Exploring the Land of Eternal Spring: Antigua, Guatemala

Guided tours to Atitlan, Acatenango and Pecaya

The two most common tours to book in Antigua are to Lake Atitlán and to the two closest volcanoes, Volcán Acatenango and Volcán Pacaya. Lake Atitlán sits in a massive volcanic crater after its super volcano, Los Chocoyos, erupted for its final time and its chamber collapsed, forming a caldera. River water flowed into the caldera, forming the lake you see today, Lake Atitlán. The 12 surrounding Mayan villages offer hot springs, nature hikes, kayaking, scuba diving and visits to Mayan deities and honey and textile co-ops. There are also vendors selling traditional Mayan textiles and garments and hand-crafted works of art. This day trip is great for families, but pack your patience — the drive there is about 2.5 hours. Nevertheless, it is a rewarding and fun-filled day on the lake.

Volcán Pacaya is the smaller of the two volcanoes and less risky and easier to hike. Beginner to intermediate-level hikers, including families with middle-aged children or older, can book a 6-hour journey. This often includes food, gear, at least one bilingual guide and marshmallows for roasting at the top. Volcán Acatenango is steeper and longer to climb at an elevation of just over 13,000 feet at the summit. The views, however, are spectacular, likely including eruptions from neighboring volcanoes. Wear layers and pack your hiking boots. Heat radiates from the crevices of charred rocks on the ground, which can be jagged and tricky to navigate at times.

Guided coffee tour via mountain bike

Cruise a smooth and mostly flat 8 miles from Antigua on treelined paths to an 18th-century coffee plantation and museum. Sample delicious brews while local guides share the history and traditions of Guatemalan coffee from hundreds of years ago. Tours include bike rental, helmet, mechanical assistance, entrance fees to the farm and museum, bottled water for the ride, a light lunch and smoothie, guide and vehicle support if needed.

Workshops

Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop at ChocoMuseo: This delightful 2-hour workshop takes you through the incredible chocolate-making process from cacao bean to chocolate bar. A hands-on experience that lends itself to travelers of all ages, also includes chocolate drink tastings and taking home your own chocolate creations made with the help of instructors on site.

Visit the ruins on foot

Guatemala is a walking city — nearly everything is accessible on foot with a good pair of comfortable and supportive walking shoes. Must-sees include the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, the main gathering square called Parque Central, the Baroque-style La Merced Church and the historically and culturally significant San Francisco El Grande (San Francisco Cathedral of 1530).

Shopping

Vendors and markets selling traditional textiles, handcrafted gifts, works of art and more are abundant throughout the city. My favorite markets were Nim Po'T, Mercado de Artesanias and Mercado Central. Flex your negotiating skills at the two latter markets to get the best price. Prices at Nim Po'T are fixed.

• Artista de Café: Start your day with a smooth, aromatic coffee drink brewed from freshly ground beans. Prepared to your liking with care and intention at Artista de Café. Despite a minimalist design, this open-air, multi-functional space is as creative and dynamic as it is relaxing and sociable. The menu offers light, fresh eats for breakfast and lunch, and a variety of coffee and tea drinks. Alongside the two coffees, the Avocado Toast, topped with thinly sliced radishes and a fresh squeeze of citrus. The French Toast is finished with a berry compote and edible flowers. These two dishes were winners for us.

• Cafe Sky: Known for its 360 terraces where you can admire gorgeous rooftop views of the city and take in a Guatemalan sunset. This restaurant/ bar offers a nice mix of traditional and non-traditional food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We opted for breakfast and decided on their 'Panqueques' (pancakes), Huevos Rancheros with fresh tortillas and Lomito Antigueño, a generous platter of grilled steak, beans, guacamole and plantains. It is a great spot to enjoy before or after visiting the San Francisco el Grande because of its close proximity. However, visit at night to cheer on your favorite soccer team over cocktails.

• Caoba Farms: What started with a vision for growing arugula and other salad greens, grew into a sustainable business consisting of two working farms. As well as a plant-forward, organic restaurant, a children's play area, a butterfly sanctuary, a grocery store selling their own fresh eggs, veggies, coffee and a nursery all situated on 45 acres. There is even a four-person eco-friendly cabin available for rent if you choose to stay longer. My family and I walked the beautiful grounds and enjoyed their Mediterranean Platter, Caoba Salad, Chicken Burger, fresh, fruity juices and even shared a brownie.

• Fernando's: Perfect for a light snack after a day of exploring. Fernando's doubles as a sit-down restaurant and shop where you can take some of their house-made goodies home. Their empanadas are served with a side salad and are large enough for two or three to share. The banana bread is a favorite among locals, and their fresh juices give you just the energy you need to press on. Don't forget to take home freshly roasted coffee beans!