Martsam Travel weaves community-led culinary tours into Guatemala vacation packages, blending food, culture, and local connection.
A recent program brought a group of international travellers to Antigua’s vibrant central market, where local guides introduced ingredients and culinary traditions passed down through generations. Guests were then welcomed into a family-run colonial kitchen to participate in a cooking workshop, learning to prepare dishes like tamales and traditional stews using ancestral techniques.
The workshops are part of a larger initiative to support Indigenous women and local artisans through sustainable tourism. As a gesture of solidarity, each traveller received a colourful, hand-sewn apron produced by a Maya family-owned sewing cooperative, contributing to the local economy and recognizing traditional craftsmanship.
“This isn’t just about tasting food; it’s about understanding where it comes from and who preserves these traditions,” said one participant.
In addition to Antigua, the travellers explored cultural and ecological sites, including Tikal National Park and nearby communities in the Petén region. These experiences are part of Martsam Travel’s broader effort to create responsible Guatemala vacation packages that connect travellers to local heritage and support community well-being.
Martsam Travel plans to expand these immersive culinary tours as part of its evolving Guatemala vacation packages, focused on authentic culture, regenerative practices, and community collaboration.