Antigua, Guatemala 🇬🇹
Nomad Score:
69%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Antigua is a historic colonial city known for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant culture, located approximately 45 kilometers from Guatemala City. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 50,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.80 GTQ. ATMs are prevalent, and major cards are accepted in most establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Tigo and Claro are popular mobile providers, offering prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Industrial and Banrural are commonly used, along with international services like Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from boutique hotels and hostels to Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is recommended for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Quinta, starting from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café de la Casa, offering a vibrant atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Panaderia Santa Clara, known for its great coffee and ambiance. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups organized through various expat groups on Facebook. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Events arranged via the Antigua Expat Community Facebook Group. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in nearby Guatemala City; local taxis are common in Antigua. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes are available at rental shops such as Bike Antigua. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Monterrico Beach, about 1.5 hours drive. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAG Airlines provides domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and United Airlines serve international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to CA-9 highway towards Guatemala City and coastal areas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train service; bus terminals connect to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses (chicken buses) are the main public transport method, with no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Antigua to cities like Guatemala City, Chichicastenango, and Lake Atitlán. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Privado Hermano Pedro, offering basic medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Casa de la Luz offers yoga classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Body Gym, located in the center. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia El Molino, with reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Express Delivery, providing options for local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan stew. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Natural Restaurant offers diverse plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Pasteleria La Fama, known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de Antigua for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Antigua, with local shopping options available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado La Bodega offers delivery service. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona 2 bar district features lively nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Gallo is the most popular local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers a selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at Parque Central serving local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Sky offers a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Santa Catalina Arch and La Merced Church are iconic. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Colonial presents local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Casa Santo Domingo, a former convent turned hotel and museum. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Francisco, known for its stunning architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Semana Santa (Holy Week) features elaborate processions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The city center is the main cultural hub. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro de la Ciudad hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Municipal offers artisanal products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music events at venues like La Cueva. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals throughout the city add vibrancy. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinary school Casa de la Cocina offers classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | El Attico showcases contemporary local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Antigua’s colonial architecture is UNESCO-listed. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Mayan culture is celebrated through various events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Pacaya Volcano offers hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Las Viudas and Tikal National Park are accessible. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Antigua offers numerous scenic trails for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cerro de la Cruz provides panoramic views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birding at the local coffee farms. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas near Lake Atitlán. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Cargo Express provide reliable shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Chip's Electronics offers various tech repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis at Centro Deportivo La Coruña. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish schools like Habla Ya offer classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Biblioteca Pública de Antigua is a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | FundaMaya promotes community engagement. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Antigua does not have dedicated gaming lounges but local cafes often have games available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are available in Antigua. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $112,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, exists. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% standard rate. |