Guatemalan Cooking Class
Are you looking to taste the true flavors of Guatemala? Join us for an authentic culinary experience. Our Cooking Class is located just minutes outside of Central Antigua, in the town of Jocotenango, and is run by our friend Joaquín and his family. During this interactive class, you will learn about traditional Guatemalan food and cooking techniques passed down over centuries. You will also touch on different aspects of Guatemala's history during the pre-Hispanic period, the colonial period, and the modern-day period (20th-21st century) to better understand modern-day Guatemalan cuisine.

You'll begin by making an appetizer and continue with a "plato fuerte* (main dish), 1 - 2 side dishes, tortillas, a local beverage, and a traditional dessert! Once the cooking is done, you'll share the fruits of your labor on a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the town and the volcanoes surrounding the Panchoy Valley. This experience will give you a look into everyday life in Jocotenango and a new appreciation for sharing a home-cooked meal with family and friends. Not only will you learn new skills, but you'll also get to interact and connect with locals in their homes and feel the warmth of Guatemalan culture.

We can accommodate any dietary interests and restrictions. Just let us know ahead of time. 

We usually prepare one (per category) of the following options in class, depending on dietary restrictions and the availability of seasonal ingredients. If you have a preference or a request for an item not shown, let us know, and we'll do our best to accommodate you!

Appetizers: Tostadas, Dobladas, Chile Rellenos
Main Dishes: Pepián, Jocón, Kak'ik, Subanik Desserts: Rellenitos, Mole de Plátano, Torrejas Sides: Rice, Tortillas, Guacamole, Salsa
Beverages: Rosa de Jamaica, Hot Chocolate, Picosita

Additionally: water, wine and beer will be provided.

Antigua Walking Tour
Your bilingual guide, Selvyn Herrera, was born and raised in Ocos in the Guatemalan department of San Marcos, situated along the Pacific Coast near the Mexico border. He has since lived in Xela, Guatemala City, and Antigua and has nearly two decades of experience as a bilingual tour guide, licensed with INGUAT. His passion for history and anthropology and his love for flora and fauna shine through in his tours. Selvyn looks forward to showing you some of Antigua's most historic and important sites, along with some of our favorite hidden gems and the inside scoop on modern Antigua!

Places we might stop by or visit include:

History of Antigua, from the pre-hispanic era until modern day, with a heavy focus on Antigua's colonial history Visits to Catholic churches, monasteries, convents
View from Cerro de la Cruz (reachable by a 20-minute uphill hike or by car)
Architecture & Visits to Ruins

Museums & Art Galleries
Coffee, chocolate, dulces típicos
Artisan Goods: Textiles, Jade, Wood, Ceramics, Leather, etc.
Food & Drink
Craft Beer
Chicken Bus Terminal
Practical Visits: Super-market, tiendas, pharmacy, ATM, bank
Local Market Tour: Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Meat, Poultry, Seafood, Spices, Household Goods, Appliances, Clothes, Shoes, and anything else you can imagine!

Lunch at El Bosque
Today, we'll lunch at one of our favorite spots in town, El Bosque. El Bosque is a branch of Antigua Cerveza and is nestled in the woods just on the outskirts of Antigua. This spot offers a wonderful selection of artisanal beers and delicious eats in a gorgeous setting that is fun for the whole family. Here, we'll spend the next couple of hours sipping on brews, eating, and taking in the beautiful coffee farm, sunflower fields, and outdoor spaces El Bosque offers!

4:00 PM - 2 hr
Jade Workshop & Cocktail Class

Xibalba (Shee-bal-ba) was the name the K'iche Maya gave to the underworld. Xibalba Studio was born from the exploration of different ancestral techniques to present a subtle interpretation of Guatemalan culture and tradition. Today, we will visit this woman-owned studio and shop to participate in a hands-on workshop where you will make your own unique piece of jade jewelry to take home. You’ll start by picking your stone from a large selection of unique shades and tones, searching for that special piece that speaks to your soul. From there, you actually get to design, carve, polish, drill, and clean your stone, transforming it into a piece of high-quality jewelry. From start to finish, you get to feel like a jewelry designer and take home a special piece of Guatemala with you!

