Antigua: ChocoMuseo Bean-to-Bar Chocolate Workshop

Summary

Antigua hands-on chocolate making class with tasting and take-home treats

You’ll get your hands messy at Antigua’s ChocoMuseo, learning every step from bean to bar alongside local guides. Taste traditional chocolate drinks, laugh over imperfect creations, and leave with your own handmade chocolates — plus a new appreciation for Guatemala’s deep cocoa roots.

What’s the experience like?

I showed up at the ChocoMuseo in Antigua still a bit sticky from the rain — didn’t expect that sudden downpour, but it kind of fit the mood. The place smelled like roasted cocoa and something sweet I couldn’t place. Our guide, Maria, greeted us with this big grin and a joke about how Guatemalan weather is as unpredictable as her grandma’s temper. I liked her right away.

The workshop started with us cracking open cocoa beans, which was messier than I thought (my hands still smelled earthy hours later). Maria explained why Guatemala matters so much in chocolate history — apparently, the Mayans were drinking cacao long before Europe even knew what it was. We got to taste two different chocolate drinks; one was spicy and caught me off guard. I tried to say “chocolate” in Spanish and totally butchered it — Maria laughed and helped me out. There were kids at another table making wild shapes with their chocolates, which made me wish I’d brought my niece.

By the end, my little tray of chocolates looked nothing like the ones in the shop display but honestly? They tasted better because I made them myself. The hardest part was waiting for them to set (you have to come back after 45 minutes if you want to take them home). Walking out into Antigua’s cobbled streets with a box of warm, lumpy chocolates felt weirdly proud. Still think about that first bite — not perfect, but real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bean-to-bar chocolate workshop

• Arrive at ChocoMuseo Antigua
• Learn cocoa history and importance
• Participate in hands-on chocolate making
• Complete chocolate from bean to bar

Top questions

How long is the bean-to-bar chocolate workshop at ChocoMuseo Antigua?

The workshop lasts about 2 hours.

Do I get to take home the chocolate I make?

Yes, you can take home 120 grams of your handmade chocolate after waiting about 45 minutes for it to set.

Is this workshop suitable for children or families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Kids can join in too.

Are there any tastings included during the workshop?

Yes, you’ll taste traditional chocolate drinks as part of the experience.

Is ChocoMuseo Antigua wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both the venue and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Where is ChocoMuseo located in Antigua?

The workshop takes place at ChocoMuseo in central Antigua.

Do I need to bring anything for the workshop?

No, all materials are provided for making your own chocolates.

What’s included

Your day includes all materials needed for hands-on chocolate making at ChocoMuseo Antigua, tastings of traditional chocolate drinks during the workshop, and you’ll leave with 120 grams of your own handmade chocolates once they’ve set — no extra fees or equipment needed.