Puerto Quetzal Shore Excursion: Gastronomic cultural & traditional Antigua

You will be met at the cruise pier where you will be picked up and transfer to Antigua Guatemala.

Antigua Guatemala is outstanding and the best-preserved colonial city in Latin America. Tourists visit Antigua Guatemala every year from around the world to enjoy its natural beauty and historic monuments. The Spanish Colonial style permeates every part of the town: its houses, churches, squares, parks and ruins, also its traditions and folklore as well. Antigua is a city of charm and color where you can see and buy an overwhelming variety of attractive, handmade products that honor the traditions of generations of artisans.

We are going to explore the Antigua Guatemala Market (we will learn about the history of the grains, vegetables and fruits). The main foods that were in Mesoamerica before the Conquest were corn, beans, squash, cacao and chili and to remember a bit our past we will have the opportunity to be in touch with local people and will learn how to make tortillas that is made of corn.

The Central Park is located at the heart of the city, surrounded by the traditional grid pattern frequently utilized in Spanish urban planning in the colonies. The park is surrounded by the Palace of the Generals Captain, City Hall, the church of San José (formerly the Cathedral of Guatemala), the Archbishop’s Palace and the Portal of Commerce. Here, visitors will also find the Mermaid´s Fountain. The Count of Gomera built the fountain in remembrance of a popular legend, which tells the story of a King whose daughters gave birth but did not want to nurse their children.

Visit to an emblematic restaurant of Antigua Guatemala well known for its variety of local dishes, we will know what kitchens were like in ancient times and we will taste a delicious Guatemalan desserts made with local ingredients, also we will appreciate the amazing landscape that offers the terrace, from this view we will appreciate the Santa Catalina Arch, La Merced Church and other important buildings

Continuing our experience we will taste local dishes and we will know about its history, we will have the opportunity to meet the most important dishes for the Guatemala Gastronomy, These creations of culinary art were born during the sixteenth century and represent the fusion of pre-Columbian cuisine with ingredients of Hispanic Arabic origin. Most of the dishes are made with Vegetables, meats and spices. Also we will have the opportunity to taste an icon dish of Antigua Guatemala, well known for its peculiar flavor and ingredients that make it up.

Visit to the Capuchinas convent where we can see vestiges of ancient cuisine and where many of the native recipes of Guatemala originated

Then continuing our experience we will visit a Guatemalan typical candy shop where we will learn about the elaboration process and history also will appreciate the handmade candies and made of local ingredients and fruits.

At the end of our walking through Antigua, we will return to Puerto Quetzal to board your cruise.