Antigua Guatemala For Digital Nomads: The Natural Beauty

Antigua, the former capital city of Guatemala, is a great place for digital nomads. With a rich history and deep culture, Antigua promises an authentic way of life. Digital nomads can settle down here and set up shop while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

If you are thinking about packing your bags and moving here, make sure to learn some basic essentials first. This ultimate guide delves into the digital nomad lifestyle in Antigua, Guatemala and evaluates different aspects. Keep reading to learn more.

Where is Antigua, Guatemala, located?

Antigua is a historically significant city located in the country of Guatemala. It is surrounded by 3 main volcanoes; Volcán de Agua to the south, and Volcán de Fuego and Volcán de Acatenango to the west.

Fact: Did you know that Antigua, Guatemala, is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site?

Why Choose Antigua Guatemala as a Digital Nomad? Pros and Cons

Much like any other place this beautiful city also has its fair share of pros and cons. While some may find it a perfect place, others may face difficulty getting over the cons. Let’s delve into each and see if Antigua is the right place for you.

Pros	Cons
Natural Beauty	Language Barrier
Rich History	Lack of infrastructure
Vibrant Culture	Limited public transport
Friendly Locals
Decent Internet speeds
Digital Nomad Community
Low cost of living

Despite having some flaws, we like to believe that Antigua makes up for it by offering other benefits. For instance, the affordable cost of living and modern amenities certainly attract more nomads to come and settle here. Other than that, the great weather and natural beauty invite people to come and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

If the beauty and historical elements aren’t enough to compel you then the low cost of living will certainly work in your favor. All in all, Antigua has a lot to offer to those who are willing to look past its flaws.

How to Get to Antigua Guatemala?

If you have made up. your mind about coming to Antigua, here’s how you can do so.

By plane

Air travel is the best option for those of you who are travelling from abroad. You can take a connecting or direct flight to land at one of two major airports. Firstly, you can land at the VC Bird International Airport. This serves Barbuda and Antigua simultaneously and is located 8km out of the city centre. If not, you can land at the La Aurora International Airport, which is located in Guatemala City and 41 km away (1 hour drive)

By bus

Bus travel is also a feasible option depending on your current location and personal preferences. You simply need to go to a Central Chicken bus station and get on a bus to Antigua. Bus travel is likely to be safe and affordable.

Transportation and How to Get Around Antigua Guatemala?

Since Guatemala is a developing country, the public transportation system is not as well developed as it is in other major cities. Due to the lack of infrastructure, the roads aren’t well connected either. However, the city makes do with the limited opportunities and finds adequate solutions. Here are some of the best ways of getting around.

Buses

Buses are not only the cheapest but also the most common way of getting around in Antigua. “Chicken buses”, as the locals like to call them, provide easy access to all. around the city and make travelling easier. They are well-developed, reliable, and can take you anywhere you want.

Shuttles

shuttles are essentially smaller buses that fulfil the same purpose. They are readily available, safe, and convenient. You can easily travel from one place to another via these.

Tuk Tuks

Tuk Tuks are another common mode of transport in the city. The vehicle consists of a carriage being pulled by a motorbike with passengers in the back. They are safe, adventurous, and cheap.

Taxis

Lastly, you can access taxi services to move around in the city. They are often used to cover longer distances but their reliability is extraordinary.

3 Best Accommodation Options in Antigua Guatemala

Generally speaking, Antigua is a small city. Hence, there is a limited variety of suitable neighbourhoods for digital nomads and remote workers. Here are some of the best options.

Santa Ana

If you’re coming to Antigua for the rich culture, colourful atmosphere, and amazing lifestyle, then make sure to live in Santa Ana. Located just outside of the city centre, this neighbourhood houses a lot of local people. You’ll find a strong sense of community and experience the true Antigua lifestyle here. Santa Ana also happens to be one of the most affordable neighbourhoods in the city.

Barrio de la Concepción

Barrio de la Concepcion is undoubtedly one of the best neighbourhoods in Antigua, Guatemala. Not only is it famous among digital nomads but tourists enjoy it too. This area’s convenient location and proximity to various facilities make it highly desirable. You can find the best cafes, restaurants, historical buildings, and central park within walking distance.

El Caseo

Lastly, El Caseo is also a great option for accommodation in Antigua. Home to several museums, bars, and popular destinations, this neighbourhood is known for its social life. Most digital nomads, backpackers, and tourists find residence here so make sure to engage in networking!

