Santa Catalina Arch image

Santa Catalina Arch

Tourist attraction

One of the Best Places To Visits in Antigua Guatemala


Address

5a Avenida Norte 28, Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Website

www.visitguatemala.com

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (13.4K reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Antigua (30) beautiful (20) Guatemala (19) volcano (15) street (15) arch (15) time (12) early (12) picture (11) Arch (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Noureddine H. 2 years ago on Google
    Antigua is one of my favorite cities in Central America! 😍 The city is located at the foot of the 3750 meter high Agua volcano and is a large open-air museum. You can stroll around the colonial center for days, marvel at the surrounding volcanoes, visit ruins of former churches, hike to viewpoints, shop in fancy boutique stores and eat in great restaurants. And the surrounding area is also worth exploring with volcano hikes, organic farms and local villages. 💜 I am so excited to be back soon for more reports. In the meantime enjoy the pictures! 📸 #Guatemala #centralamerica #antiguaguatemala #traveltips #travelinspiration #travel #travelguatemala
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joseph R. 2 years ago on Google
    Stunning, peaceful ambiance on a cobble stone street with amazing boutiques, restaurants, and shops within a 100 meters walk. 74F/23C and moderately humid, the weather is perfect. Although it is a tourist destination it was not overcrowded with tourists. Antigua feels different than anywhere else in Central America. Worth a repeat trip!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gyason 10 months ago on Google
    It's a tourist attraction. Everyone should take picture next to this. Preferably with the volcano in the background. If you are in Antigua... Why wouldn't you stop here for 5 minutes? Haha. Lots of stores surrounding this. Its also next to the central plaza with more shops close by.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Crystal F. 11 months ago on Google
    I visited the arch on a Tuesday morning around 7:15am and it was very peaceful. I pretty much had the arch to myself besides a local vendor who was on the street corner. I walked over again at night and the arch looks just as beautiful lit up.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John Y. 2 months ago on Google • 220 reviews New
    The arch is historic and majestic. It represents the golden age of Antigua Guatemala. It also leads the way to the next destination which is the cathedral. The cobbled street is unique and it reminisces the ancient path.

  • 5/5 alex a. 2 months ago on Google • 194 reviews New
    Wow.... the most beautiful place I've ever seen, history and architecture is all around.

  • 5/5 Rhinna A. 3 months ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    If you're a tourist or from the city , you will love it . You can take the best photos , in one of the most popular places in Guatemala. Also this is near to the church and most of the time , you will find street food, that I definitely recommend you to try .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Annely 1 year ago on Google
    What a beautiful and colourful town! Stayed here a few days before hiking the volcano but could have stayed here a few weeks due to all the countless high quality restaurants. Hope to come back in the future
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Carmen M. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing and charming place! 😍 Be there before 9:00am during the week and before 8:00 am on weekends to be mostly alone for pics!! The best street of Antigua 🇬🇹
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rosa H. 11 months ago on Google
    The clods covered the volcano, but the view was still amazing. Felt like stepping back in time as we entered the city and made our way about the cobblestone streets. The people are so beautiful! The artistry is everywhere you look.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Debi S. 9 months ago on Google
    The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the distinguishable landmarks in Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala, located on 5th Avenue North.[1] Built in the 17th century, it originally connected the Santa Catalina convent to a school, allowing the cloistered nuns to pass from one building to the other without going out on the street. A clock on top was added in the era of the Central American Federation, in the 1830s. The Guatemala Post Office Building in Guatemala City is based upon the arch. Great spot to capture the images of the volcano in the background.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Robert C. 1 year ago on Google
    This might be an unpopular opinion but this attraction is overrated. Once you take your picture there's not much to this site. Coffee shops and restaurants around the place are overpriced and don't get me started on the "native craft" shops
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenny K. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place. Relaxing and not that many people at the moment Tons of shops around and people selling you stuff. And police officers all around the area so you fell.safe This is a place that you have to go. So.make your way there!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 mark r. 2 months ago on Google • 116 reviews New
    It's a arch that for some reason everyone wants to get a picture of. It is pretty. But there are much prettier things on the city

  • 5/5 Kyle C. 3 months ago on Google • 78 reviews New
    Beautiful arch in the middle of the town, a few blocks north of the main town square. Busy area on a weekend, might be difficult to get a solo photo unless in the early hours of the morning. Traffic is pretty busy in the area and parking can be difficult, but you can park in the streets or in a parqueo. The Santa Catalina Arch in Antigua, Guatemala, is a vibrant yellow archway dating back to the 17th century, originally part of a convent. It's an iconic symbol and a picturesque landmark of the city.

