Have you ever thought about temporarily living as a digital nomad in the gorgeous city of Antigua, Guatemala? This colorful UNESCO Heritage Site city is an absolutely stunning place to visit with plenty to do, so why not extend your stay as a digital nomad in this historic Guatemalan city? But if you’re wondering what it’s like to be a digital nomad in Antigua, Guatemala, don’t worry; we’ve got you!
We spent an entire month in Antigua, Guatemala, as digital nomads in early 2024. In this guide, we’ll cover literally everything you’ll need to know about setting up shop here while traveling the country, eating delicious food, and witnessing the rich culture of the country. In this digital nomad guide, we’ll go over:
- Pros and cons of Antigua, Guatemala
- How to get to Antigua, Guatemala
- Best time to visit
- How to get around
- Cost of living
- How to find accommodation
- Internet connectivity
- SIM cards
- Where to work
- Things to do in Antigua, Guatemala
- Best restaurants
- Best bars and nightlife
- Where to go grocery shopping
- Healthcare for digital nomads in Guatemala
- Guatemala digital nomad visa
- Digital nomad community
- How to be an ethical and sustainable visitor in Antigua
As you can see, this guide should cover everything you’ll need for your stay from beginning to end. So, let’s dive in!
Disclaimer: This blog post includes affiliate links, which means we receive a tiny commission – at no extra cost to you. Don’t worry; this doesn’t affect our recommendations whatsoever. It just helps us keep the lights on.
Pros and Cons of Antigua, Guatemala for Digital Nomads
Overall, we loved our time in Antigua and can safely say that the city is a great place for digital nomads. But, as with any destination, Antigua has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at some of the “good” and “not so good” things about living in Antigua as a digital nomad.
Pros: Why Antigua Should Be at the Top of Every Digital Nomad’s List
Tons of Activities and Things to Do
Don’t let the fact that Antigua is a small city fool you. There is so much to do here! Whether you want to summit one of the towering volcanos, learn Spanish, get lost in a sprawling local market, or explore Guatemala’s unique indigenous roots, there is something for everyone in Antigua. This is the perfect destination for active digital nomads who want to go hiking and explore ancient ruins.
Excellent Food and Cafe Scene
We fell in love with the cafes and restaurants in Antigua. Coffee is one of Guatemala’s biggest exports so it shouldn’t be surprising that Antigua is full of fantastic cafes. In fact, during our one-month stay in the city, we tried a new coffee shop almost every day and were never unimpressed. There are also quite a few delicious restaurants. While Guatemalan food isn’t nearly as tasty as Mexican food, we still enjoyed the fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
Being such a touristy city, Antigua also has lots of international food. We were surprised to see a lot of American fast food chains such as Pizza Hut, Mcdonald’s, and Taco Bell.
Growing Digital Nomad Community (But Not Overrun Yet!)
Antigua is definitely not as popular of a digital nomad destination as other cities in Latin America, such as Mexico City and Medellin, but there is a sizeable expat community. However, we found that most foreigners living in Antigua were American retirees. But with that said, it is a very popular destination for young backpackers as well. Something we really enjoyed about the city is that while there were plenty of tourists and digital nomads, it didn’t take away from its authenticity.
For example, we recently spent a month in Tulum as digital nomads and felt like we were in a city built 100% for tourists. Antigua still has a distinctly Guatemalan vibe, but there is plenty of infrastructure for digital nomads.
Relatively Affordable
Antigua is an affordable city, especially if you are coming from the USA, Western Europe, Canada, or Australia. While it may be the most expensive city in Guatemala, it is still reasonably cheap. For example, Costa Rica, another trendy digital nomad country in Central America, is nearly 40% more expensive.
Excellent Weather
Another reason why Antigua should be at the top of every digital nomad’s list is the weather. Thanks to the city’s high elevation and tropical location, Antigua has mild weather all year round. Temperatures rarely drop below 50°F (10°C) or go above 85°F (27°C). We visited in the winter and wore light sweaters at night, but we were still able to wear shorts and T-shirts during the day.
Cons: Downsides of Antigua
Not as Affordable as You Might Expect
We found Antigua to be surprisingly expensive, especially when compared to other Latin American destinations. We often felt that we paid more than things were worth. Accommodation, in particular, was much pricier than we expected, and prices at restaurants and bars often caught us off guard.
Antigua is by far the most expensive destination in Guatemala. If you visit other parts of the country, like Lake Atitlan or El Paredon, you’ll notice that everything costs 30-50% less.
Wifi Is Not the Fastest
While the internet situation in Guatemala is definitely improving, the speeds may not be as fast as you are used to. The wifi in our apartment was pretty spotty, so we often worked in cafes or coworking spaces. Cafes were hit or miss in terms of internet connection, but there are plenty with strong connections.
Developing Infrastructure
Guatemala is a developing nation, so you should expect the country’s infrastructure to be behind much of the world. 44% of the country’s population does not have access to safely managed water, and more than 50% of the roads in Guatemala are unpaved.
If you have spent time in other developing countries, you won’t be too phased by the infrastructure in Guatemala, but it is important to understand that it is a relatively poor country with far less development than you may be used to.
How to Get to Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is the most popular travel destination in Guatemala, so there is quite a bit of tourist-friendly infrastructure for reaching the city.
Unless you arrive in Guatemala by bus from Mexico, El Salvador, or Honduras, you’ll most likely be flying into La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, which is by far the largest airport in the country.
There honestly is not much to do or see in Guatemala City, so we recommend getting a taxi or shuttle straight from the airport to Antigua.
A shuttle will cost around $15 to $20 USD and should take between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
You can also take a taxi or an Uber, which will cost $20 to $50.
Best Time to Visit Antigua, Guatemala
There really isn’t a “bad” time to visit Antigua, Guatemala as a digital nomad, but each month has its pros and cons. Antigua is located in the tropics, so it doesn’t experience all four seasons; instead, the region has two distinct seasons: dry and wet. That said, due to the city’s relatively high elevation of 1,500 meters (5,000 feet), Antigua has milder seasonal changes than other parts of the country.
Here is a breakdown of the best time to visit the city.
- Peak Season (December-March): Mild and dry weather but lots of crowds and high prices. Best time for hikes and outdoor activities
- Shoulder Season (October-December and March-June): The weather is still decent, though humid, and more rainfall. Fewer crowds, more affordable prices.
- Off-Season (June to October): Best time to come for budget prices and cheaper accommodation. Much fewer crowds, but the weather is pretty humid and rainy.
How to Get Around in Antigua
Once you get to the city, how will you get around? One major perk of staying in Antigua is that the city is super compact and easy to get around!
Walk
The best way to get around Antigua is to simply walk. This is one of the most beautiful and picturesque destinations in Latin America, so it is a great place to get your daily steps in. Unless you are staying WAY outside the city center, you likely won’t be more than a 20-minute walk to anything in Antigua. Additionally, while Antigua is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, the main city center is mostly flat.
Uber
If you end up booking accommodation a bit farther from the city center or are just feeling a bit lazy, you can also book Ubers in Antigua. Ubers are pretty affordable in the city, costing around $2 to $5 USD for a ride around town. As our apartment was a 30-minute walk from the city center, we took Ubers quite often and didn’t have any issues ordering one and never felt unsafe.
Tuk Tuk
Tuk tuks are small, three-wheeled motorcycle and car hybrids that essentially function as taxis in Antigua. You’ll find them lining all of the city’s main touristy streets, and you can easily hire one to take you around the city. That said, you’ll have to negotiate a price with the tuk tuk driver beforehand. The drivers tend to charge tourists more, and unless you have a lot of confidence in your haggling skills, we would recommend Uber over tuk tuks as you’ll likely pay 3 to 5 times more.
Chicken Bus
Riding a famous “chicken bus” is a rite of passage in Guatemala. These are old American school buses that have been converted into public buses to get between different cities in Guatemala. Chicken buses are the main mode of transportation for locals in Guatemala.