In addition to making your very own necklace, bracelet, or ring, you'll also learn how to make a delicious and uniquely Guatemalan cocktail. Tonight, we will be joined by one of the talented mixologists in Antigua, Angel Barrios. Together, we will discuss the origin of the cocktail, the ingredients, and the technique to produce a balanced drink that embodies the flavors and spirit of Guatemala.

8:00 PM - 1 hr 30 min Dinner at Fermento

We will wind down our evening with a delicious meal in the courtyard at Fermento. Fermento, which means “the art of transformation” was created by Chef Hector Castro as an ode to beauty. Filled with art from his personal collection on every wall, this restaurant is as uniquely decorated as its dishes are delicious. Delight your sense at one of Antigua's best locally owned restaurants.

Tour de Pueblos
While we love Central Antigua, we highly encourage people to get off the grid and visit the neighboring towns. Here you can get a taste of a more authentic Guatemala while supporting small local businesses and artisans outside of the main tourist area. Our Tour de Pueblos, focusing on the towns south of Antigua, typically includes visits to San Juan del Obispo, San Pedro las Huertas, Ciudad Vieja, and San Miguel Dueñas. However, our favorite part about offering tailor-made tours is the ability to cater to our traveler's unique needs and interests. Let us know if you have a specific activity or location in mind so we can bring it to life for you on a custom Tour de Pueblos.

Common activities and points of interest are:

Artisan chocolate tour in San Juan del Obispo
Níspero and fruit wine tour in San Juan del Obispo
Learn about the marimba, Guatemala’s national instrument Chicken bus restoration shop in Ciudad Vieja
Artisan jewelry and jade in San Pedro las Huertas Macadamia nut farm in San Miguel Dueñas
Craft Brewery in San Miguel Dueñas
Textile dyeing and weaving in San Antonio Calientes Traditional Medicine & Plant Medicine in San Cristóbal el Alto

12:30 PM - 3 hr 30 min
Lunch & Coffee Tour with Don José
Get off the beaten path as we head to Alotenango, 30 minutes outside of Antigua, for a unique coffee tour with our friend Don José. Upon arrival at Don Jose’s, we’ll climb into the back of his pickup truck and ride through the farmland of Alotenango to visit his small coffee plot. Here, he will teach us about all the steps involved in making your morning cup of joe - from cultivation, harvest, and processing all the way to roasting and preparing! You will also enjoy spectacular views of the countryside and observe many other plants and crops in the area, such as corn, avocado, beans, jocotes, and various trees and medicinal plants. After our time at Don José's coffee plot, we will return to his house to enjoy a delicious pepián prepared with love by Don Jose’s family members. We will finish our time with Don José and his family by enjoying a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

THE INSIDE SCOOP

We first met Don José through his daughter, Gloria. Her husband, Jose Antonio, was a firefighter who passed away during the rescue efforts in the aftermath of the June 3rd, 2018 eruption of the Fuego Volcano. It’s been an honor to get to know Don José, Gloria, and their family, and we are excited to work with them as a part of our sustainable tourism program. On your return to Don José’s house from the coffee plot, we will stop at the mural in the center of town that was created in honor of Jose Antonio and other fallen firefighters, taking a moment to remember them.

Coffee is available for purchase for 80 quetzales or approximately $11 USD per pound. Cash payment is preferred.

*All funds go directly to Don José. Heart of Travel guides, drivers, and tour leaders never take commissions from our artisan and entrepreneur friends, and there is no pressure to purchase items as all providers are compensated for the time and knowledge they share with us.

Free Evening in Antigua

It's been a full day of travel and exploration, so take the evening to rest and relax or wander around town at your own leisure. Your guide will be happy to give you recommendations for dining and points of interest.  

