Everything here is based on my personal experience and honest opinion. Some links may be affiliate links—if you book through them, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for supporting Becoming Terri.

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When’s the last time you did something just for you?

Not for your kids. Your partner. Or because it was practical.
Just because your soul was craving something new—new air, new people, new culture.

If you’ve been burnt out, stuck in routine, or feeling like you’ve been living life on autopilot… Guatemala is the kind of place that gently grabs you by the shoulders and says, “Wake up, babe. Life is still happening.”

And honestly? I needed that.

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Quick Travel Notes Before You Go

Within 24 hours of my flight, I had to complete an electronic Regional Traveler Affidavit. It’s free and required for entry. Don’t skip it.

Do yourself a favor and handle it early, not while you’re in airport panic mode, half-dressed, and searching for Wi-Fi like your life depends on it.

Also, I went in February.

Let me tell you why that matters.

I was escaping the frigid cold in Maryland. When I say cold, I mean bone-chilling, layer-on-layer, questioning-your-life-choices cold.

Now… Guatemala wasn’t blazing hot when I landed. There was still a little chill in the breeze.

But baby.

That breeze felt welcoming compared to Maryland.

It was the kind of cool where you can wear light layers and still feel alive — not the kind that makes your face hurt.

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Quick reality check: Guatemala City (a short stay done the smart way)

We landed in Guatemala City around 7:30 PM, and let me be real… this wasn’t a “let’s explore the city tonight” situation.

This was:

• check into the hotel
• eat something
• shower
• get in the bed like responsible adults

We stayed there the night we arrived and again the night before flying home. So if you’re doing Guatemala the way a lot of travelers do (using Guatemala City as a landing pad before heading to Antigua) that’s normal.

I didn’t spend enough time there to give it a full guide, but as a quick overnight base? It did what it needed to do.

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Antigua is the main character

Antigua is one of those places that feels like a postcard you accidentally walked into.

Cobblestone streets (cute, but they will humble your feet). Colorful buildings everywhere. Cafés that make you want to sit down “for a minute” and suddenly you’ve been there an hour. Volcano views in the background like it’s casual.

The Santa Catalina Arch is a popular stop for a reason, and yes… you’re going to take the photo. Just be mindful because it’s a real street with real cars, and we’re not trying to go viral that way.

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Where I Stayed in Antigua: Casa Mia Hotel

I stayed at Casa Mia Hotel in Antigua and honestly? It was cute and budget-friendly. It wasn’t a bad walk from the areas I wanted to be, and the shuttle transfer I used picked us up close to the hotel, which made arrival super easy.

The staff was really nice too. Even when we got there too early, they let us store our bags in a room while we went out exploring. That alone deserves a little gold star because nobody wants to drag luggage around cobblestone streets like it’s cardio.

Now here’s what you should know before you book:

• No elevators. The stairs weren’t that bad… but once you’re hauling luggage? It starts feeling like you’re climbing 13 flights. 😩
• Room was nice, but the bathroom was sooo small. Like… if you’re claustrophobic, you might be negotiating with the shower curtain a little. And the window… The windows had bars which I wasn’t a fan of. But when you think of the structure of the hotel … I get it.
• It’s not bad, if you’re staying a couple of days. Anything longer than that, I personally wouldn’t. Only because I like a little more space and comfort for longer stays (comment if other hotels in the area are similar, would love to know).
• On Saturday night, there was noise, but it settled down around 11 PM. I was up dancing anyway, so it didn’t bother me. But if you’re someone who needs silence, I’d suggest requesting a room away from the main street.

If you want to check prices/availability for your dates, here’s the listing:
👉🏾 Casa Mia Hotel on Expedia

Disclosure: This post reflects my personal experience and opinions. Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you book through them.

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What to do in Antigua (without overplanning your joy)

1) Wander. Like, truly wander.

One of the best parts of Antigua is simply walking and letting the city show you what it’s giving that day.

Pop into shops, pause for street photos, try a random café. Antigua rewards curiosity.

Tip: Wear shoes that love you back. The cobblestones don’t care about aesthetics.

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2) Take the classic arch photo… carefully

Yes, you’re going to take the photo under the Santa Catalina Arch. Everyone does. It’s basically a rite of passage.

Just be mindful because it’s an actual street with cars, and you’re not trying to go viral for the wrong reason. If you like photos, I recommend going early in the morning.

If you want the quick review of Antigua (the vibes, the honest take, and what stood out to me), I made a short video—go watch it here and tell me if you’d visit:

👉🏾 Watch my Antigua quick review on YouTube Shorts

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San Juan del Obispo: the view that made me forget my struggle

We took a trip to San Juan del Obispo, a village outside Antigua, and let me tell you something:

That hill?
That hill tried me.

Cars and bikes were passing me like I was standing still. And I’m climbing thinking, “So this is how I go out? On a hill… in cute clothes… fighting for my life?” It wasn’t that bad, but I can be dramatic. 🙂

But once I finally got up there…

WHEW.

The view was unreal! Seeing the volcano in the distance, watching families go about their day, people working, living, moving with purpose. And the sweetest part? The smiles.

Even with the language barrier, people were so warm. Trying to communicate with me, acknowledging me, making me feel like I belonged in that moment.

It was one of those travel moments that grounds you. Like… this is what I came for.

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Chocolate Antigua: closed, but still SO worth it

We also went to Chocolate Antigua because if I’m in Guatemala, I’m learning the chocolate situation. Period.

I was planning to do the chocolate factory experience—but it was closed.
And normally that would’ve been annoying.

But the young lady there was SO sweet. She still gave us information on how the chocolate is made, walked us through the process, and we even got samples.

And listen.
SO WORTH IT.

I bought a couple chocolate bars and chocolates to bring back for my family because there was no way I was leaving empty-handed. I asked them before leaving if they deliver internationally, haha!

Sometimes the plan doesn’t go your way, but the experience still ends up being the highlight.

(And if you want a guaranteed chocolate activity in Antigua, ChocoMuseo is a popular option too.)

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Black woman travel notes (because we’re not ignoring that part)

As a Black woman, I’m always paying attention to:

• how I’m being treated
• how safe I feel moving around
• the overall vibe

In Antigua, I felt comfortable in the main areas, and the energy I received was mostly curious and normal—not hostile. (Your experience can always vary, but I’m sharing mine honestly.)

And I loved that this trip wasn’t just “pretty.”
It was cultural. It was human. It was real.

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Final thoughts: Guatemala gave me perspective (and a little humility)

Guatemala reminded me:

• Travel isn’t just a vacation — it can be a reset.
• You don’t have to “lose yourself” in motherhood or in burnout seasons.
• Sometimes you just need a new environment to remember who you are.

And if you’re reading this feeling like your world has gotten small… consider this your sign.

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