Where is Antigua

Guatemala is a Central American country bordered to the north by Mexico, to the east by Belize, and to the south by Honduras and El Salvador. Antigua (not to be confused with the island nation of Antigua and Barbuda) is located in the southwestern region of Guatemala in the Sacatepéquez Department. Antigua was the former capital of Guatemala before the capital was moved to its present-day location, Guatemala City. Antigua is anywhere from a thirty-minute to an hour and a half drive from Guatemala City, depending on the time of day and the traffic. 

There are several non-stop flight routes from the United States to Guatemala City from Miami, Houston, and New York City. Other popular cities to fly to Guatemala City from including Mexico City (Mexico), Belize City (Belize), and Panama City (Panama).

Map of Guatemala and surrounding countries

Geography of Antigua

Antigua, or La Antigua, is located in the central highlands of Guatemala, in the state of Sacatepéquez. The city itself is located at 1,500 meters above sea level (5000 feet), making the climate more moderate compared to the hotter coastal areas. 

Antigua is located in a valley surrounded by three volcanoes, Agua (3,760 m / 12,340 ft), Fuego (3,763 m / 12,346 ft), and Acatenango(3,976 m / 13,045 ft). Agua and Acatenango are inactive, however, Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and the most active volcano in Central America. On a clear day, you can see Fuego erupt every 30 minutes or so from many different locations in Antigua. With all this volcanic activity, it is no surprise Antigua is one of the best places in the world to enjoy volcano-based adventures.