  • 5/5 Ivy L. 2 months ago on Google • 70 reviews New
    Had a lovely tour around. The people are poor but lovely and very friendly. Children are very well behaved.

  • 5/5 Lissy “LuLu” W. 2 months ago on Google • 63 reviews New
    Beautiful place, has lots of souvenir shops and you have to get Fridas food which is close by. Best to visit in the morning where there is no people or vendors around. Went here at 0730 and it was pretty empty. The other pictures are late afternoon and are very busy, I was able to witness their traditional stencil art below the arch. Arch is free, best time to see is early morning.

  • 5/5 ROBERTO V. 1 year ago on Google
    Very historical and iconic landmark. And one of the best colonial spots for a memorable picture. Beautiful during the day but magical at night. Very safe place with police presence. If you take the photo from the opposite side, the volcano will be in your picture.

  • 5/5 Kai R. 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty cool. Get there at sunrise to avoid the crouds

  • 4/5 Jason T. 1 year ago on Google
    I'm sure it's glorious, but construction is going on now, You still get a view of the city if the weather is good.

  • 4/5 Birllil B. 1 year ago on Google
    I suggest taking your pictures early in the morning 7-8 am after that you have venders almost harassing you, cars, workers and what ever else can get in the way of your picture perfect

  • 5/5 berny b. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place ,a lots of people take the time to visit and take a picture

  • 5/5 ADELA B. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful view, it was a little cloudy . I couldn't see the volcano in the background. Still Beautiful. If you out in the afternoon take a sweater it gets really cool. Food, drinks and atole are very tasty and good.always lots of people around.

  • 5/5 Luis J. 1 year ago on Google
    Antigua is beautiful! If you’re considering visiting Guatemala, don’t think about it twice and just do it! Totally worth it!

  • 4/5 Faiza S. 1 year ago on Google
    The famous arch. When you think Guatemala you think of imagea from this place. Marked off on my bucket list but like any other tourist attraction. Quite crowded. Instagramers in the wild, and merchants galore. You know the drill! Note the close up image of the Arch was taken super early in the morning and I was lucky to have no one else in the picture.

  • 5/5 Travel Belize G. 1 year ago on Google
    Iconic place in Antigua representing the resilience of the city. It’s also busy, parties were here New Year’s Eve, always a hang out spot. You need to get up early for photos of with no one around!

  • 5/5 Luis S. 7 months ago on Google
    It's like you are in a dream every time you walk beside this beautiful and enigmatic architectural piece. Plus, you add the volcano in the background, just absolute bliss 😊

  • 5/5 Kavya G. 1 year ago on Google
    Stunning installation with a view of the Volcanos. Lots of local hand made art sold here. Interesting tourist spot for buying art work.

  • 5/5 Stephen C. 1 month ago on Google • 23 reviews New
    One of the signature sites of Anigua, Guatemala, this is a must see in this beautiful town. Sunrise is a particularly beautiful time to get your pictures, with the active volcano in the background, frequently emitting puffs of volcano ash to add to your photo. Night time pictures are equally beautiful, and the thoughtfully placed lights accent it very well. If you are in Antigua, Guatemala, this is on your must-see and experience list.

  • 4/5 Hirofumi K. 3 months ago on Google New
    has a different atmosphere during the day and night

  • 5/5 kayvan s. 4 months ago on Google
    Iconic. Hope can you not visit and take pictures with it.

  • 4/5 WR Z. 9 months ago on Google
    Really rice place, passed by to take a couple of pictures and it was fun. The whole place is a time traveler atmosphere that takes you to the old good days.

