Discover What We Offer
Lounge and unwind in our extensive gardens, or sip a craft cocktail while enjoying the volcano views on our rooftop terrace. Rest in comfortable rooms, filled with luxurious linens, blackout curtains and brand new bathrooms. Interested in private tours or local shuttle coordination? We can help you with that!
Accommodation
From a dorm bed to a luxurious private room, we have a room type for all travelers and budgets.
Specialty Coffee
Enjoy our boutique coffee shop, Ojala Cafe, where we specialize in serving the best local coffee. Our knowledgeable baristas will talk you through the different beans and roasting techniques to find the right blend for you. Enjoy your coffee in our gorgeous patio garden for a beautiful start to your day.
Tours
We can get you to anywhere you want to go with our partner tour company, Road Runner Guatemala.
Rooms
Experience ultimate relaxation in our cozy rooms, thoughtfully designed with luxurious linens, blackout curtains, and newly renovated bathrooms. Every detail ensures your comfort for a restful stay.
ABOUT OJALÁ
Ojalá is our most traditional hotel, combining modern design with Guatemalan art, such as textiles and pottery that you will find throughout our property. Our spectacular gardens were created from scratch, and are truly breathtaking in the early morning or at sunset. Enjoy our cafe that we have carefully curated by working with small coffee farms around Antigua. It’s the best cup you will try in Guatemala, made with love by our talented barista, Luis. It is our hope that your experience in Antigua is a memorable one, that you immerse yourself in our rich culture, and that you take a little piece of Antigua’s magic home with you.
Thank you so much for staying with us!
Emily & Christopher
Best Things to Do & See
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)
A stunning and haunting example of Baroque architecture, La Recolección is an old church and convent that was built in the early 18th century by the Recollect friars. The church’s façade, adorned with elaborate stone carvings, is a prime example of the intricate craftsmanship of the era. Though much of the convent itself is in ruins, the church remains a striking symbol of Antigua’s religious history. The site’s distinct archways and the remnants of its columns give a sense of the grandeur that once stood here.
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:
