Coming Home to
Guatemala

Some places stay with you long after you leave them. Guatemala has always been one of those places for me. This June and July, I had the joy of returning, not just as a traveler, but as someone coming home, bringing a group of family and friends to experience the warmth, color, and soul of a country that feels like it wraps around you the moment you arrive.

We were a group of eight plus travelers, and over nine incredible days we split our time between two worlds: the cobblestone streets and colonial magic of Antigua Guatemala, and the vibrant energy of Guatemala City. Each place offered something different, and together they reminded me why I fell in love with this country.

We flew into Guatemala City and made our way to Antigua, where we settled into Casa Antigua, a boutique hotel with a beautiful garden courtyard right in the heart of town.

The hotel itself is a love letter to colonial architecture. Warm yellow walls, exposed wooden beams, and courtyards filled with tropical plants. Waking up there felt like stepping into another time.

Coffee & Gastronomic Bike Tour

Our first big adventure was a coffee and gastronomic bike tour through Antigua. We rode our bikes through colorful colonial streets all the way to a local coffee plantation and learned a lot about coffee.

I have to be honest, this was a hard trip but I loved it. I wasn't physically prepared for the ride, but for people looking for adventure, this is a great tour to do.

Altamira, Sky Bikes & Chocolate Making

We hiked up to Altamira, a scenic viewpoint in the hills above Antigua known for its giant wooden hand sculptures, with sweeping views over the volcanoes and valley below.

After the thrill of sky biking high above the ground, we rolled up our sleeves for a hands-on chocolate making class with Ek Chuah, our incredible vendor who guided us through every step. Learning to roast and grind cacao while creating our own treats was a highlight of the trip.

Antigua is so much more than cobblestone streets and colonial ruins. It is a living, breathing city full of color, music, and the kind of warmth that only Guatemalans know how to offer. As someone born and raised in this beautiful country, coming back to Antigua always feels like rediscovering a treasure I thought I already knew.

The streets come alive with marimba music drifting through the air, the scent of freshly roasted coffee, and the laughter of locals and visitors mingling in the plazas. The people here are some of the loveliest and kindest you will ever meet. They greet you with genuine smiles and a warmth that makes you feel like you belong.

One of the great joys of Antigua is its gastronomy. We enjoyed food from so many wonderful places, but one that truly stood out was La Cuevita de Los Urquizú. We tried so much delicious food there, traditional dishes full of flavor and history, each bite telling a story of generations of Guatemalan cooking. It was a feast for the senses and a reminder of how rich our culinary heritage truly is.

What moved me most on this trip was learning about the people behind the experiences. Our coffee and bike tour was organized by a wonderful little company called CA Travelers, which we found on the Viator website. They were absolutely amazing, professional, passionate, and deeply connected to the land and its people. But what touched my heart was discovering that CA Travelers also runs a foundation in Chimaltenango, where they help kids follow their dreams by providing the opportunity to study. Seeing Guatemalans helping Guatemalans, lifting up the next generation through education, filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride.

This is the Guatemala I want the world to see. Not just the volcanoes and the colonial architecture, but the people, the culture, the generosity, and the deep sense of community that makes this country so extraordinary. I loved every moment, and it made me feel so proud of my beautiful Guatemala.

Recreating Memories at the Zoo

One of the most special moments of our trip was visiting the La Aurora Zoo in Guatemala City, a place I remembered from years ago.

We stayed in Guatemala City at an Airbnb in Zone 12 near USAC, where we were able to see friends who are more than friends to us, they are family, and we love seeing them.

We also loved our stay at Vistares Pradera Apartments, with easy access to La Torre, San Martín, and many other stores and a food court. We had everything we needed right at our fingertips.

And finally, we stayed at Tikal Futura Hotel, where we also met with family and friends and enjoyed the delightful buffet breakfast, great customer service, amazing spa, pool, gym, and mall. I love staying here every time I visit my dear Guatemala.

Moments from Guatemala

Scroll through all the photos from our trip

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