The chicken bus routes are designed more for longer distances, so you won’t likely take them around Antigua. But if you want to travel to nearby cities like Ciudad Vieja or Jocotenango, a chicken bus is a good (and extremely affordable) option.
Cost of Living in Antigua for Digital Nomads
Antigua is a pretty affordable destination for digital nomads, and you can expect to live pretty comfortably on less than $1,500 per month. However, plan to spend more than that if you are going to splurge on some exciting activities (which you definitely should!). We will provide a complete breakdown of our expenses during our time in Antigua below.
During our one-month stay in Antigua, we did a mix of cooking at home and eating out, took Ubers relatively often, booked several activities (including a Volcan Acatenango tour), signed up for a monthly gym membership, and went out for drinks on the weekends. While we did have to budget a bit, we were able to enjoy ourselves without feeling too financially restricted in the city.
Here is a breakdown of how much we spent in a month (2024) as a couple in Antigua, Guatemala.
- Accommodation: $800 USD
- Eating out: $500 USD
- Drinking/going out: $180 USD
- Coworking/cafes: $150 USD
- Groceries: $200 USD
- Activities: $250 USD
- Transportation: $120 USD
- SIM Card: $30 USD
- Gym membership: $40 USD
Total monthly expenses for 2 people: $2,270
Keep in mind that costs vary significantly. Since we stayed for over a month in Antigua, we were able to cut down on our expenses by paying monthly prices for our apartment rather than nightly. We also cooked at least 1 to 2 meals per day at our accommodation instead of eating out for every meal.
Cheap for You, Expensive for Locals
Another important thing to recognize as a digital nomad in Guatemala is that it is a very poor country. 55% of the population lives in poverty. So, while the cost of living in Antigua may be relatively low for digital nomads, the locals do not have the same experience. This is why we always urge other digital nomads to be mindful of their purchasing power and to avoid the “it’s so cheap here!” attitude.
Check out our guide on how to be an ethical digital nomad for more on this.
How to Find Accommodation in Antigua: Where Should You Stay?
We are slow travelers and generally spend at least 1 to 2 months in every location, so we tend to look for monthly rentals in each city we visit. We spent just over a month in Antigua, so we wanted to find a relatively comfortable apartment with a kitchen and laundry machine. And we managed to find our apartment on a local Facebook group.
However, as it is a tourist hotspot, there are plenty of options for finding a place to stay in Antigua, Guatemala.
Here are a few of our top recommendations for finding housing as digital nomads in Antigua:
- Selina Antigua: Best option for digital nomads in Antigua who want to be surrounded by other remote workers. Selina comes equipped with a restaurant, bar, and coworking space.
- Barbara’s Boutique Hostel: Super budget-friendly hostel with comfortable facilities and delicious family meals.
- Earth Lodge: If you are looking for a wellness escape, Earth Lodge is your best bet. This unique eco-friendly accommodation option comes fully stocked with yoga and meditation classes, a healthy restaurant, and some of the best views in town.
- Airbnb: We don’t generally recommend Airbnb for ethical reasons, especially for digital nomads staying long-term. That said, if you are struggling to find a comfortable place for a reasonable price on other platforms, Airbnb can be a good option. Here are some ethical alternatives to Airbnbs if you’re looking for something similar.
- Facebook: As mentioned, we found our apartment through Facebook. Peruse some Antigua apartment/rental Facebook groups to see if there’s anything available for the period of time you’ll be in Antigua. It might be worth making a post to introduce yourself and what you’re looking for as well.
If you prefer to stay in a hotel or hostel, make sure to check out our guide on the best hotels in Antigua.
What to Expect From a Monthly Rental in Antigua
We will be honest: our apartment in Antigua was pretty simple and run down. Guatemala is a developing nation, so you shouldn’t expect your accommodation to be up to the same standards as in the USA, Europe, or even Mexico. We also found that the accommodation in Antigua was pretty expensive for what you get. This is because property owners heavily inflate accommodation costs for tourists.
You can expect to pay around $600 to $1,200 per month for a rental in the city. While this isn’t overly expensive, it is much more than we expected to pay.
What Area to Stay in Antigua, Guatemala
Antigua is a pretty small city, so as long as you are within walking distance of the central areas of the city, you are in a good location. That said, we wouldn’t recommend staying further south than Caoba Farms or further north than Cerro de la Cruz.
Internet Connectivity in Antigua, Guatemala
The internet connection in Antigua is not overly terrible, but it definitely isn’t the most reliable. In some cafes and coworking spaces, the Wi-Fi was super fast, while others were lacking. For example, our accommodation did not have the best connection, so we spent most days working from various cafes.
This isn’t to say that every hostel or Airbnb in the city is going to have slow internet, but in our experience, you have to hunt a bit for faster networks. If your work requires a strong and stable wifi connection, we recommend getting a membership at a coworking space to be sure.
SIM Cards for Guatemala
If you are anything like us, the first thing you’ll want to do when you land in a new place is get a SIM card. A local SIM card gives you a lot of freedom in a new country. We almost always invest in a plan with unlimited data so that we can have a hotspot in situations where our wifi stops working.
In Guatemala, you have two main options for SIM cards: an eSIM or a physical SIM. Here is a breakdown of both options.
Airalo eSim
When it comes to convenience, Airalo’s eSIM wins by a landslide. This is easily the quickest and most straightforward way to get connected to mobile data in Guatemala as a digital nomad. Airalo offers a few different plans for Guatemala, ranging from 1GB to 5GB of data with validity for 7 to 30 days.
These plans are definitely pricier than purchasing a physical SIM in Guatemala (we found Airalo to be 2 to 3 times more expensive). That said, the fact that you can literally connect to mobile data minutes after landing in the country makes Airalo well worth it.
Claro Physical Sim
While not as easy of an option, getting a physical Claro SIM card in Antigua is pretty straightforward and quite a bit cheaper. We paid around $15 for a 10GB data plan at Claro that lasted for 30 days. There is a Claro stand in the Bodegona supermarket on Calle Poniente.
Our recommendation: Get a 7-day Airalo eSIM package when you first arrive and then purchase a Claro SIM card plan once you are settled in Antigua. This way, you won’t have to stress about finding a SIM card right away. In fact, in our case, we were super glad for our eSIMs for the first few days, as the SIM card sellers in town had run out of physical SIM cards to sell!
Where to Work in Antigua
As we mentioned, the internet connection in our accommodation wasn’t the best, so we worked at cafes and coworking spaces most days. Luckily, as the digital nomad community is rapidly growing in the city, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to work.
Cafes
Guatemala is a major coffee producer, and being huge coffee snobs, we were in heaven here. There are countless cafes spread across the city, and many of them are well-equipped for working remotely. After visiting a new cafe almost every day in Antigua, here are our favorite spots:
- Fernando’s Kaffee
- Artista de Cafe
- Cafe la Parada
- 12 Onzas
- Fat Cat Coffee House
- Cafe Boheme
- La Vid Coffee Roasters
Coworking Spaces
As there were so many great coffee shops to check out in Antigua, we mostly worked from cafes. However, there are also a few solid coworking spaces in the city if you prefer a more professional remote work environment.
- Selina, Antigua Coworking Space: Large coliving hostel with a restaurant, bar, and coworking space.
- Impact Hub, Antigua: Affordable coworking space in a courtyard with outdoor and indoor seating.
- El Cubo Center: A bit outside of the main city, but by far the nicest and most modern coworking facility in the area.
Things to Do in Antigua, Guatemala
There is a reason that Antigua is such a popular destination for backpackers and digital nomads: There are a ton of unique things to do here! As soon as you arrive in the city, you’ll be in awe of the stunning backdrop of volcanoes and historic cobblestone streets. Here are a few of the best things to do in Antigua.
Climb Volcan Acatenango
Climbing Volcan Acatenango is one of Guatemala’s most popular activities, and for good reason! Volcan Acatenango is the third tallest volcano in Central America at 13,045 feet (3,976 meters). The peak is one of the three volcanoes that tower over Antigua, the other two being Volcan de Agua (water volcano) and Volcan de Fuego (fire volcano).
