Visiting the Arco de Santa Catalina is a must when you’re in Antigua Guatemala — it’s probably the most iconic thing int he whole city and you've probabyl seen it all over the internet but it still is pretty awesome in real life! The bright yellow archway perfectly frames the Agua Volcano behind it, making it one of the most photographed spots in town. Fun fact: the arch was originally built in the 17th century to allow nuns from the convent of Santa Catalina to cross the street without stepping outside.

We loved wandering the cobblestone streets around the arch, popping into the small shops, cafés, and art galleries, and just soaking up the colonial charm. The best time to go is early morning, not only to avoid the crowds but also to get that magical morning light on the arch and volcano — it makes for the perfect Instagram shot without hordes of tourists.

It’s completely free to visit and right in the heart of Antigua, so you can easily combine it with a stroll through Parque Central or a coffee stop at one of the nearby cafés.