Antigua: Guatemalan Cooking Class & Rooftop Meal with Locals

Summary

Guatemalan dishes, rooftop views, and laughter in Antigua’s kitchen

You’ll join local chefs in Antigua for a hands-on Guatemalan cooking class—choose your favorite dish to prepare, then share stories and laughter as you cook together. Afterward, enjoy your meal on a rooftop terrace facing Volcán de Agua. Private transportation and lunch are included for an easygoing day that feels like family.

What’s the experience like?

Carolina was already stirring something that smelled like toasted chilies when we walked into Cuscun’s kitchen in Antigua. I’d barely set my bag down before she handed me an apron and grinned, “Ready?” I wasn’t sure—my Spanish is patchy at best—but Iris, her sous chef, just winked and showed me how to grind spices with this heavy stone thing (I think it’s called a molcajete). The air had that mix of garlic and wood smoke you only get in real kitchens. We picked Pepián for our main dish—honestly, mostly because I liked the way Carolina said it, with this little roll on the ‘n’ at the end.

Iris told us stories about Jocotenango while we chopped vegetables—her hands moved so fast I gave up trying to keep up. She laughed when I tried to pronounce “subanik” (I still can’t say it right). Every so often you’d hear a chicken clucking from outside or someone calling to a neighbor in the street below. It felt like being inside someone’s home, not a classroom. When the sauce started bubbling, Carolina let us taste it off wooden spoons. Spicy, but not in-your-face spicy—more like layers you notice after a second. We made tamales too; mine looked lopsided but nobody cared.

Lunch happened up on their rooftop terrace, which has this view of Volcán de Agua that sneaks up on you when you’re not paying attention. The table was set simply—ceramic plates, bright woven cloths—and we all ate together. There was this breeze that kept blowing the napkins around and everyone just shrugged and laughed about it. I’m not sure if it was the food or just sitting there with people who felt like friends after two hours, but I still think about that meal sometimes when I smell roasted tomatoes back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Authentic Guatemalan cooking class

• Meet chef Carolina and sous chef Iris
• Learn about Guatemalan food and culture
• Choose a traditional Guatemalan dish
• Prepare the selected dish
• Taste dishes on rooftop terrace or indoor dining

Top questions

What Guatemalan dishes can I learn to cook in Antigua?

You can choose from Pepián, Jocón, Kak'ik, Subanik, Tamales, Chiles Rellenos, and typical Guatemalan desserts during the cooking class.

Is vegetarian food available at this cooking class?

Yes—all dishes offered during the class can be made vegetarian if you prefer.

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held at Cuscun Cooking School in Antigua Guatemala and includes experiences in Jocotenango village.

Do they include transportation for this Antigua cooking class?

Yes—the tour includes private transportation for guests.

Will there be local guides or chefs teaching?

Yes—you’ll be guided by local chefs Carolina and Iris throughout the experience.

Is lunch included with the cooking class?

Yes—after preparing your chosen dishes, you’ll enjoy lunch together on-site.

Are alcoholic beverages provided during the tour?

Yes—the experience includes alcoholic beverages along with snacks and bottled water.

Can I book this as a private group experience?

The reference mentions custom-made classes; contact Cuscun directly for private group options.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation from Antigua to Jocotenango and back again, all ingredients for your chosen Guatemalan dishes (vegetarian options available), bottled water throughout the experience plus snacks and alcoholic drinks as you cook. Lunch is shared either on their breezy rooftop terrace overlooking Volcán de Agua or indoors if weather changes—restroom access is always nearby for comfort.