Convento de las Capuchinas

First, this former convent is a prime example of Spanish Baroque architecture and one of the nicest convents in all of Guatemala. It features cloisters, chapels, and a well-preserved church. Visitors can explore the underground passages and learn about the lives of those who called it home.

Be sure to go out back to see the beautiful gardens. It’s a popular spot for photographers, I went to this convent with a friend and had a blast shooting portraits there. The entrance fee is 40Q/$5 for foreigners. Guides are also available from 100-150Q.

Iglesia de San Francisco

Next is the San Francisco Church, which was one of the largest and most important religious complexes in Antigua. The church and adjoining convent were mostly destroyed, but have been partially reconstructed. Visitors can wander the ruins, grassy areas, and possibly the bell tower too.

It’s nice as it gets closer to sunset and that’s when I recommend going. To capture those dreamy golden hour shots. There are loads of vendor stalls out front, which you might think are mainly for tourists, but it seems to be more popular with Guatemalans paying homage to Santo Hermano Pedro. Entrance is 35Q/$4.50.

Iglesia de La Merced

The church and convent of La Merced are easy to find. It’s the big yellow church near the Santa Catalina Arch and one of Antigua’s most stunning examples of Baroque architecture. While the church was damaged it withstood the 1773 earthquake and is still in use, however, the original convent buildings behind it fell to ruins, but are still open to the public.

The ruins offer a glimpse into the life of the Mercedarian friars. You’ll find a beautiful courtyard in the back and the famous water lily-shaped “Fountain of los Pescados” one of the largest colonial fountains in Latin America. Entrance to the church is free the convent is 20Q/$3.

In front of the church at night is a great place to try street food and find Cheap Eats in Antigua.

Convento de Santo Domingo

This one is worth a visit because you can see the ruins and have a look inside the Casa Santo Domingo Hotel. The Convento Santo Domingo was originally established by the Dominican Order of Preachers in the early 16th century. It served as a religious and educational institution.

I decided just to have a look around and didn’t pay the admission for the museum so I can’t say much about that part. Another neat thing you’ll find here is a giant beautiful ceiba tree in the courtyard which is the national tree of Guatemala.

Convento Santa Clara

The Santa Clara Convent was severely damaged during the Santa Marta earthquake, but it has been partially restored. Visitors can tour the grounds and see the preserved cloisters, fountains, and gardens along with views of the natural surroundings. This is also an incredibly photogenic place, but there is a photo fee and unlike the other ruins, they will try to enforce it. So be ready for that.

Visit this one in the afternoon and consider eating at Como Como afterward one of the Best Restaurants in Antigua located right across the street. Entrance to the ruins is 40Q/$6 per person.

Ruins of Catedral San José

The historic Cathedral of Antigua, also known as Catedral San José, is one of Antigua’s most important religious sites. It was consecrated in 1541 and then repeatedly damaged and rebuilt over the years until it ultimately reached its demise after the 1773 earthquake and subsequent fires.

However, the facade of the original church remains intact and a new cathedral now stands behind it. Visitors can still admire the hollow arches of the original church which are breathtaking. You can also go down into the creepy crypt. Don’t miss it! Entry is 20Q/$3 for foreigners.

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Ruinas de La Recolección

These ruins are behind Mercado Central Antigua. If someone didn’t tell you they were there you might never notice. These ruins are probably my favorite because there has been no restoration. It really gives you that Indiana Jones feeling. Unlike the others in town, they also never seem to be very busy.

It’s certainly a great place to walk around and shoot photos. Just don’t go expecting an education on the site. You won’t find any plaques or information of any kind. I went a couple of times, but I think these ruins are best visited in the morning at 9am. The entrance fee is 40Q/$5 for foreigners.

Iglesia San José El Viejo

This ruin site consists of the remains of the old San José Church and its adjoining convent. When I went by you couldn’t go in, but it’s good for a photo or two. Although I wouldn’t consider it a must-see.

Weddings, social events, and exhibitions now take place at these ruins. It’s also located right next to one of the Best Coffee Shops in Antigua so be sure to stop into Artista de Café if you go!

Iglesia y Colegio de la Compañía de Jesús

Dating back to the 1690’s, this former church and convent was put up by the Jesuit Order. It was a center of knowledge for Jesuits who studied science and philosophy there, serving as a college for the most prestigious priests in the city until the Bourbons expelled the Jesuits from the colonies in 1767.

It sustained heavy damage from multiple earthquakes between 1717 and 1976, including the terrible Santa Marta earthquake in 1773 that leveled Antigua. The facade in front makes for a nice photo opportunity. Additionally, there’s a free museum on the campus that displays local religious and cultural artifacts, in the back.

Keep in mind. Hours for all ruins sites are from 9am to 5pm.