San José Cathedral in Antigua Guatemala is a central historical and religious landmark, easily accessible on foot from the city center. Visitors can explore the active church freely, and a small fee (typically a few USD) grants access to the significant earthquake-damaged ruins and crypts behind the main altar, offering a deeper historical insight. Solo visits are perfectly suitable for the main church, while a guided tour is highly recommended for understanding the complex history of the ruins. The cathedral is open year-round, though access might be limited during religious services, and it becomes exceptionally crowded during Holy Week. A typical visit duration ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on whether you focus solely on the main church or also explore the extensive ruins.