GETTING TO ANTIGUA
Conceptio
Calle Principal No. 2
San Gaspar Vivar, Antigua, Guatemala
Direct Flights to Guatemala City
Several U.S. airports offer direct flights to La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City:
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Los Angeles (LAX): Alaska Airlines, Avianca, Delta, United Airlines, and Volaris Costa Rica provide direct flights.
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Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): American Airlines provides direct flights.
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New York (JFK): Avianca and JetBlue have direct flights.
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Chicago (ORD): Avianca and United Airlines offer direct services.
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Newark (EWR): United Airlines offers direct flights.
Transportation from Guatemala City to Antigua
Upon arrival in Guatemala City, Antigua is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away, typically a 1 to 1.5-hour drive, depending on traffic. Here are several transportation options:
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Shared Shuttles: Regular shuttles operate between the airport and Antigua. Pre-booking is recommended to ensure a timely departure. The cost ranges from $15 to $30 USD per person.
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Private Transfers: For a more personalized experience, private drivers can be arranged. Prices vary between $59 and $160 USD, depending on the service provider and vehicle type.
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Message Jiri for driver recommendations :)
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Uber: Uber operates in Guatemala, and a trip from the airport to Antigua typically costs around $48 USD during non-peak hours.
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Taxis: Official airport taxis are available, with fares to Antigua approximately $35 USD.
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Public Buses ("Chicken Buses"): For the adventurous, local buses offer a budget-friendly option at about 10 Quetzales (approximately $1.25 USD). However, this method can take 2.5 to 3 hours and may be less comfortable for travelers with luggage.
ONCE YOU'RE THERE
We can’t wait to celebrate our special day with you at Conceptio! To ensure a smooth arrival, we’re arranging shuttle or bus service from your hotel to the venue. Just let us know where you’re staying, and we’ll handle the rest. If a shuttle isn’t available, no worries—you can easily catch an Uber to Conceptio. More transportation details will be shared as the big day approaches. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration!
Día de los Muertos in Antigua
Antigua is a lively and magical city, and your visit coincides with one of the most significant and vibrant cultural celebrations in Guatemala: Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), observed on November 1st. This holiday is deeply rooted in Guatemalan tradition and culture, and in Antigua, it’s marked by colorful festivities, sacred rituals, and bustling streets. While this adds a special charm to your experience, it’s important to keep a few things in mind as you plan your trip.
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Kite Festivals: The nearby towns of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango host the famous Barriletes Gigantes (Giant Kite Festivals). These intricately designed, colorful kites, some as large as 50 feet in diameter, are flown to honor ancestors. A visit to these festivals is an unforgettable experience.
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Special Foods: Traditional foods like fiambre (a festive cold salad) are prepared and enjoyed by locals. Look for it in local restaurants or markets.
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Cemeteries: Cemeteries come alive with flowers, candles, and families honoring their loved ones. Visiting a cemetery during this time can be a meaningful way to observe the culture respectfully.
Travel Tips for a Busy Season
Given the festivities, Antigua will be bustling with both locals and tourists. Here's how to navigate this busy but exciting time:
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Book Early: November 1st is a peak travel time in Guatemala. Flights, accommodations, and transportation options may sell out quickly, so we recommend securing your bookings as early as possible.
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Expect Crowds: Streets, markets, and popular landmarks will be busier than usual. Give yourself extra time to move around and enjoy the atmosphere.
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Transportation: Traffic between Guatemala City and Antigua may be heavier due to holiday travel. Plan for potential delays and consider traveling to Antigua a day or two in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
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Cash on Hand: While many businesses accept credit cards, having Guatemalan Quetzales is essential for markets, street food, and tipping. ATMs may run low on cash due to high demand.
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Respect Local Traditions: Día de los Muertos is a sacred and joyous celebration for locals. Observe respectfully, ask before taking photos, and engage with the culture to make the most of the experience.
Tips for Exploring Antigua
Antigua is a charming and walkable city, perfect for exploring on foot. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your visit is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable during this exciting time:
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Walking-Friendly City: Antigua’s cobblestone streets are best navigated on foot, but they can be uneven. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes to explore safely and avoid discomfort.
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Weather in November: Expect mild, sunny days with temperatures around 70–80°F (21–27°C) and cooler evenings at 55–65°F (13–18°C). Pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler nights and early mornings. While rain is unlikely, consider bringing a small umbrella just in case.
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Safety Tips: Antigua is generally safe, but stay alert in crowded areas. Use a crossbody bag for your belongings, stick to rideshares like Uber or licensed taxis at night, and avoid displaying valuables.
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Crowds During Día de los Muertos: Expect busier streets and markets due to the holiday celebrations. Keep your belongings close and plan extra time for travel around the city.
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Daytime Travel: If venturing outside Antigua, aim to travel during daylight hours for better visibility and road safety.
Explore Antigua’s Coffee Culture
Antigua is famous for its world-class coffee, thanks to its fertile volcanic soil. During your stay, you’ll find countless coffee shops where you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and learn about the coffee-making process. Consider visiting a coffee plantation to experience a hands-on tour, where you’ll see how coffee goes from bean to cup. Some popular spots for coffee enthusiasts include:
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Cafe Condesa: Known for its cozy courtyard and locally sourced coffee.
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Fat Cat Coffee House: A modern café offering exceptional brews.
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El Viejo Café: A Hidden Gem for Coffee and Culture.
Day Trip to Lake Atitlán
Just a few hours from Antigua lies Lake Atitlán, often described as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Surrounded by volcanoes and small indigenous villages, it offers an array of activities:
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Boating: Take a lancha (small boat) to explore the villages around the lake, such as San Juan (known for its art and weaving) and San Pedro (a haven for backpackers and hikers).
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Hiking: Climb Indian Nose for sunrise views of the lake and volcanoes.
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Relaxation: Enjoy yoga, spas, and wellness retreats in the lakeside town of Santa Cruz.
Savor Antigua’s Culinary Delights
Antigua’s food scene is flourishing, with traditional Guatemalan fare and innovative restaurants led by local and international chefs. Be sure to try:
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Traditional Dishes: Pepián (a rich Guatemalan stew), tamales, and rellenitos (plantain-based dessert). Try La Cuevita de Los Urquizú.
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Street Food: Don’t miss sampling tortillas, empanadas, or pupusas from local vendors.
WHERE TO STAY
Antigua offers a diverse array of vibrant and beautiful hotels, including charming boutique establishments, to suit various preferences and budgets. Given the bustling atmosphere during Día de los Muertos on November 1st, 2025, it's advisable to consider the following when selecting your accommodations:
Location Considerations:
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Southern Antigua: Staying in the southern part of the city can provide a more tranquil experience, away from the central festivities. This area offers a peaceful retreat while still being accessible to main attractions.
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Central Antigua: If you prefer to be amidst the vibrant celebrations, central accommodations are ideal. However, plan your transportation to Conceptió, our wedding venue, accordingly, as the central streets may be crowded during the festivities.
Hotel Booking Tips
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Direct Contact: Some hotels may not yet be listed on major booking platforms for November 2025. Reaching out to them directly can secure your reservation.
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Room Blocks: We have reserved a block of rooms at a (ADDED!) selected hotel for your convenience. This hotel is one of many wonderful options in Antigua, and the only reason we don’t have more blocks is that most hotels require the wedding to be held at their venue to secure room blocks.
Pricing Estimates
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Mid-Range Hotels: Comfortable and clean accommodations typically range from $80 to $150 USD per night.
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Luxury Hotels: Four-star and higher establishments range from $200 to $400 USD per night.
Alternative Accommodations
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Airbnb: Antigua has a variety of Airbnb options, from private rooms to entire homes, catering to different group sizes and budgets.
Additional Recommendations
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Early Booking: Due to the high demand during Día de los Muertos, we recommend securing your accommodations well in advance.
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Transportation Planning: If staying in central Antigua, allocate extra time for travel to Conceptió to account for potential delays from festival activities.
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Local Insights: Engaging with hotel staff can provide valuable information on navigating the city during the celebrations.
Accommodations in Antigua
We have curated a list of charming hotels and boutique accommodations in Antigua, marked on the provided Google Map link for your convenience. While we did not visit every hotel on this list, we selected them based on strong reviews and feedback, ensuring they are well-regarded options for your stay. If you're considering an Airbnb, we recommend browsing the app and reaching out to us if you have any questions or need further recommendations.