Looking for fun activities to do when visiting Antigua, Guatemala?
Two of the best ways to experience a new culture are by getting to know the people who live there and by trying their food.
During my trip to Antigua we booked an immersive cooking experience with Cuscun and in this post I’ll highlight what to expect during that activity.
If you’re looking to book an experience directly with Cuscun here’s a link to their website. As a heads up you’ll need to use a browser that supports translating web pages if you can’t read Spanish!
Once you’re done reading this post be sure to hop over and watch my Cuscun Cooking Class video guide available on YouTube. It’ll give you a firsthand look at what to expect during your visit!
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What to expect when booking a Cuscun cooking class
Perhaps the best part of booking a cooking class experience with Cuscun is that they will take care of all the logistics for you!
They organized a private shuttle which picked us up in front of our Airbnb and took us about 15 minutes outside of the city center to where Cuscun is located.
Not only did Cuscun take care of our ride but they also arranged for us to have a translator as part of the experience.
It was also a great opportunity for us to explore an area of Antigua we wouldn’t have otherwise ventured out to. While the city center is accustomed to tourists, the Cuscun class takes place in an area less traveled by visitors.
After being dropped off along the main road our translator and guide Pampa led us down an alley to Cuscun’s entrance.
At this point I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but as soon as we popped inside I knew Cuscun meant business.
Their location doubles as a home for our host Joaquin who lives there with his family. Cuscun was beautifully decorated on the interior but Joaquin had an even better surprise for us.
We were led to the rooftop where the class would take place. On the table was what seemed to be a never ending supply of fresh produce and other ingredients. It was very obvious by this point that we were in for an amazing experience.
Not only was the rooftop expertly decorated, but the panoramic views of the Guatemalan hillsides made the entire setting feel like something out of a fairytale. I would’ve paid just to hang out up here with a cold beer!
The weather in Guatemala is temperate which means this open air roof top cooking experience is a great option no matter what time of year.
Just be mindful that once the sun goes down it can get chilly so don’t forget to pack a jacket even if it’s warmer earlier in the day.
Before getting started Joaquin offered us all a drink, do not fear as there is a bottomless supply of beer and wine for you to enjoy while cooking.
Once you have a cold drink in hand it’s time to get to work!
Even if you don’t have much experience cooking don’t let that stop you from booking this activity. Joaquin and our translator Pampa were both extremely helpful and knowledgable around the kitchen.
Everything will get accomplished it will just be a question of how much you and your group want to take on personally.
The whole prep and cooking process probably took a couple hours. The primary dish we were working to prepare was called Gallo en Chicha which is a popular local cuisine.
We also made sides, soup and a dessert. Once all of the work is done you’ll sit down for a family style dinner on the roof top to reap the rewards of all your effort.
Joaquin and Pampa were well versed in the kitchen so it wasn’t a surprise that the food turned out incredible.
Again, if you aren’t an expert chef don’t let that deter you! They will be with you every step of the way to ensure your meal turns out as amazing as ours did.
Honestly I think describing this as a cooking class really understates what you should expect from this experience. I considered it more like having dinner with a local. Joaquin runs this business out of his home and we became friends with him and our translator Pampa.
Activities like this are a great way to support local entrepreneurs and to get an inside read on what to do in their city.
Speaking of which, Pampa was also able to point us to a really cool brewery called Antigua Cerveza located in the center of town. Be sure to check that out during your trip as well.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Guatemalan culture during a visit to Antigua a cooking class with my friends at Cuscun is a surefire way to try authentic Guatemalan cuisine, meet some fun locals all while enjoying incredible views of the surrounding area. I can’t recommend Cuscun enough!
Check out these activities available in the area
Looking for more ways to fill out your trip itinerary? Be sure to check out the list of activities below from GetYourGuide.
Did you find this guide helpful? You should check out my Cooking with Cuscun YouTube video with highlights from our dinner!
I’ve also put together a helpful guide highlighting some of my favorite activities in and around Antigua. Be sure to check that out as well! In that guide I’ll cover activities such as a visit to Cerro De la Cruz, how to rent ATVs in Antigua and more!