  • 5/5 About M. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful arch, I didn’t manage to see any nuns but very very noice indeed. Worth a check out on the way to the brewery and worth another check in after the stout at that beer will change your perspective of life 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻

  • 3/5 Jason B. 9 months ago on Google
    This seems to be the biggest tourist trap in Antigua. Lots of street vendors and tourists taking their picture here. The rest of the city is far more interesting

  • 5/5 Nava B. 6 months ago on Google
    Arch is so beautiful, with many souvenir stops around it. It's beautiful in day and night.

  • 4/5 Jana R. R. 6 months ago on Google
    It's nice, but not mindblowing. The city of Antigua itself is!! Very beautiful!!

  • 5/5 kim N. 7 months ago on Google
    You have nothing to pay, if you want a good picture go on a week day like mondays or tuesdays its less crowdy.

  • 5/5 Bruce B. 5 years ago on Google
    I care nothing for the arch but the restaurant on the left has interior courtyard that is beautiful and serene a few steps away from the bustling street scene.

  • 5/5 Dan G. 2 years ago on Google
    Iconic. Must visit. Go in the am when the view of the volcano is clearest

  • 5/5 Range C. 2 years ago on Google
    The city block of 5th that includes this arch is doubtlessly the busiest block in Antigua on the weekend. In addition to venders, some coloring paintings and others photographing tourists for a fee, everybody is taking photos of their families, friends and selves. There are restaurants all about, and at the end of the street there's a church with people selling just about anything. There are teams that will sanitize you to stave off the virus. This is a busy, interesting place. It's outside. Almost everybody is wearing a mask.

  • 5/5 WallyGT06 3 years ago on Google
    Un arco histórico y sitio de atracción turística en la Antigua Guatemala el cual no puedes perderte, si llegas a visitar la Antigua este es un lugar obligatorio el cual debes pasar visitar, tomarte fotografías en el iconico y emblemático Arco de la Antigua es una tradición para cualquier turista internacional y nacional.

  • 5/5 Ireín de L. 3 years ago on Google
    Muy bonito, pintoresco, totalmente recomendable.

  • 4/5 Maritza L. 3 years ago on Google
    Bello lugar, pero muchos vehículos estacionados en esa calle, no pude tomar una buena foto

  • 5/5 Karla B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful (Original) Hermoso

  • 5/5 Cerrajero Sergio b. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very picturesque place (Original) Lugar muy pintoresco

  • 4/5 Bryan H. 5 years ago on Google
    I know this is the most photographed landmark in old Antigua. But I am just as impressed as my last visit. It seems to be part of a convent turned hotel. Nevertheless, it's best seen and experienced in person.

  • 5/5 Lilian F. 2 years ago on Google
    I love Antigua and all of it's sites. The day I went, was early in the day and weather was nice. I understand the traffic gets chaotic during the afternoon hours.

  • 5/5 carl t. 6 years ago on Google
    Definitely one of the most picturesque streets I’ve ever been on, and this Arch is the main focus. Gets very crowded mid day. I had to wait a few minutes to get some space to take the shot I wanted. And that was still completely filled with people at 9am.

  • 5/5 Wally S. 5 years ago on Google
    This beautiful Arch hides a bit of a dark past. It was built to prevent cloistered nuns, often placed by their families, to move from one portion of their convent to another without ever being seen or seeing any of their family, former friends or the public.

  • 5/5 ANDRES R. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place walk around and to purchase gifts and also a great place to catch some street food.

  • 5/5 Isaac P. 6 years ago on Google
    THIS IS A MUST STOP PLACE IN ANTIGUA GUATEMALA, A VERY ROMANTIC SPOT WHERE YOU CAN TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES LOCATED WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE MAIN PLAZA, NEAR RESTAURANTS, SHOPS AND MANY OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST IN THIS BEAUTIFUL TOWN IN GUATEMALA. RIGHT NEXT TO THE SANTA CATALINA ARCH YOU CAN FIND A MARKET FULL OF HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS INCLUDING MASKS, MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND MANY MORE, THERE IS ALSO A GREAT ART GALLERY SHOWCASING SOME OF THE BEST ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHY.

  • 5/5 Impossible T. 5 years ago on Google
    Loved this street. Great food and clubs. I visited arch several times a day. The best time is early in the morning no-one is there.

