I have frequently been warned about this place and have avoided it until my most recent trip when I decided to walk up. I spoke to several locals about the level of risk and decided to take a minimal amount of money (just so I had something to give potential thieves), water, and my phone.

There weren't many other people around, and I walked the 7-8 minutes up to the cross alone with absolutely no problem. I saw a few people coming down (a man with a small child, a Guatemalan couple, and an older lady). Once I got up there, I met a few fellow tourists as well as Guatemalan families that had set up small stalls on the hill with standard tourist items for sale.

The view of the city and of Volcan Agua is stunning, especially on a sunny day.

Be aware of the risk, don't carry valuables, and definitely don't go at night, but it's a gorgeous view of the city!

This is a great overlook of the city of Antigua. I like to visit early in the morning and late in the afternoon. It's best to go as a group and with a local police officer, as their have been a few problems. Real nice place to get some great PICs.

Enjoyed the short hike up, with the altitude, it is just long enough to get the blood pumping without too much huffing and puffing. And the view from the top makes the hike well worth the effort. Looking out over Antigua from the north, the view is framed by Vulcan de Agua in the south. A nice way to spend an hour orienting yourself to Antigua.