AIRPORT:
You’ll arrive at La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City, located about 45–75 minutes from Antigua (traffic dependent).
TRANSPORTATION:
We look forward to making your journey to Antigua as smooth as possible! Transportation from Guatemala City Airport to Antigua will be provided on April 5th (all day), 6th (all day), and April 7th (morning only).
Return transportation will also be available after our events on Friday, April 10th. Guests needing transportation outside of these dates will need to arrange private transport on their own. This can be done through the hotel, third-party, or our travel agency.
Guests using the provided transportation on the listed dates should email travel@sparksevents.com.gt with their flight information, including details for anyone else in their party. The transportation agency will assist in coordinating your rides.
Our Wedding Dream Team, Your Personal Travel Concierge
Our wonderful wedding planners at Sparks also have a dedicated travel agency team ready to make your trip to Guatemala as seamless as possible. Whether you’re arriving early, staying late, or simply want to explore, they can assist with:
Ground or air transportation to/from Guatemala City Airport
Transfers to/from Antigua or within Guatemala
Excursions and experiences
Accommodations
Travel insurance
*You can contact them at travel@sparksevents.com.gt or via phone at +502 3067-3599 (WhatsApp is great!) as well.
Antigua
Colonial Ruins – Explore Capuchinas, Catedral de San José, and San Francisco
For adventurous guests, the Acatenango hike is an unforgettable experience. This overnight trek leads you up an inactive volcano with front-row views of neighboring Volcán de Fuego, which frequently erupts with glowing lava and ash plumes. Reaching the summit above the clouds is challenging—but truly once-in-a-lifetime.
Pacaya Day Hike for scenic trails and marshmallow roasting over volcanic vents
Cerro de la Cruz – Short hike to Antigua’s best panoramic view or catch an Uber to drop you off at the top
Casa Santo Domingo Spa – Unwind in a beautiful historic convent, featuring an indoor jacuzzi pool, an outdoor pool, and stunning volcano views
Breweries, Rooftop Bars & Rum Zacapa – Sip on local beers and spirits. (We recommend Agua Rooftop Bar with beautiful panoramic views. For larger parties, please ask for a reservation on the rooftop and you will also get the best tables.)
If you love tea, visit the store, Pachamama, and experience a variety of tea blends to purchase
Parque Central – Lively square perfect for a stroll and people-watching
Lake Atitlán
If you have time to explore beyond Antigua, we highly recommend a visit to Lake Atitlán, about 2 hours from Antigua—often called one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Surrounded by volcanoes and charming lakeside villages, it’s the perfect place to slow down, relax, and experience Guatemala’s natural beauty after the celebration.
Sunrise at Indian Nose – Epic early hike with panoramic lake + volcano views.
Explore Villages by Boat – Hop between San Juan, San Marcos, San Pedro & Santiago for local culture and crafts.
San Juan Art & Weaving – Support women-run co-ops and explore traditional techniques.
Kayak or Paddleboard – Peaceful mornings on the lake = perfection.
Shop in Panajachel – Great for markets, street food & people-watching.
Bonus: Take a Mayan cooking class, unwind in a temazcal steam bath, hike Volcán San Pedro, or go paragliding for insane views!
Is Antigua Safe?
Yes! Antigua is in the Sacatepéquez region and not under any U.S. Travel Advisories. Just take normal travel precautions—like you would anywhere!
How do you get around Antigua?
We'd recommend walking. It's a small city, you could walk 20 minutes or so from one side to the other. The weather is mild and often with a light breeze. You are able to drive (Uber) or grab a tuktuk, but the cobblestones make it a very bumpy ride.
Do you need a Visa?
U.S. , Canadian & British Passport Holders:
No visa required for 90-day tourist stays. Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond travel dates. Bring proof of return travel and accommodation.
Indian Passport Holders:
Visa-free if you have:
- Multiple-entry U.S., Canada, or Schengen visa
- U.S. Green Card or Canadian PR Card
- Valid passport (6+ months)
- Proof of return ticket
- First night's accommodation details
Kenyan Passport Holders:
- Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry and have at least two blank pages.
- Completed visa application form fully filled out and signed.
- Passport-size photographs
- Typically two recent color photos with a plain background.
- Proof of onward or return travel
- Flight reservation or itinerary showing entry and exit from Guatemala.
- Proof of accommodation
- Hotel reservation or invitation letter if staying with a host.
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Recent bank statements or other evidence of financial means.
- Travel insurance
***Guatemala does not have an embassy in Kenya. Visa applications must be submitted through a Guatemalan Embassy or Consulate abroad (commonly South Africa, the United Kingdom, Miami, or another assigned mission).
What currency is used in Guatemala, and how should I pay?
Guatemala's currency is the Quetzal (Q). While you could still use dollars (USD), we recommend using a local ATM or your hotel to get Quetzales. We always use a debit or credit card without foreign transaction fees and always notify our bank in advance of our travel. Most establishments accept cards, but it's always recommended to have some cash available in Antigua. If you're coming for less than a week, you will probably be fine exchanging $40-$50 USD and paying the rest with your card (make sure to notify your bank!). Most hotels have ATMs, or can point you in the right direction if needed.
DO NOT exchange USD at the airport as those are not the best rates. You can exchange at your hotel, please make sure to bring crisp, new bills. At the airport and within the city of Antigua & Guatemala City, you can use your credit card for restaurants, hotels, cafes, ticket booths, etc.
Keep Quetzales on hand if you buy souvenirs or food from street vendors, otherwise you can pretty much rely on your credit card.
For our non-Spanish-speaking amigos: card = tarjeta; cash = efectivo.
What type of water should I drink?
To avoid traveler’s tummy, please avoid drinking tap water during your visit. Hotels should provide you with at least one bottle of water a day, but you will likely want to buy more bottled water at a bodega. You will also see water tanks called EcoFiltros in hotels and restaurants. These have free, filtered water, so feel free to fill up your bottle with this water at any time. You should also feel confident to drink water from restaurants in Antigua (it will be filtered), but when in doubt, you can always ask. If you want to order a sparkling water, just ask for an “agua mineral.” We’ve never had an issue.
Do I need cell service or a converter?
Guatemala uses the same plugs as the US!
While you will easily be able to find WiFi at most places in Antigua (hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes), we recommend that you talk to your cell phone service provider before travel. International plans are usually very affordable (such as $10 a day) and they will cover your data, texting, and even calls. You can also purchase an e-SIM plan like AirArlo. You will always be connected when you want to use maps, Uber, etc.