Shopping in Antigua, Guatemala rewards visitors with authentic local experiences through well-organized tours. The standout option combines a cooking class with a market visit – you’ll learn traditional recipes while exploring local ingredients with an expert guide. The historic Chichicastenango Market tour is a cultural gem, where traditional Mayan crafts and textiles come alive. Food enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Market Food Tour with its tortilla-making workshop, offering tastes of local specialties and hands-on cooking experience. For modern shopping contrasts, Guatemala City’s tour covers everything from the bustling Central Market to upscale Paseo Cayalá. Let’s explore our favorite shopping adventures in more detail below.
Key Points
- The Cuscun Cooking School in Antigua offers a hands-on Guatemalan cooking class with a market tour and scenic rooftop cooking session.
- The 5-star rated Chichicastenango Market Tour showcases the vibrant market and Mayan traditions in a personalized small group experience.
- The Market Food Tour and Tortilla Workshop combines market tastings and a traditional tortilla-making workshop in Antigua.
- The Shopping Tour in Guatemala City includes visits to the Central Market, Oakland Mall, and Paseo Cayalá for unique artisanal products.
- The tours in Antigua and Guatemala City provide air-conditioned transportation, local guides, and accommodate up to 12 travelers.
Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour
A popular cooking class offered in Antigua, Guatemala is the Guatemalan Cooking Class and Market Tour.
Hosted by the highly-rated Cuscun Cooking School, this hands-on experience allows travelers to create typical Guatemalan dishes like tamales, pepián, and chiles rellenos under the guidance of a local chef.
The class includes a visit to a vibrant local market, where participants shop for fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices.
Transportation is provided, and the rooftop cooking session offers scenic views of mountains and volcanoes.
With small groups, personalized attention, and positive reviews, this cooking class is a must-do activity for foodies visiting Antigua.
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Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour
Though located in the heart of picturesque Antigua, Guatemala, the Guatemalan Cooking Class & Market Tour offered by Cuscun Cooking School is no ordinary culinary experience.
With 84 glowing reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this hands-on class immerses participants in the vibrant local food culture.
The experience includes a guided market tour, followed by an interactive cooking session where guests learn to prepare authentic Guatemalan dishes like the National Plate, Pepián, and traditional desserts.
Private transportation, local snacks, and beverages are all part of the package.
Praised for its authenticity, culture, and warm hospitality, this cooking class is a must-do activity for any visitor to Antigua.
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Chichicastenango Market Tour
Nestled in the highlands of Guatemala, the Chichicastenango Market is a vibrant and immersive cultural experience that draws visitors from around the world.
This 5-star rated tour takes you through the bustling market, where you’ll witness Mayan traditions and have the chance to interact with local artisans. Priced at $155 per person, the tour includes snacks, bottled water, and all fees, with an additional $30 charge for pickups from Guatemala City.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the experience caters to individual paces and offers wheelchair accessibility.
Past guests have praised the tour for its cultural insights and authentic encounters, describing it as the “best tour in Guatemala for direct contact with living Mayan traditions.”
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Market Food Tour and Tortilla Workshop
This market food tour and tortilla workshop in Antigua, Guatemala, provides visitors with an immersive culinary experience.
Travelers can expect six market food tastings, a tuc tuc ride to El Comalote, and the opportunity to make three self-made tortillas.
The tour also includes a traditional Guatemalan lunch with a drink and snacks.
With a 5.0 rating from 10 reviews and recommended by 100% of travelers, this private tour is perfect for those interested in the local food scene.
Priced from $90.00 per person, the tour offers flexible booking options and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Shopping Tour in Guatemala City From Antigua
Travelers seeking an immersive shopping experience can embark on an 8-hour excursion from Antigua to Guatemala City.
The tour includes visits to the Central Market, Oakland Mall, and Paseo Cayalá, where shoppers can find unique artisanal products like textiles, ceramics, leather goods, and carvings.
Highlights include bargaining at the Central Market and exploring the high-end boutiques and eateries at Oakland Mall and Paseo Cayalá.
Transportation is provided via air-conditioned minivan with a driver-guide, and the tour accommodates up to 12 travelers.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly, and a child rate applies when sharing with 2 paying adults.
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Full Day Tour: Chichicastenango Maya Market and Lake Atitlan From Antigua
Setting out on a full-day adventure, travelers can explore the vibrant Chichicastenango Market and the breathtaking Lake Atitlan from the charming town of Antigua.
The tour includes a driver/guide, round-trip hotel transport, and an air-conditioned vehicle. Visitors can discover Chichicastenango’s colonial architecture and bustling market, then visit Panjachel on Lake Atitlan’s shores.
The tour can accommodate up to 20 travelers and offers vegetarian options upon request. While gratuities aren’t included, lunch and alcoholic drinks can be purchased.
With bilingual guides and recommended items like walking shoes and a camera, this tour provides an immersive experience of Guatemalan culture and natural beauty.
Read our full review: Full Day Tour: Chichicastenango Maya Market and Lake Atitlan From Antigua Review
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Sum Up
Antigua offers a diverse array of shopping tours, from exploring local markets to learning the art of Guatemalan cuisine. Whether you’re interested in soaking up the vibrant culture, indulging in delicious local fare, or finding unique handcrafted souvenirs, these tours provide an immersive experience that’ll leave you with lasting memories. With so many options, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences.