A Sunday Spent Observing Local Traditions & Enjoying Local Cuisine
El Domingo de Resurrección, or Easter Sunday, in Antigua may feel noticeably lighter after the solemn intensity of Good Friday. The atmosphere shifts from reflection to celebration as church bells ring, families gather in many of Antigua’s parks, and the city feels renewed. The purple tones of Lent change to white and gold decorations symbolizing resurrection, hope, and new beginnings.
If you’re interested, many churches hold Easter Mass (expect them to be in Spanish!), which can be observed at Catedral de San José and Iglesia de La Merced. Even if you choose not to attend Mass, respectfully observing the entrances and exits as the services begin and end offers a meaningful glimpse into the spiritual heart of Semana Santa 2026. Expect many floral arrangements, bright altar displays, and celebratory music that contrasts with the solemn processions earlier in the week.
Easter Sunday is also centered around family meals and traditional foods. You can find many special sweet treats such as mole de plátano, empanadas de manjar (sweet cream-filled pastries), torrejas (bread soaked in syrup), and molletes (fried pan dulce or sweet bread stuffed with custard and soaked in syrup) – all popular during Semana Santa. Some more savory dishes include chiles rellenos (peppers stuffed with meat or vegetables), tostadas, and Guatemala’s national dish, pepián, which you can learn to cook from scratch in our Cooking Class earlier in the week.
Spend your afternoon enjoying the typical foods sold by street vendors at La Merced or Tanque de la Union. Soak in Antigua’s incredible beauty, vibrant colors, and warm community atmosphere one last time before your departure.
What is the relevance of La Cuaresma in Guatemala? When does Semana Santa 2026 start in Antigua Guatemala?
La Cuaresma refers to the 40-day period of Lent leading up to Easter. In Guatemala, it’s one of the largest, longest, and most famous Catholic religious celebrations. Beginning on Miércoles de Ceniza (Ash Wednesday), many people attend church regularly and participate in Sunday processions lasting until Semana Santa (Holy Week).
During Semana Santa 2026 in Antigua Guatemala, which has remained prevalent for many years, you’ll notice a relevance of the color purple – people dressed in purple gowns and decorations draped across churches and balconies – which symbolize a period of spiritual reflection and penance, but also emphasize the natural blooming of the purple flowers of local Jacaranda trees.
Throughout La Cuaresma, processions begin gradually (starting on the first Sunday after Ash Wednesday), becoming larger and increasingly anticipated as Semana Santa approaches. Families also begin creating alfombras (intricate carpets made of dyed sawdust, flowers, pine needles, and fruit), which will grow in size and detail during Semana Santa. The final and most relevant week of La Cuaresma during Semana Santa 2026 in Antigua starts on Sunday March 29 and ends on Sunday April 5. When observing La Cuaresma in Antigua, there are many elaborate, colorful, and incredibly breathtaking aspects that occur during the 40 days leading up to Easter.
Religious Procession passing through the streets of Antigua during Semana Santa
What is Semana Santa? Why is Semana Santa in Antigua Guatemala significant?
Semana Santa in Guatemala is recognized as one of the most elaborate Holy Week celebrations in the world. Taking place during the final week of Lent, it begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, commemorating the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The entire city of Antigua participates in Semana Santa and thousands of visitors from neighboring towns and from around the world are welcomed to join in on celebrating Holy Week. In 2022, Guatemala’s Holy Week was added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity – showcasing the high relevance and cultural significance of this holiday to Guatemala’s cultural identity and blend of faith.
The most relevant days of Semana Santa 2026 include:
El Domingo de Ramos / Palm Sunday – marking Jesus’ arrival into Jerusalem
Jueves Santo / Holy Thursday – commemorating the Last Supper
Viernes Santa / Good Friday – honoring the crucifixion, often featuring the largest and most solemn processions
Domingo de Resurrección / Easter Sunday – celebrating resurrection and renewal
During the week, massive andas (wooden floats) carrying religious statues are carried through the streets by devoted cucuruchos (participants dressed in purple gowns who carry wooden floats). The processions can last between 10-15 hours, and are accompanied by brass bands and incense lanterns.
This religious festival holds a large cultural significance in Guatemala. While originally rooted in Catholicism and introduced to the country by the Spanish in the 16th century, the tradition has evolved into a powerful blend of European rituals and Indigenous Maya cultural expression. Over centuries, local communities infused the celebrations with their own artistic styles, symbolism, and communal customs – resulting in a Semana Santa that is uniquely Guatemalan.
Part of a procession passing alongside an alfombra in Antigua Guatemala during La Cuaresma
In places like Antigua especially, La Cuaresma and Semana Santa transform the city into a living expression of faith, history, and artistry. Streets close, daily routines pause, and time seems to slow. The elaborate processions, sacred imagery carried on massive wooden andas, and the creation of alfombras serve as acts of devotion and a visible proclamation of belief. The temporary beauty of the alfombras that are carefully crafted and then walked over within moments of completion reflect themes of sacrifice and offering. Whether participating religiously or observing culturally, this holiday in Antigua Guatemala offers insight into the heart of Guatemala’s identity as it connects faith, culture, and community.
Through the city’s combination of colonial architecture, vibrant textiles, intricate alfombras, and deeply rooted traditions visiting Antigua Guatemala during Semana Santa is a travel experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally powerful.
