We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer to Antigua, Guatemala’s colonial-era former capital. After settling into our accommodation, we’ll stretch our legs with a relaxed walking exploration of Antigua, soaking in its vibrant atmosphere. Before dinner, we’ll gather for an orientation to set expectations for the week ahead, and then enjoy our first taste of Guatemalan cuisine in a lovely local setting.

After breakfast, we head to San Miguel Escobar to spend the morning with La Familia del Café, a small but passionate family-run cooperative. You’ll learn the entire coffee journey—from seed to cup—direct from the people who live it every day. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with La Familia, then return to Antigua for a guided walking tour, meandering through plazas, ruins, and churches as we explore the history of Antigua and Guatemala itself. In the evening we relax and reflect on a full day immersed in culture and flavor.

This morning we journey to San Antonio Aguas Calientes to meet Nobi, a collective dedicated to preserving Guatemala’s culinary heritage. You’ll explore the histories and uses of cacao, vanilla, cardamom, and other ancestral crops—deepening your appreciation for their cultural significance. After a warm traditionally prepared lunch, spend the afternoon in Antigua, enjoying its markets, cafés, and UNESCO World Heritage ambiance.

We transfer to the shores of Lake Atitlán and settle into guest lodging at the Mesoamerican Institute of Permaculture (IMAP). The rest of the day is spent learning about their work in agroecology, seed saving, and sustainable farming built on Indigenous knowledge. You’ll get hands-on experience with their permaculture projects, seeing how ecological design fosters community well-being.

Today we immerse ourselves in Santa Cruz Quixayá, a community born from the collective transformation of a former plantation—now rooted in land justice and shared stewardship. Here, close to San Lucas Tolimán, you’ll observe how families sustainably steward diverse zones: valley-floor aquaculture (tilapia and watercress), mid-level companion planting of corn, coffee, and bananas, and upper zones dedicated to agroforestry and woodfuel. Following this immersive visit, we enjoy lunch made with ingredients sourced directly from the land and winding through the lush terrain. The afternoon includes a refreshing dip in a natural swimming hole before we return to IMAP for a farm-to-table dinner and reflection on how gastronomy, ecology, and culture intertwine.

After a farewell breakfast at IMAP, we take a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlán—gliding across the water with stunning views of three volcanic guardians of the lake. We arrive in San Juan La Laguna and settle into our eco-hotel. Soon after, we visit Alma de Colores, a vibrant social enterprise using gastronomy, arts, and tourism to foster labor inclusion and cultural empowerment. Post-lunch, enjoy a guided walking tour of San Juan to see how the town is preserving Tz’utujil culture. The day concludes with a coffee tasting—exploring different processing methods and their ecological footprints—and watching a breathtaking sunset over the lake from a scenic viewpoint.

A short boat ride takes us to San Marcos La Laguna, where we meet Konojel, a local nonprofit whose name means “All Together” in Kaqchikel. They work toward collective well-being, tackling chronic malnutrition, poverty, and limited educational access through programs that include nutrition, youth leadership, a computer lab, and a restaurant that empowers women and funds their initiatives. After exploring their facilities and learning about their inclusive, woman-led approach, we join a hands-on cooking class led by their chefs. Together, we prepare and enjoy a signature Guatemalan dish for lunch. In the afternoon, tuk-tuks whisks us back to San Juan, with time for a quick dip in the lake before an evening spent soaking in the town’s rhythms.

Enjoy the morning exploring San Juan—maybe diving deeper into weaving, admiring murals, or sipping coffee with a lake view. After lunch, we transfer to Guatemala City for a final exploration of the downtown core. We gather one last time to reflect on the week—the flavors, lessons, and stories we’re taking forward. A farewell rooftop dinner with panoramic views of the city caps off our journey in style.

After a leisurely breakfast, we head to the airport to say farewell. You’ll leave Guatemala filled with fresh perspectives, connections, and culinary inspiration to carry home.