Co-Working Spaces in Antigua Guatemala: All You Need to Know
When we got to Antigua in Guatemala on our 10-month backpacking trip, we were only at the start of our Digital Nomad Journey. We weren’t sure how it all worked yet, so we had to research and resorted to an easy and known option: working from Starbucks. This is why I’m now writing about co-working spaces in Antigua Guatemala.
There isn’t much wrong with Starbucks, but there are many more great coffee shops in Antigua. And by supporting them, you support the local community. Arguably better than supporting large, multinational chains, I’d say. But, we were not as confident as Digital Nomads.
After getting to know the town and learning some Spanish in one of Antigua’s language schools, we figured we’d find the best co-working spaces in Antigua, Guatemala. Antigua has multiple options; some are dedicated co-working spaces, and some are coffee shops where Digital Nomads gather.
About Antigua Guatemala
Antigua is a beautiful town that’s a magnet for travellers worldwide, including a growing number of digital nomads. It is located between three towering volcanoes: Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango.
Antigua is known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, giving it a feel of stepping back in time. The town’s one-of-a-kind look is because of its colourful buildings and the iconic arch of Santa Catalina, which is a perfect backdrop for pictures.
Despite its historical vibe, Antigua is more than just a pretty place. It’s a cultural hub rich in traditions and festivals. The town is small enough to feel homey yet bustling enough to make sure there’s always something happening. From local markets with crafts and fresh produce to cosy cafes that line its streets, a warm, inviting atmosphere appeals to anyone looking to set up shop for a while.
The climate in Antigua is another big draw. The weather is generally mild year-round, with temperatures hovering around a comfortable mid-70s Fahrenheit, making it an ideal spot for those who prefer a cooler climate to the tropical heat found elsewhere. It can get pretty toasty during the day and pretty chilly in the evenings.
For digital nomads, Antigua’s mix of beauty, culture, and good living conditions makes it a good choice. Its peaceful yet stimulating work environment makes it easy to understand why many choose to stay longer than planned.
The best co-working spaces in Antigua Guatemala
Right, let’s discuss the reason you’re here—the co-working spaces! I’ll discuss some dedicated spaces and cafés where Digital Nomads meet and work.
The cafés I mention are free to work from, but you are expected to buy food and/or beverages when you’re there.
Selina Co-Work
The Selina Co-Work in Antigua, Guatemala, is a solid choice for digital nomads. It has a large coworking space with reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable working conditions, including air conditioning, soundproof meeting rooms, and an outdoor courtyard. The space is bright and quiet, which is good for productivity.
There are also community events, though they tend to be more laid-back, like yoga classes and occasional music nights at the on-site bar.
They have free tea, coffee, and water. It’s situated in a great location in the heart of Antigua. The Selina is also a hostel, which makes it even more attractive. You have everything you need under one roof. If you’re staying at the Selina, you get one coworking spot a day included, which makes it essentially free for guests.
Otherwise, the price is GTQ 60 per day, which is $7,73 at the time of writing.
Impact Hub
Impact Hub in Antigua, Guatemala, is also a popular choice for digital nomads and remote workers. They’re currently moving locations and will open at their new location on June 2, 2024.
They were incredibly popular with great WiFi, so I’m sure their new location will be an upgrade. The prices for their new location are not yet public.
Serve Hope Café
Serve Hope Café is well-suited for digital nomads looking for a place to work. It has a unique co-working space that’s quiet and comfortable, perfect for getting work done on your laptop. There’s even a small conference room available.
The café serves different drinks, snacks, and desserts and has a terrace with a beautiful view. Serve Hope Café supports local community projects.
Artista de Café
Artista de Café in Antigua is a great spot for digital nomads. It has a modern and clean setting, ideal for remote work. They have a variety of drinks and some snacks, and the atmosphere is generally quiet and conducive to productivity.
Although the prices are a bit higher, like European levels, the quality of the locally sourced coffee and the beautifully designed interior make it a worthwhile visit.
Fat Cat Coffee House
Fat Cat Coffee House in Antigua is a good spot for digital nomads. It is known for its great coffee and chill atmosphere. It started as an experimental coffee shop focusing on various brewing methods and has since become known for its range of coffee experiences with different bean varieties.
It’s a great place for both quick stops and longer stays.
We’ve been here several times and highly recommend their coffee. It’s a bit small and can get crowded, so we never stayed more than a couple of hours.
La Vid Coffee Roasters
La Vid Coffee Roasters is a popular spot and known for its expertly roasted coffee. The cafe is relatively new but has quickly become known for its warm atmosphere and the personal touch it adds by serving a complimentary glass of water with every espresso—a nice detail that makes the coffee-tasting experience great.
The working area at La Vid has a tall table for standing and lounge chairs for longer work sessions.
12 Onzas
12 Onzas in Antigua, Guatemala, is more of a relaxed spot, perfect for having a coffee in a chill environment. They are straightforward, focusing on making the coffee special. It’s another popular spot for digital nomads and a good place to meet like-minded people.
Starbucks
I mentioned them in the intro, so I’ll add them to the list. I’m not the biggest fan of chains and prefer local coffee shops, but this Starbucks is absolutely beautiful.
The building is incredible. It has multiple separate rooms to work in, plus a nice outdoor courtyard and beautiful artwork on the walls.
Their local coffee is a great touch, but I do not know if it’s responsibly sourced like in the other shops. It is said to be one of the prettiest Starbucks locations in the world.
Connectivity
Although the WiFi in all previously mentioned co-working spaces in Antigua Guatemala and cafés is good enough to work from, it’s wise to keep in mind that it might not be as fast as back home. The internet might slow down if the place is packed and many people are on Zoom calls.
We had a local SIM card from Tigo as a backup in case anything happened to the internet. We also always grab an eSim from Airalo before we get to a country, so that we have internet as soon as we arrive. It’s a little more expensive than local sims, but it’s only for the initial day or 2 until we get a local sim. It’s just handy having your phone to check your hotel’s address and things like that.
Make sure to check the internet speed before getting settled, using one of the many essential Digital Nomad apps.
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How to find accommodation
To start off, I’d check out Airbnb or VRBO. You can find some great monthly rentals and see what kind of space you’re getting right from your screen. Sometimes, hosts drop prices for longer stays. Also, don’t skip local real estate websites like Encuentra24 or Clasificados.com. They might have accommodation options that aren’t listed on the international sites and could be cheaper.
There are also a ton of groups like “Expats in Antigua Guatemala” or “Digital Nomads Antigua”, where people post available apartments or tips on where to live. It’s also a great way to make some friends before you even get there.
If you’re into making friends and networking, look into co-living spaces. These places are ready-to-move-in, come with great Wi-Fi, and you’ll be living with folks who get the nomad lifestyle.
Once you’re in town, local cafes can be goldmines for rental info. Some have community boards with listings pinned up. Plus, you can enjoy a good cup of coffee while you’re at it.
Things to do in the area
The Digital Nomad Lifestyle is for people who want to explore and work. Sitting behind a desk all day, every day, is not an option. This is why Antigua, Guatemala, is such a good option. There are tons of things to do.
1. Explore the Ruins: You’ve got to check out the old ruins scattered around town. They’re like stepping back in time and making for some awesome photos. They’re buildings destroyed by previous earthquakes.
2. Hike a Volcano: Put on your hiking boots and trek up one of the nearby volcanoes, like Acatenango. The views from the top are totally worth the effort, as you can see the neighbouring Fuego erupt.
3. Shop at the Local Markets: The people of Antigua shop at the local markets, and not so much supermarkets. You can get crafts and taste some delicious food. It’s a great way to enjoy the local culture.
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