Internet Connectivity in Antigua Guatemala

While Antigua doesn’t have the fastest internet in the world, it’s still pretty decent and reliable. You can expect internet/ wifi speeds faster than 20 Mbps at any given place and time. However, it can be spotty outside the city premises. If you want consistent wifi then make sure to buy a local SIM card upon arrival. This is a piece of practical advice as SIM cards allow you to continue working despite power outages.

Additionally, there are a lot of good providers in the country so make sure to compare mobile data packages before buying a card.

Almost all the cafes and co-working spaces in Antigua offer free and high-speed internet.

E sims

Most remote workers feel the need to digitize everyday essentials. You can do that by opting for e-sims and avoiding the trouble of a physical SIM card. Take a look at these data packages below and evaluate whether it’s a good option for you.

Holafly

Data Package	Availability	Price
unlimited	7 days	39$
unlimited	10 days	49$
unlimited	15 days	67$
unlimited	20 days	81$
unlimited	30 days	114$

Airalo

Data Package	Availability	Price
1 GB	7 days	6.50$
2 GB	15 days	12.00$
5 GB	30 days	17.50$
10 GB	30 days	25.50$

3 Best Places to Work from in Antigua Guatemala

While Antigua doesn’t have a vast range of coworking spaces and work-friendly cafes, the limited options are surely worth checking out. We are positive that you can find a suitable working space from the available options.

Selina coworking

Another great option is Selina’s co-working space. Located in a beautiful neighbourhood, Selina Coworking is a vibrant space where remote workers can work for hours and test their limits. In addition to coworking, this place also offers co-living arrangements, which are perfect for new digital nomads. Selina Coworking promotes networking by hosting various social and community events as well so make sure to join them!

The impact hub Antigua

The Impact Hub is a globally renowned coworking space that also operates in Antigua. The impact hub branches offer various facilities to remote workers. You can work here for hours while enjoying affordable rates, comfortable seating, and a great working environment. They also offer fast wifi, hot desking, and good packages.

Cafes

If you are someone who prefers working from Cafes rather than coworking spaces then take a look at the following options.

Fernando’s Kaffee
Rainbow Café
Café Barista

Cost of Living in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua’s affordable cost of living is one of the many factors that make it a popular destination. You can enjoy a high quality of life without having to spend a lot of money. Here’s a rough breakdown of average prices there.

Meal	5.71$
Coffee	2.34$
Beer	3.24$
Rent (One-bedroom apartment in the city centre)	438.14$
Utilities	41.88$
Transport	1.04$
Internet	52.92$

These standard estimations depict average estimations from a digital nomad lifestyle. You can spend more or less, depending on your budget.

Other than that, please note that costs may change due to currency exchange rates and fluctuations.

Culture, Nature, and Food in Antigua Guatemala

Antigua has a beautiful and rich local culture with strong Spanish influence. Digital nomads can experience the extent of it by attending cultural activities and festivals. There are plenty of cultural attractions and local markets as well. The city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As for the natural beauty, the city is abundant in that. There are a ton of stunning landscapes, ancient ruins, natural spots, and a scope of outdoor activities for nature lovers. You can engage in hiking, surfing, and even snorkelling during your time here.

When it comes to food in Antigua, it is nothing short of exemplary. There is a lot of diversity in the local cuisine which means you can find Asian and Western food as well as traditional dishes. The best restaurants and coffee shops are abundant in the city so you have a variety of options available. The street food scene is also pretty big and most servers still use traditional recipes.

Best Time to Visit Antigua Guatemala

Since Antigua is surrounded by towering volcanoes, the climate here is not only unpredictable but diverse as well. This means that each part of the city experiences different weather depending on its location and proximity to the mountains.

Other than that, Antigua experiences warm temperatures all year long. The dry season brings sunny days and clear skies while the wet season amounts to rain showers. The former lasts from November to April and is the perfect time for visiting. You can explore the city and see the tourist attractions during this time.

The rainy season lasts from May to October and brings some complications. Some areas even close off during this time to prevent accidents.

12 Best Things to Do in Antigua Guatemala

Take a look at the 12 Best Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala.

1. Visit the volcanoes

The three surrounding Volcanoes i.e. Volcán de Agua to the south, and Volcán de Fuego and Volcán de Acatenango to the west tower of the city. You can visit them and experience the wonders of nature. You can hike them and take guided tours as well, depending on the availability and policies.

2. Visit the Ruins

Destroyed by the earthquake of 1773, the glorious destinations and ancient churches have turned into ruins in Antigua. For those of you who want to appreciate the city’s history and loss, make sure to visit the ruins and explore the grounds.