You can climb Acatenango as part of an overnight organized tour. At basecamp, you’ll be greeted by views of Volcan Fuego, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, erupting every 20 minutes. This is a seriously difficult hike, but it is well worth the effort if you are in relatively good shape and are up for the challenge.
Explore the Old Town With a Free Walking Tour
One of the first things we do in any city we visit is take a free walking tour to get our grounding. Antigua means “ancient” in Spanish, which makes sense, considering it is one of the oldest cities in Latin America. So, it goes without saying that this is a great place for a walking tour. The city was the Spanish colonial capital of Guatemala from 1543 to 1773, when a massive earthquake destroyed most of the buildings. This left behind many different ruins of old colonial buildings, which are really interesting to explore.
We booked a free walking tour of Antigua through Free Tour. Our guide, Alfredo, was super knowledgeable and gave us tons of great restaurant recommendations in town.
Walk Around Some Ruins
Much of the old city of Antigua was destroyed by two massive earthquakes in the 18th century (1713 and 1773). After these earthquakes, the Spanish colonists moved the capital 25 km east to what is now Guatemala City. Many of the old historic buildings were fully or partially left in ruins, most of which you can still visit. This is something we found truly unique about Antigua. There are plenty of cities around the world where you can see old buildings, but very few where you can walk around centuries-old ruins right next to a fully operational cafe or fruit stand!
Must see ruins in Antigua:
- Convento Capuchinas
- Convento Santa Clara
- Iglesia De La Merced
- San Jose Cathedral
- La Recoleccion
- Museo del Hermano Pedro
Take Spanish Classes
Due to Guatemala’s relatively slow and easy Spanish dialect, Antigua is one of the best places to learn Spanish. If you are planning on spending several months in Latin America as a digital nomad, brushing up on your Spanish skills is a great idea. Not only will you have an easier time overall in your day-to-day life, but speaking the local language will allow you to engage with the locals more. Some of our favorite experiences in Guatemala were sitting with locals and communicating with our broken Spanish. You shouldn’t have a hard time at all finding a good Spanish school in Antigua; the city is littered with Spanish immersion programs on essentially every street corner.
Here are a few of our top recommendations:
Visit the MUNAG Art Museum
The MUNAG is a FREE art museum (yes – you read that right!) in the middle of Parque Central in Antigua. The museum is relatively new, only opening in 2021, and houses a wide variety of different Guatemalan art work, from ancient indigenous pieces to modern art. We thought the museum was super interesting and a cool way to learn a bit about the country’s history and culture. As a bonus, the building the art museum is located in is stunning and used to be the captain’s palace in colonial times.
Have a Cocktail on a Rooftop Terrace
One of our favorite activities during our time in Antigua as digital nomads was having an after-work drink on one of the many rooftop terraces around town. This is seriously one of the most picturesque cities we have ever visited. The combination of ancient buildings and massive volcanoes makes the view from rooftop terraces simply jaw-dropping. If you throw a rock, you’ll hit ten different rooftop terraces in Antigua, but here are our favorites:
- Antigua Brewing Company
- Cafe Sky
- SNUG Irish Pub
- Cafe Boheme
Visit a Coffee Plantation
Guatemala is a major coffee producer, and the industry is rapidly growing, especially in the area around Antigua and Lake Atitlan. If you are interested in learning about the process of how coffee is grown, there are several excellent opportunities to do this near Antigua. We didn’t visit a coffee plantation in Antigua because we had recently visited Colombia, where we booked a full-day coffee experience. But we met many other travelers who had a great experience.
We recommend this ATV coffee plantation tour in Antigua, where you’ll tour a coffee farm on a 4-wheel ATV!
Best Restaurants in Antigua
We will be honest, we weren’t as impressed with Guatemalan food as we were with other Latin American cuisines such as Mexican or Peruvian. But, don’t worry, there is still plenty of delicious food to eat in the city.
