Guatemala stands out for its artisanal textiles, coffee, chocolate, jade jewelry, and epic volcanoes, to name a few. Dive deeper into these rich traditions and the local culture with these popular things to do in Antigua.

Practice the ancient art of using plants to dye textiles

Guatemala has a rich tradition of weaving using all-natural materials. Luna Zorro Studio is a luxury, handwoven textile boutique on the grounds of a 19th-century coffee farm. The shop offers private workshops with Maya artisans where you’ll learn to use plant-based dyes to color handwoven fabrics.

things to do in antigua luna zorro studio workshop textiles

Photo Credit: Luna Zorro Studio

Adventure through Guatemala’s volcanoes and mountains

Hike one of Guatemala’s active volcanoes or ride an ATV through rugged mountain terrain. Experience the country’s natural beauty and rugged landscapes while enjoying panoramic views and outdoor adventure.

Design your own custom piece of jade jewelry

Guatemala is one of a handful of countries where you’ll find jadeite jade. It was sacred to the Maya and is rarer and more durable than the nephrite jade popular in Asia. Casa del Jade sells the finest jade jewelry. You can make a custom jade piece at their workshop! Xibalba Studio, known for its minimalist, modern jewelry made of jade and recycled metals, also has a stone carving workshop for $100/person.

Learn to cook Guatemala’s national dishes

Dive into the local cuisine with a cooking class – one of my favorite things to do in any country! You’ll learn about Guatemala’s best dishes, how to prepare them, and share a meal with other travelers.

See how coffee is produced on a local farm

Guatemala has exceptional coffee produced in eight different regions of the country. If you’re interested in learning about the coffee-making process from bean to cup, you can visit a local coffee farm.

Make artisanal chocolate from scratch

Cacao has been central to Mesoamerican culture for thousands of years. At ChocoMuseo in Antigua’s main square, you can learn how to make chocolate in their popular bean-to-bar workshop.

Explore Guatemalan cuisine and street food

Explore Guatemalan cuisine through its diverse dishes and lively street food scene, shaped by indigenous traditions and regional ingredients, while gaining insight into the country’s history, culture, and people.

Go on a walking tour of the city

Antigua is a beautiful 16th-century colonial city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and historic landmarks on a guided walking tour!