Top Guatemala Markets

See Antigua from above on this half-day mountain adventure. You’ll visit three scenic mountaintops for panoramic views of the colonial city, lush valleys, and nearby volcanoes. From El Cerro de la Cruz—Antigua’s most famous lookout point—to Hobbitenango, a Lord of the Rings–themed eco-park, you’ll explore a whimsical forest, play games, and scenic viewpoints before catching the sunset over the mountains. On the way back down, there’s an optional stop for food and drinks at a local restaurant on the side of the mountain.

Discover Antigua’s rich history and vibrant culture on this exciting ATV tour through local villages. Visit a textile museum, jade and chocolate factories, and the first cathedral in Central America (built in 1534). Enjoy panoramic views of volcanoes and the city, while connecting with Mayan villagers. Finish the adventure with authentic Guatemalan cuisine at a local restaurant in San Pedro El Panorama.

Learn how to prepare chocolate desserts in the country that does it best during a 2-hour workshop at the ChocoMuseum in Antigua. Learn all about the chocolate making process from cacao bean to candy bar. Afterwards, with the help of an instructor, prepare your own creations. Take home 120g of your handmade desserts to share with friends or, more likely, devour all on your own.

Immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture and cuisine with a small-group cooking class at Cuscun Cooking School in Antigua. First, visit the local market to shop for fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices, then get hands-on in the kitchen under the guidance of a local chef. Create a variety of typical Guatemalan dishes, such as ‘tamales, ‘pepián’ (meat stew), or chiles rellenos (stuffed chilies).

Enjoy caffeine and adrenaline in one tour on this excursion from Antigua. The eclectic tour is sure to please a variety of travelers. Climb on board your personal ATV and head to a local plantation, where you discover the coffee making process from seed to mug. After a hot cup of the local beverage, ride up to Cerro de la Cruz, which offers a spectacular view of the city and surrounding mountains.

Satisfy your appetite for Guatemalan street food during a private half-day tour during which you’ll sample several dishes from stalls and eateries that you might otherwise have missed. Plus, benefit from the undivided attention of your guide throughout to learn more about Guatemalan cuisine and culture than you would independently.

Get to know one of the oldest cities in the Americas on this full-day tour from Guatemala City. Take in all the highlights of the colonial-era town, including the Jade Museum, La Merced Church, and the Arch of Santa Catalina, plus enjoy magnificent views from the hilltop Cerro de la Cruz. Along the way, tour a local coffee plantation and taste Guatemalan coffee.

Go beyond just sampling Guatemalan cuisine at Antigua’s restaurants and learn to cook it for yourself at a cooking class. Visit a cooking school in Jocotenango village, and learn to make typical Guatemalan food, choosing from assorted dishes and picking up local cooking tips as you work. Then, savor your creations with your hosts on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Agua Volcano or in a colonial-style dining room.

Enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation on this 9-hour day trip, ascending Pacaya Volcano and then soaking your muscles at Kawilal Hot Springs. Scale the 8,300-foot (2,500-meter) heights of Pacaya, one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala. At the top, you’ll be able to peer down into the boiling lava of the crater and feel the earth’s rumble. Descend back down from the summit to enjoy an included lunch and soak in the thermal waters of Kawilal Hot Springs.

Enjoy the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation on this day trip, ascending Pacaya Volcano and then soaking your muscles at a thermal bath resort. Scale the 8,300-foot (2,500-meter) heights of Pacaya, one of the most active volcanoes in Guatemala. At the top you’ll be able to peer down into the boiling lava of the crater and feel the earth’s rumble. Descend back down from the summit to enjoy an included lunch and soak in the thermal waters of Kawilal Hot Springs, featuring 12 soaking pools, 25 steam baths, and three hydrotherapy baths. Your Pacaya day trip also includes entrance fees, a guide, and round-trip hotel transport.

On your own, it’s difficult to squeeze the Chichicastenango market (Mercado Santo Tomás) into a single day, but this guided tour makes it a breeze by handling all the transportation logistics from Guatemala City, with a Lake Atitlan photo stop too. Going with a guide keeps you from getting lost in the crowds and provides tons of insight into the rich cultures you’ll see practicing rituals in Santo Tomas Church.