Antigua has a lot of awesome restaurants, from local street food to international cuisine. Here are a few of our favorite spots:
- Rincón Antigüeño
- Caoba Organic Farms
- Hector’s Bistro
- La Casa De Las Sopas
- Toko Baru
- Street food at Mercato de Merced
For more restaurant recommendations, head over to our post on the best places to eat in Antigua.
Bars and Nightlife in Antigua, Guatemala
For such a small city, Antigua actually has some popping nightlife. Don’t expect massive Ibiza-style clubs, but there are some lively bars and even a few clubs, if that is your thing. Here are a few of our favorite bars and clubs in Antigua, Guatemala:
- Cafe No Se
- Las Vibras (best large club in the city)
- Tabacos Y Vinos
- Ulew Cocktail Bar
Additionally, if you want to meet some other travelers and get a tour of some of Antigua’s best nightlife, we recommend checking out the Antigua Bar Crawl.
Where to Go Grocery Shopping
Is it just us, or is there something entertaining about going grocery shopping in a new country? We love to go into local supermarkets and discover the different products, snacks, and produce that are popular there. It is such a simple, yet amusing tourist attraction!
In Antigua, the best place by far to do your grocery shopping is at La Bodegona. This isn’t the biggest grocery store in the world, but it’s got everything you’ll need such as pasta, rice, bread, sauces, produces, meat, dairy, alcohol, and toiletries.
The fresh produce section at La Bodegona, while not overtly terrible, is definitely not as good as the local produce markets. If you want the best quality fruits and vegetables for the lowest price, we recommend heading to the Mercado Central. Honestly, this market is a tourist activity in itself and a great way to see some authentic local culture. You can find everything from used clothes to DVDs, cleaning supplies, fresh vegetables, and more in the Mercado Central. But be warned… this market can be pretty chaotic and overwhelming!
Healthcare for Digital Nomads in Guatemala
Guatemala has a free public healthcare system for citizens and residents, but since most digital nomads stay in the country on tourist visas, they will NOT be covered by this system. If your condition is serious and life-threatening, you can receive immediate care from a public hospital free of charge. That said, most digital nomads in Guatemala opt for private hospitals as they are quicker, have better equipment, and generally have English-speaking doctors.
While healthcare costs tend to be relatively low for doctor visits and basic care, emergency care and procedures can still cost a pretty penny, especially at private facilities. This is why we always recommend investing in travel medical insurance as a digital nomad.
Best Travel Insurance for Digital Nomads in Guatemala
We cannot stress enough how important travel insurance is for digital nomads, especially when you visit an adventure destination like Guatemala.
We have used Safetywing for the past couple of years and can’t recommend the company more. Safetywing is cost-effective and provides digital nomad-focused insurance plans. You can choose monthly coverage or opt for coverage for as few as 5 days if you are only visiting for a short period.
The best part is that it literally takes less than 5 minutes to sign up and start receiving coverage (yep – even if you’re already abroad), all through their online system.
Does Guatemala Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Unfortunately, Guatemala does not have a digital nomad visa, so if you want to stay in the country for longer than a few months, you may be out of luck. On the bright side, citizens of many countries (117 to be exact!) can stay in Guatemala visa-free for up to 90 days. We won’t exhaust you with the full list, but this includes citizens of the USA, Canada, EU countries, New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, South Korea, Russia, Brazil, and many more!
It is important to note that Guatemala is included in the CA-4 Border Control Agreement, which is an open-border agreement between Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Honduras. Similar to the Schengen Zone in Europe, you’ll get 90 days of visa-free travel between these four countries. So, this is something to keep in mind if you are planning to travel through other Central American countries after Guatemala.
If you would like to extend your CA-4 visa, you can do so in Guatemala City. You’ll pay $25 USD and file the extension form. The immigration officer will review your application, and if approved, you’ll be allowed to spend an additional 90 days in the country!
Digital Nomad Community in Antigua
Unlike some digital nomad hotspots like Canggu in Bali or Chiang Mai in Thailand, Antigua is not overrun with remote workers (but who wants that anyway?). As we mentioned, the digital nomad community in Antigua is rapidly growing, but it still isn’t on most people’s radars. In the past few years, Guatemala has gone from being a relatively niche travel destination to one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Central America, and Antigua is the heart of it all!
There are new coworking spaces and cafes popping up left and right, and we have noticed a thriving expat culture in the city. We spent Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Antigua and were lucky enough to meet other digital nomads and locals to spend the holidays with. If you are planning to spend some time in Antigua, you’ll find plenty of social activities to take part in and lots of opportunities to meet other travelers.
How to Be an Ethical and Sustainable Visitor in Antigua
Something we always stress to other digital nomads is that working remotely from a foreign country is a huge privilege. As digital nomads, we have a duty to treat our host countries with respect and not feel entitled to be there. Here are a few ways you can be a good visitor and an ethical digital nomad in Antigua, Guatemala.
Support Local Businesses
This is a big one. Avoid staying in massive hotel conglomerates and instead opt for local apartments, guest houses, or homestays. Skip the fast food and eat from a street food vendor or locally-owned restaurant. Buy souvenirs from handicraft sellers and purchase tours through local agencies. Shop local, eat local, and stay local!
The rapidly growing tourism industry and digital nomad community in Antigua provide an excellent opportunity for the locals to make some money. But, if you aren’t shopping at local businesses, then the money you spend in Guatemala isn’t really benefiting the local residents.
Bring a Water Filter
Guatemala does not have potable tap water, so in order to get clean drinking water, you’ll either need to buy bottled water from the supermarket or use a water filter. While buying plastic water bottles may seem like the easiest option, we urge you to consider filtering your water as you’ll cut down on the amount of plastic waste and save money in the long run! Avoiding plastic waste as much as possible puts less stress on Antigua’s garbage industry and is better for the environment overall.
We never leave home without our Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. It is super easy to use, packs down very small, and filters out 99.99% of bacteria, protozoa, microplastics, and other contaminants.
Try to Learn Some Spanish
As with all other countries in Central America, the primary language in Guatemala is Spanish. While you’ll certainly be able to get around decently without speaking any Spanish in Antigua, knowing how to say a few simple words and phrases can go a long way. Especially if you plan to stay in Antigua for a longer period (longer than a week), we recommend taking Spanish classes at a local immersion school. After all, what better place to learn a language than in a new country?
Here are a few essential phrases you should know as a digital nomad in Antigua:
- Hello – Hola
- How are you? – Como Estas?
- How much does it cost? – Cuanto Cuesta?
- Thank you – Gracias
- You are welcome – De nada
- Please – Por favor
- Where is the bathroom? – Donde esta el Baño?
- Perdon – Excuse me
- Hablas Ingles? – Do you speak English?
- Como se llama? – What is your name?
- Una mesa para dos, por favor – A table for two, please
- La cuenta por favor – The bill, please
- ¿Cuál es la contraseña de Wifi? – What is the Wifi password?
Leave a Positive Impact on Your Host Community
As digital nomads, we always make sure to treat our host countries as respectfully (if not more so) as our own homes. The last thing you want is for your presence in the country to have a negative impact.
Here are a few tips:
- Do NOT litter, always dispose of your trash responsibly
- Respect local customs and traditions
- Don’t film or photograph locals without their permission
- Tip tour guides and restaurant workers (this isn’t always expected in Guatemala, but it is appreciated)
- Take public transportation or walk when possible; Antigua and other Guatemala cities have major pollution problems
- Volunteer your time at local English schools or charity organizations.
Final Verdict: Is Antigua, Guatemala a Good Digital Nomad Destination?
A big resounding YES to this one! We absolutely loved our time in Antigua and couldn’t recommend it more. It is a compact city with so much to do, see, eat, and drink, so if staying in a small city with a great digital nomad community and friendly atmosphere sounds like the place for you, you should definitely try out Antigua, Guatemala. If you’re still on the fence about it after this guide, we recommend checking it out for a few days to see if the city is for you.
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