3. Take a cooking class

If you get addicted to the delicious food in Antigua, make sure to take a traditional cooking class. You can sign up and learn to cook authentic and traditional dishes. That is something that will surely stay with you even after you have left the city.

4. Take a food tour

Antigua has a foodie culture and the proper way to experience the best of it is by joining a food tour. You can meet other people, interact with Guatemalan people, and enjoy amazing food all at the same time. While it is possible to explore the best food on your own, a professional guide will make it so much more interesting and easier.

5. Visit the Lake Atitlan

Another great thing to do in Antigua is visit Lake Atitlan. This is the deepest lake in Central America and a popular tourist destination in the country. you can go boating, kayaking, and enjoy the beautiful nature.

6. Visit the art galleries

Whether you are an art enthusiast or not, make sure to visit the popular art galleries in Antigua. It’s no secret that this city is home to creative minds! You can visit the art galleries to appreciate art, support artists, and see some of the best exhibitions. Here are some great options:

Rhythm of Blue Art Gallery
The G
Gilly Gobinet Art Gallery

7. Take a day trip

When you are done exploring the beautiful city of Antigua, take advantage of your convenient location and visit other nearby cities. Guatemala is a stunning country that has a lot to offer so consider taking a day trip and exploring as much of it as you can. You can take a chicken bus and visit nearby villages such as San Pedro.

8. Take a brewery tour

Since the city is so famous for brewing beer, it only makes sense if you take a brewing tour. Antigua Brewing Company charges a reasonable price and offers a splendid experience. You can even go to their rooftop and enjoy calming views of the sunset.

9. Visit the museums

If you want to learn about Antigua’s rich history, make sure to visit the historical museums in the city. They are a great way to appreciate the heritage and understand the city. Some of the best options include:

Casa Santo Domingo Museums
Centro Cultural La Azotea
Ayuntamiento
Funba
Museo de Santiago

10. Go bar hopping

If you want to enjoy the ultimate Antigua nightlife, consider going bar hopping and enjoying a little bit of everything. You can try delicious drinks, dance the night away, and enjoy the bustling environment. Some of the best bars include Vudu Bar, El Illegal, the Londoner Pub, and El Barrio.

11. Attend the cultural festivals

When you want to experience Antigua’s rich culture to its very core, attend the local events and participate in the cultural festivities. This city houses friendly locals and welcoming people who make you feel right at home. You can blend in with them at such events. Some of the best ones include:

Ascension Day
Independence Day
Coban National Folkloric Festival
Revolution Day
Patron Saint

12. Connect with fellow digital nomads

Since Antigua has gained popularity over the recent years, make sure to connect with like-minded individuals. You can meet remote workers and nomads at regular events, coworking spaces, coffee shops, social events, and networking hubs. Other than that, you can also join Facebook groups and WhatsApp communities.

Is Antigua Guatemala safe?

Yes, Antigua is a safe place overall. The city is well known for its safety and low crime rate. Tourist crime is rare at best and the locals are very friendly. You’ll find it safe to walk alone, even at night but make sure to take the necessary precautions. As a foreigner in a new country, you are recommended to stay vigilant and alert at all times. If you feel any danger or threat at all, contact the relevant authorities as soon as possible. Other than that, take a look at some of the below-listed tips.

Don’t go to isolated or shady areas
Don’t carry big amounts of cash
Don’t carry flashy items
Look out for tourist scams
Trust reputable companies
Be vigilant in overcrowded areas for pick-pockets
Avoid walking alone at night

Visa Requirements in Antigua Guatemala

Guatemala is part of the Central American Border Agreement which means that some countries are allowed visa-free entry. Citizens from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia can enter the country for 90 days and enjoy their stay without any formal proceedings. Before the 90-day period is over, visitors can apply for a 30-day extension at a Guatemala embassy as well.

For the rest of the world, you can obtain a tourist visa to enter Guatemala. Single-entry and multiple-entry options are available.

Lastly, you can also apply for a long-term visa that remains valid for 2 years. However, you need either an employer or a local Guatemalan guarantor for your application.

Conclusion

Conclusively, we can see that Antigua is a great place for digital nomads and remote workers. This place has a lot to offer and visitors can have a splendid time here. You can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, work remotely, and live around friendly people.

There is plenty to do and see in this city so you’ll never be bored for a second. Everything from its natural beauty and historical significance to affordability and environment is perfect for a Digital Nomad lifestyle.

We hope this article helped you understand what it’s like to live in Antigua as a digital nomad and different parts of that life. If you have any further doubts or queries, feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help!