  • 5/5 Ali A. 4 years ago on Google
    It is undoubtedly the number 1 icon of Antigua. It is situated at the Avenida 5 , a spot you just can not miss and I can’t stop myself taking photos every time I pass under during my 2 month stay in Antigua. If you can try to catch the view of the volcano behind the arc. It is a majestic view.

  • 5/5 Ian J. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of street vendors and a great spot for photos.

  • 5/5 Bradlay P. 1 year ago on Google
    It’s a little bit touristy, but it has to be done! Go early (8amish) so that you can skip the crowds.

  • 5/5 Laura G. 2 years ago on Google
    Classic place for a photo. This street is the real feel of Antigua.

  • 5/5 Danny R. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place, I would definitely go back there! The food just AMAZING

  • 5/5 William W. 3 years ago on Google
    Que hermosa!! In one full day I loved being in this beautiful historic town of Antigua and roaming through the shops and ancient ruins of this town so much that some how I feel like I need to make an excuse to come back! To my wife, perhaps the coffee will be my excuse; It is wonderful here in this vicinity entrenched by volcanic soil. Warning, the cruise lines have recently turned this in to a day trip local, which brings out many street vendors soliciting their wares. No bother, this destination is a refreshing departure from your daily grind, trust me!

  • 5/5 Junior R. 2 years ago on Google
    Coming back to life after pandemic. Great place for tourist. Lots of food. Frida's is near by.

  • 5/5 Jenn C. 2 years ago on Google
    Go early morning (9am is good enough), that way you get the arch to yourselves.

  • 5/5 Timettra W. 2 years ago on Google
    Love this place. So rich with culture and history! Must-see!

  • 4/5 Tamiky del l. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice, parking is challenging, but overall,it has nice restaurants, the view is amazing

  • 5/5 Travelwithchris 2 years ago on Google
    Visited the Santa Catalina Arch yesterday, as everyone should when in Antigua and it was beautiful! I had a mini photoshoot there, as most people do, but honestly the best times to visit are early morning! That is when the volcano is usually fully uncovered in the background! Giving you that legendary Antigua shot! I have a full guide for Antigua in my YouTube channel (Travelwithchris) if you'd like to learn more! I also make travel videos in Spanish (NiTanGringo) thank you so much for the support! Enjoy your trip!

  • 5/5 Cesar A. 2 years ago on Google
    Definitely a place to take pictures at if you are in Antigua Guatemala. Many places to eat and drink within walking distances. I go there every time I'm in Antigua to take a picture, it never gets old.

  • 5/5 Claudia C. 2 years ago on Google
    I like Antigua Guatemala, it's a beautiful place and so colourful! Wonderful!

  • 5/5 Christopher M. 1 year ago on Google
    Here’s my tip that was shared by a local friend. Go early and enjoy the quiet breathtaking views. We went right around 6am and the sun was just rising and there was not another soul in site! If you’re visiting at night take a rain jacket or umbrella we got caught in serval showers while commuting.

  • 5/5 Jorge G. 2 years ago on Google
    The Santa Catalina Arch is one of the distinguishable landmarks in Antigua Guatemala, it was built in the 17th century, it originally connected the Santa Catalina convent to a school, allowing the cloistered nuns to pass from one building to the other without going out on the street. A clock on top was added in the era of the Central American Federation, in the 1830s. The Guatemala Post Office Building in Guatemala City is based upon the arch. What a beautiful and preserved landmark.

  • 4/5 Jasmin V. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful view of El volcan de agua. Super busy spot for photos. Lots of tourists!

  • 5/5 Melvin L. 5 years ago on Google
    This is the most famous Arch in Guatemala, it has been part of Antigua's history since it was built in the 17th Century. It can be crowded since everyone wants to have their photo in this very beautiful and romantic place. It is located in a really good area having restaurants, bars, and hotels nearby and right next to it you can fin the Nimpot store where you can Guatemalan souvenirs in a really cheap price. Well, if you are visiting Antigua, you can't leave without having your own photo of this beautiful and historical Arch. Best time to visit? Holy Week 😁

  • 5/5 BK F. 2 years ago on Google
    Very lively gathering place. If you want a less crowded photo, get up early! And you might get a clear view of the volcano too


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