Discover What We Offer
Rest and Relax in our multiple gardens, enjoy our famous bar with daily happy hour specials, savor our fabulous free breakfast, and play a friendly game of ping pong in our game room. Just 4 blocks from Central Park, and 2 from the local market, we’re close to everything!
Our free market tour twice a week is a great introduction to daily Antigua life. Bring back some market fresh fruits and veggies to Maya Papaya and enjoy cooking in our shared kitchen!
Accommodation
From a dorm bed to a luxurious private room, we have a room type for all travelers and budgets.
Tours
We can get you to anywhere you want to go with our partner tour company, Road Runner Guatemala.
Rooms
If you’re feeling social, choose from our 4 bed, 8 bed, and 14 bed dorms! Each bed has a privacy curtain, outlet, light, locker, and luxurious bedding.
9 private rooms await our guests who want the hostel experience but still want their own private space.
The Location
Antigua, Guatemala is a jewel we enjoy sharing with the countless travelers that have passed through our doors at our first two properties, Maya Papaya and Ojala. We are delighted to be opening another hotel/hostel hybrid Mayapapaya set in a colonial home on the most iconic street in Antigua, Guatemala.
Best Things to Do & See
Located just 4 blocks from the Central Park, Maya Papaya is a great spot to kick off your Guatemalan adventure. Founded in 1542, Antigua is filled with Spanish architecture, traditional textiles, coffee, awesome people, and the best volcano views in Central America.
Shopping
Antigua, Guatemala, is a wonderful destination for shopping, especially for those looking to take home unique, handmade, and traditional items that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for textiles, pottery, jewelry, or local coffee, Antigua offers a variety of charming shops, markets, and artisan stalls. Here are some of our favorite places to shop in Antigua:
Mercado de Artesanias, Luna Zorro, Xibalba, Hilosophy, El Telar, Casa de Los Gigantes, and Estudio Gascon.
Nature
Antigua, Guatemala, is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, offering a wealth of opportunities for hiking, outdoor exploration, and adventure. The region is blessed with lush mountains, volcanoes, and scenic landscapes, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers. The most popular hikes are the day trip to Pacaya Volcano, the short hike to Cerro de La Cruz, and the famously difficult Acatenango overnight hike. Be sure to schedule a visit to one of the coffee farms in Antigua to learn the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee, firsthand. Our favorite tours are at Finca La Azotea and De La Gente.
Local Food
Antigua offers a vibrant culinary scene with flavors deeply rooted in traditional Mayan and Spanish influences. Try perhaps the most famous dish, Pepian, at Fonda de la Calle Real, a traditional restaurant located just 2 blocks from Ojala. Other traditional favorites such as Tamales, Paches, Kakiq, and tostadas can be found at traditional restaurants and in outdoor parks.
Ruins & Convents
Antigua, Guatemala, is a city rich in history, and its cobblestone streets are lined with magnificent ruins and former convents that speak to the colonial past. These sites offer a blend of breathtaking architecture, captivating history, and picturesque views. Here’s a description of some of the must-visit ruins and convents in Antigua:
Ruins & Convents
Exploring Antigua’s Convents and Ruins
When visiting these ruins and convents, take time to appreciate the unique combination of nature and history. Many of these sites are enveloped by lush greenery and provide views of the surrounding volcanoes, making for some truly stunning photographic opportunities. The interplay of crumbling stone, colorful bougainvillea, and vibrant surroundings offers a glimpse into the rich and turbulent history of Antigua, which was once the capital of Guatemala and one of the most important cities in Central America during the colonial era.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as many of these sites have cobblestone paths or uneven terrain. Whether you’re an avid historian, an architecture lover, or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of ancient places, Antigua’s ruins and convents offer a unique window into the past.
Convento de las Capuchinas (Convent of the Capuchins)
Located on the eastern side of Antigua, the Convento de las Capuchinas is one of the most iconic convent ruins in the city. This former convent was built in the 18th century for the Capuchin nuns and features a beautiful yet somber design. The remains of the complex reveal its original purpose as a place of prayer and community, with a spacious courtyard, cells for the nuns, and an elaborate chapel. The site is known for its picturesque ruins, including arches, a fountain, and a peaceful garden.
La Recolección (Iglesia y Convento de la Recolección)
Antigua, Guatemala, is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, offering a wealth of opportunities for hiking, outdoor exploration, and adventure. The region is blessed with lush mountains, volcanoes, and scenic landscapes, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and hikers. The most popular hikes are the day trip to Pacaya Volcano, the short hike to Cerro de La Cruz, and the famously difficult Acatenango overnight hike. Be sure to schedule a visit to one of the coffee farms in Antigua to learn the process of growing, harvesting, and roasting coffee, firsthand. Our favorite tours are at Finca La Azotea and De La Gente.
Iglesia de la Merced (Church of La Merced)
While not entirely in ruins, the Church of La Merced is one of the most notable landmarks in Antigua, with parts of its original convent still standing. Built in the mid-16th century, the church is an excellent example of baroque architecture, with a dramatic yellow-and-white façade and intricate detailing. The adjacent convent is also worth visiting, where you can wander through the courtyard and observe the remnants of the building’s former grandeur. The church’s bell tower, with views over the city, is a must-see.
Ruins of the Convento de Santo Domingo (Convent of Santo Domingo)
The Convento de Santo Domingo is one of the most historically significant and visually striking ruins in Antigua. Built in the 16th century, the convent once housed Dominican friars and was considered one of the most important religious centers in the region. The structure was devastated by multiple earthquakes, but much of the convent’s splendor can still be seen in the remaining walls, arches, and courtyards. Today, part of the site has been converted into the Museo Casa Santo Domingo, which displays artifacts and artwork from Antigua’s past.
Other Properties
Enjoyed your visit? We invite you to explore the rest of our collection. Our hospitality group offers a variety of unique stays, each with its own charm and experience.
Visit our group website to discover more destinations and plan your next getaway:
