From Cobblestone Streets to Jungle Retreats: Our Family’s Antigua + Jaguar Creek Adventure

As someone who helps manage Jaguar Creek—a nonprofit eco-lodge tucked into the rainforest of Belize—I’m always looking for ways to connect with other mission-driven travel experiences. I live in California with my husband and our 15-month-old daughter, and when we found out there’s a direct flight between Guatemala City and Belize City, we jumped at the chance to explore Antigua before heading to Belize to spend time on-site with the Jaguar Creek team.

Spoiler alert: it was the perfect two-country getaway. Whether you’re an adventurous traveler or a young family like ours, the combination of Antigua and Jaguar Creek offers a beautiful balance of culture, comfort, and connection.

A Quick History of Antigua, Guatemala

Nestled in a highland valley surrounded by three volcanoes, Antigua was once the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala during Spanish colonial rule. Founded in the early 16th century, the city was known for its baroque architecture and grid street plan—features that remain beautifully preserved today. After a series of devastating earthquakes in the 1700s, the capital was relocated, but Antigua remained a cultural gem. Today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its colorful buildings, centuries-old ruins, and artistic spirit.

Our Time in Antigua

We spent four nights in Antigua and stayed at Good Hotel—a social enterprise much like Jaguar Creek. The rooms were beautiful, the onsite restaurant was excellent, and the service made us feel right at home. They even helped coordinate our transportation from Guatemala City, which made everything feel seamless. The location couldn’t have been better—centrally located and very walkable, even with a toddler in tow.

Some of our favorite food spots included:

• Rosanta – creative cocktails and beautifully plated seasonal dishes
• 27 Adentro – a relaxed courtyard perfect for long lunches
• Hector’s Bistro – cozy, flavorful, and welcoming

As coffee lovers, our tour with La Familia del Café was a highlight. This fourth-generation, family-run farm offered insight into Guatemala’s rich coffee-growing history. Their commitment to intentionality and excellence showed in every step of the process.

Daily caffeine stops included:

• Artista de Café – for espresso and people-watching
• Fat Cat – cozy and community-focused
• 12 Onzas – stylish and consistently good

Antigua’s artisan scene was another highlight. Our favorite shops were:

• Algodones Mayas – stunning handwoven Maya textiles
• Nim Po’t – a massive and affordable collection of Guatemalan handicrafts
• Luna Zorro – a 15-minute Uber ride from town, this design studio is part of a museum complex with restaurants and kid-friendly areas. I brought home candles, textiles, and their iconic MAMA woven bag
• Xibalba Studio – modern jade jewelry reimagined with artistic flair

Our favorite thing to do? Simply wander. The cobblestone streets, flower-draped balconies, and hidden courtyards made every stroll feel magical.

The Easy Transition to Belize

From Guatemala City, we booked a short, direct flight to Belize City through Tropic Air, operated by TAG Airlines. The flight took just over an hour and was smooth—even with a toddler in tow. From there, we drove 1.5 hours through the Belizean countryside to reach Jaguar Creek.

Welcome to Jaguar Creek

After the vibrant hum of Antigua, Jaguar Creek felt like an exhale. Though I help manage the lodge from afar, every visit reminds me of why this place is so special. Jaguar Creek is more than a beautiful eco-lodge—it’s a mission-driven space where every guest stay supports education, conservation, and economic empowerment in the local community.

What makes Jaguar Creek unique:

• Rustic-luxury cabanas with screened walls that immerse you in the jungle
• Onsite adventures like cave tubing, Maya ruin tours, and wildlife spotting
• A family-friendly environment where our daughter felt safe and engaged
• A passionate staff who make every guest feel like family

Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with little ones, Jaguar Creek offers a rare combination: natural beauty, purpose-driven travel, and deep connection.

Planning Your Own Two-Country Adventure?

If you’re heading to Antigua, you’re just one short flight away from a completely different experience in Belize. Whether you’re looking for rest, exploration, or purpose-filled travel, we’d love to help you make it happen.

Learn more about Jaguar Creek here or reach out to plan your visit.