7:00 AM - All Day
Acatenango Overnight Hike
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Volcán Acatenango is the impressive beast that looms over Antigua alongside Volcán de Fuego y Volcán de Agua. With an elevation of 3976 meters, Acatenago is the third tallest volcano in Central America. Not only does this one-of-a-kind hike take you to the summit of this impressive volcano, but you’ll also pass through various microclimates and ecosystems along the way. Of course, the most epic part of this adventure is watching the nearby Fuego volcano erupt with lava and a boom right across from your campsite at night. The last eruption of Acatenango occurred in 1972, and Fuego’s last major eruption occurred in June of 2018, though it remains very active on a regular basis. Acatenango has two peaks, Pico Mayor and Yepocapa which are altogether known as the Tres Hermanas. The terrain on Acatenango is very loose gravel, almost sand-like, making the hike strenuous in some areas. The most difficult part of the hike is the initial warm-up from La Soledad (approx 2523 meters) to about 45 mins in and the summit the next morning due to high winds, extremely cold temperatures, and unstable terrain. The hike from La Soledad to the summit will take you through four distinct microclimates and temperatures on the volcano vary from highs of 74F/ 23C to freezing so it’s important to pack layers.

We will start by meeting you at your hotel/lodging entrance in our private shuttle as we begin our journey to the famed Acatenango volcano. You’ll then hike for around 4.5 - 6 hours on the first day as we reach an elevation of 3400m at the base camp. Here we rest for the remainder of the day to enjoy nature and an escape from the hustle and bustle of “life on the grid”. At night you’ll enjoy a campfire and hopefully stunning views of Fuego’s lava activity. The next day you’ll get up before dawn to hike to the summit (approx 1 to 1.5 hours) where we will take in the amazing views! From there it’s back down to base camp for breakfast before beginning our descent (approx 3 hours hiking) back to the entrance to hop in our car and head home. You are usually back in Antigua, Guatemala by noon at the latest!

Casa Santo Domingo Spa Day & 1 Night Stay
After your huge adventure on Acatenango, it's time to relax! Step into the luxurious Casa Santo Domingo Spa, situated in the heart of Antigua. A historic convent, this hotel boasts an incredible spa and massage facility, complete with a massive jacuzzi tucked into an ancient ruin. Dip into the refreshing pool, step into a dry and wet sauna circuit, and enjoy a relaxing massage - we promise you'll leave feeling brand new!

Your package includes a 60 minute holistic massage and access to the pool, jacuzzi, steam room, locker room and on-site bar and restaurant. Additionally, we will be staying here for our final night in Antigua Guatemala, so once you're done relaxing at the spa you can get settled into your room and freshen up before our farewell dinner.

Dinner at Bistro Cinq

Enjoy an incredible meal prepared by talented local chefs at Bistro Cinq, one of our favorite spots for a special dinner to celebrate a memorable trip with new friends. Learn more about Bistro Cinq in this note from the team:

"American Chef Robbin Haas opened Bistrot Cinq’s doors on November 16, 2007. Now we’re fully run by a young, energetic, and eager group of Antigua natives. We’re 13 years old, and as you’d expect from a teenager, we march to the beat of our own drum. We also cook and take care of our guests that way.

Every single thing we serve is made from scratch, just like Grandma used to do it. We only serve what she would approve of. We get up early, go to bed late, and work our tails off so we can offer you fresh, seasonal ingredients that we buy from people we personally know and trust. (Except the salmon and escargot. They’re on a tourist visa.)

We’ll give you personalized, 1 on 1 attention in English or Spanish and we’ll do it with a smile (just like the photo). We know your name, what you like to eat and drink, and even where you like to sit. And if by chance we don’t know all that, then Welcome...It must be your first time here. We’ll be taking notes."

8:00 AM DEPARTURE - Central Standard Time - 5 hr
Private Transfer: Antigua to Panajachel with Stop in Tecpán for Farm Breakfast
We'll hop in the van and begin our 2.5-3 hour journey to Panajachel. Be sure to take Dramamine if you're prone to motion sickness as the roads can be quite curvy and windy! We will stop in Tecpán for a traditional breakfast in this cozy mountain town.

1:00 PM CHECK-IN - Central Standard Time
Accommodation: Hotel Atitlán
Hotel Atitlán is a stunning boutique hotel located on the shores of Lake Atitlán. With an impressive garden, swimming pool, and jacuzzi that boasts panoramic lake views, it's the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a busy day of activities. Enjoy dinner at their delicious on-site restaurant or opt to hop in a tuk tuk and head to Panajachel's bustling Santander strip.

9:30 AM DEPARTURE - 30 min
Private Boat Transfer: Panajachel to San Juan la Laguna
We will be traveling via boat to the town of San Juan la Laguna. Enjoy this 30 minute boat ride on beautiful Lake Atitlán as you head to our favorite town. Once in San Juan la Laguna we’ll visit our friends at Casa Flor Ixcaco, a female-founded and run textile cooperative that is truly an inspiring and incredible example of empowered female indigenous entrepreneurs who are using their talents and traditions, on their terms, to bolster their economy and share their heritage proudly.

10:00 AM - 1 hr 30 min
Hike: Mirador Kiaq'Aiswaan in San Juan la Laguna
Looking to enjoy stunning views of the lake but not wanting to trek up one of the steeper neighboring mountains? The Kiaq’Aiswaan Mirador is an excellent option! This lookout situated just outside of San Juan la Laguna is reachable via a 40- minute hike or a short tuk-tuk ride plus a 15 minute walk up to the summit of the Mirador.

The hike is 0.8 miles out and back trail, and normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour to reach the summit. Once you've reached the top, you're rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding pueblos. For your group, we recommend going via tuk tuk to save time in order to make it to San Marcos that afternoon.

Be sure to bring adequate footwear, sunblock, and water!

Asociación Qómaneel is an inspiring, women-led project where you can learn from midwives, healers and bone doctors about the diverse collection of medicinal plants available in Guatemala and commonly found around many parts of the world. Today, María or Lucía will show us approximately 15 different plants and discuss their properties, benefits and methods of preparation. You will also learn more about their training and education process and their victories in their fights for government recognition and regulation for their traditional medicine services and products. Most notably, their fight for the right and ability to be present in the labor and delivery room if their patient is unable to have a safe and successful birth at home.

Indigenous wisdom is rich in this town, and this garden is a prime example of ancestral knowledge still being utilized in modern times. During our visit, we'll try an herbal tea or two, freshly prepared by the women who run the store, and have the opportunity to shop products made right there in the garden. They typically sell teas, ointments, shampoo, balms, salve, essential oils, natural and loofahs.

12:00 PM - 1 hr 30 min
Lunch & Cacao Demonstration at Licor Marrón
Enjoy a fresh, homemade meal at Licor Marrón. This restaurant is situated in San Juan la Laguna and is owned by our same friends who run Casa Flor Ixcaco. Here, we'll dine on typical Guatemalan dishes such as pepián, pulique, caldo de res, and tamales, depending on the season. Vegetarian options are also available. In addition to lunch, we will learn all about chocolate production at this small, locally-run chocolate factory.

The name of the restaurant comes from the name of a delicious local drink that you can find in the town of San Juan la Laguna. This drink is made from a secret recipe passed down through generations, and it's a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the flavors and culture of the region. The drink gets its name from its deep brown color, which comes from a combination of natural ingredients such as cocoa, cinnamon, and other spices. It's typically served cold and has a rich, smooth flavor that's both sweet and spicy. Locals in San Juan la Laguna have been making Licor Marrón for generations, and it's a beloved part of the town's cultural heritage. The drink is often served at celebrations and special events!

1:30 PM - 1 hr 30 min
Artisan Meet & Greet: Casa Flor Ixcaco Textile Cooperative
Ready to dive into all things Guatemalan textiles? Look no further than Casa Flor Ixcaco in San Juan la Laguna.

A women’s led textile cooperative, Casa Flor Ixcaco is a truly inspiring and incredible example of empowered female indigenous entrepreneurs who are using their talents and traditions, on their terms, to bolster their economy and share their heritage proudly. During your time with Casa Flor, you’ll watch and participate in a weaving demonstration to learn all about the process from start to finish including how the thread is naturally dyed, designed, and ultimately crafted into a beautiful garment or textile.

We will also discuss the story of how the cooperative began and the incredible legacy of their late founder, Doña Teresa Ujpan. Since 1996 she and many other Maya Tzʼutujil women have been working together to achieve a shared vision where their talents, heritage and skills would be able to provide them with the means to thrive in an ever-changing global society and economy. Learn about the struggles and triumphs of the cooperative and the inspiring way their business model is changing lives in their community and beyond.

You will have the opportunity to shop after your presentation if desired!

3:00 PM - 1 hr 30 min
Free Time in San Juan la Laguna
Take the next hour to explore San Juan at your leisure, popping into the various stores or taking a coffee stop. We will then meet at the dock to take the boat back to our hotel.

Free Morning, Optional Visit to Atitlán Nature Reserve

Atitlán Nature Reserve is the ideal spot for immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the reserve's three main trails and discover a small waterfall. Keep your eyes peeled for Spider monkeys and Coatis, and don't miss the opportunity to explore the captivating butterfly garden, a picturesque setting that provides wonderful photo opportunities. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes that offer good grip, a hat and bug spray to ward off any unwelcome guests. Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Atitlán Nature Reserve, and create cherished memories amidst Guatemala's natural wonders.

There is the option to zip line in the Nature Reserve. If you wish to partake in the morning ziplining session, please let us know in advance so we can coordinate for you to be among the first group of the day.

12:00 PM - Central Standard Time - 1 hr
Ceramics Artisan Visit in San Antonio
Immerse yourself in the world of traditional Guatemalan ceramics with a visit to San Antonio Palopó. Take a tour of a small artisan workshop that offers breathtaking views of the lake, and delve into the fascinating process of creating pottery from collecting clay to the final painted masterpiece. Be inspired by the unique textures, vibrant colors, and locally sourced natural dyes that define this region. Engage with skilled artisans, masters of their craft, and gain insights into their techniques and cultural significance. Take advantage of the opportunity to bring home exceptional and affordable handmade ceramic goods, each reflecting the artistry and heritage of Guatemala.

1:30 PM DEPARTURE - Central Standard Time - 4 hr 30 min
Private Transfer: Panajachel to Guatemala City
It's time to head to Guatemala City! Our total travel time from Panajachel to Guatemala City is about four and a half hours. We'll be sure to take stops along the way! If you're prone to motion sickness this is a good day to take dramamine as the roads can be quite curvy. If you are looking to save time and have a unique bucket list experience, you could take a helicopter ride from Panajachel to the Guatemala City airport, giving your impressive views of Guatemala's mountainous and volcano landscape and lusher lowlands.

Accommodation: AC Hotel by Marriott, Guatemala City

Experience elevated hospitality in the heart of Guatemala City at the AC Hotel by Marriott. You'll enjoy an ideal location brimming with a cosmopolitan vibe during our stay as this exclusive hotel. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, surrounded by popular shops, bars, and businesses, while enjoying convenient proximity to Cayalá Ecological Sports Park, the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, and La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, just a short 6.2-mile distance away. Unwind in our contemporary boutique hotel rooms, adorned with modern furnishings, luxurious bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Begin your day with a delightful breakfast at AC Kitchen, featuring an array of fresh fruits and hearty dishes to satisfy your cravings. For an unrivaled city view, make your way to AC Lounge on the sixth- floor terrace, where you can relish a delectable lunch or dinner, accompanied by signature beverages, live music, and a warm, welcoming ambiance. Maintain your fitness routine at the well-equipped fitness center, and seamlessly transition into the rhythm of life in Guatemala at this intimate luxury hotel.

Departure from Cayalá to Guatemala City Airport

We will set up your transportation to the airport in order to catch your return flights home. It’s time to say goodbye to Guatemala for now but we hope to see you again soon!