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Autumn in Antigua is a bed and breakfast located in Antigua, Guatemala. Your bed and breakfast host, Lydia Kriniski, shares Guatemala's culture, community, and natural beauty through carefully curated immersive tours to celebrate your "Autumn" years of life following retirement. Naturally Smart Travel is a social business supporting local commerce and communities and is the tour coordinator. 

This exclusive gastronomic adventure includes private transportation, boutique accommodations, meals, and a personalized culinary experience with Chef Luis, our local Guatemalan chef. Throughout our 8-day exploration of all things gastronomic, we'll enjoy: 

- An engaging walking tour learning about the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua 

- A private market tour and cooking class with Chef Luis, creating a traditional Mayan dish

- The culinary delights of the Guatemalan Pacific coast during a day trip to Playa Monterrico. 

- An engaging evening gastronomy tour throughout Antigua to enjoy bites at authentic Guatemalan restaurants

- A relaxing overnight visit to majestic Lake Atitlan, as we embrace the healing energy of this Guatemalan gem

- Private tours of a socially conscious local coffee farm, women's weaving cooperative, and a town of local artisans

- Additional expenses cover transportation, entrance fees, and some beverages, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey. 

We ensure that every moment is an authentic delight, making Autumn in Antigua's culinary getaway an unforgettable experience.

BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS

During our time in Antigua, we will stay at the charming boutique bed and breakfast of our host,  Lydia Kriniski. Lydia's property is located just minutes from central Antigua. It features six individually styled rooms, capable of hosting up to nine guests. Additionally, there's an indoor communal area and multiple outdoor spaces for relaxation. From the premises, guests can enjoy picturesque glimpses of the surrounding volcanoes. 

While at Lake Atitlan, we embrace panoramic views and tranquility while staying at a boutique eco-hotel nestled into Santa Cruz la Laguna. 

RECOMMENDATIONS

With downtime to enjoy, we offer guests recommendations for both restaurants and sightseeing. Antigua is the most touristic town in Guatemala, offering an eclectic mix of menus ranging from local comedors (homemade food in a small space) to fine dining. You receive a list of recommended epicurean experiences to explore. 

Likewise, there are countless opportunities to get to know the local culture and immerse yourself in the community. We offer guests ideas and suggestions to make the most of your downtime.

Drawing from a background in healthcare and community wellness initiatives, Founder, Lydia Kriniski curated Autumn in Antigua to become a nurturing sanctuary, where guests find support for their travel endeavors and connections beyond mere lodging.

Meeting and connecting with fellow travelers seeking solace and companionship in their autumn years, the vision for Autumn in Antigua takes shape—a haven crafted for solo explorers, offering respite and camaraderie amidst their journeys.

Additionally, through collaborations with regional partners, Autumn in Antigua also offers authentic experiences that showcase the beauty of Guatemala while contributing to the sustainable growth and prosperity of the community and country.

Echoing sentiments of peaceful ambiance, guests find solace in the tranquil surroundings of Antigua's bustling streets, within Autumn in Antigua's colonial home. Visitors are welcomed with hospitality and dedication, ensuring each feels accommodated and embraced.

With a dual commitment to guest satisfaction and local community support, Autumn in Antigua embodies a blend of personal fulfillment and altruism. The experience stands as a testament to fostering connections and nurturing spirits, inviting guests to discover their own stories amidst the vibrant hues of Autumn in Antigua.

Arriving at Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, your Host will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors before embarking on a 1.5-hour ride to our Autumn in Antigua boutique bed and breakfast.

As you arrive, you'll be greeted with a specialty cocktail and have ample time to settle into your private room as fellow guests arrive. 

After a delicious breakfast prepared by our host, we share an exciting morning exploring the cobblestone streets of Antigua. During our private walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site, we explore the city's colonial architecture, deeply connected history, and culturally significant landmarks. 

Following the enriching tour, we savor an authentic Guatemalan lunch at a staple local restaurant, offering a delectable first bite of the cuisine of the Land of Eternal Spring. 

After, we return to our bed-and-breakfast for a sweet siesta and prepare for a free evening to discover more of Antigua at your own pace. 

Recommendations for dinner locations will be shared, ensuring a delightful end to the day.

This delightful morning kicks off with a leisurely breakfast, setting the tone for an enriching day ahead. 

First, we indulge in a morning of culinary exploration as you kickstart your day by exploring one of the cultural wonderlands of Antigua, we'll kick off our first morning with a private market tour with Chef Luis. There, he will share the secrets of local fruits, vegetables, flowers, and meats, providing insights into unique ingredients and their uses.

Second, Chef Luis will lead an immersive, hands-on cooking class, utilizing fresh produce sourced from the market. Alongside a skilled local Tortillera (tortilla maker), you'll learn the art of crafting local dishes and traditional tortillas. The culmination of your efforts comes when you savor the flavors of your homemade lunch, expertly guided by Chef Luis. 

Following an afternoon siesta, anticipate a refined yet understated Gastric Tour that begins with convenient transportation to our first destination. Our dedicated driver, accompanied by Chef Luis, will guide you through an evening of progressive gastronomic delight.

Curated by Chef Luis, the experience begins with a specialty coffee at the cafe, followed by a seamless transition to cocktails and appetizers at the next destination, as the evening continues to unfold. 

Embark on a serene and sun-kissed beach day at Playa Monterrico, after our morning departure from Antigua. Delight in the warmth of the sun and shore as we meet local fishermen returning with their fresh catch. 

Midday, we enjoy a delicious seaside lunch before basking in a leisurely afternoon by the shore or at the pool, soaking up the sun and anticipating the breathtaking sunset. 

Chef Luis will prepare fresh seafood dishes for a traditional beachfront dinner, enjoying the sound of the waves crashing as the sun retires. 

We'll conclude the day by returning to Antigua early evening after our day of coastal tranquility and culinary indulgence.

Following lunch, our morning adventure begins at San Juan del Obispo, where we savor local flavors and delve into the process of chocolate making and the production of wines crafted from local ingredients. We then meet with local artisans, offering a glimpse into their unique traditional crafts. Before departing the charming town, we'll indulge in a delicious lunch at Casa de Marco. 

The journey continues to San Antonio Aguas Calientes for a private tour that embraces the rich history and cultural significance of Guatemalan textiles. This visit supports a local women's weaving cooperative, creating opportunities for mothers and their children.

Our day begins with an enlightening visit to a local coffee cooperative, offering the unique opportunity to meet farmers firsthand and tour their farm, located along the foothills of the majestic Volcan de Agua. Following this immersive experience, we enjoy a traditional meal during lunch at the home of a local family. 

The evening is free for you to relax and explore the historic charm of Antigua at your leisure. Later, you can revel in dancing the night away during an optional salsa class as we celebrate an enriching and culturally vibrant day.

After our 7:30 am breakfast, we will embark on an overnight excursion to one of the most well-known gems of Guatemala. 

Our private transportation will gracefully lead us to the breathtaking Lake Atitlan, with a stop in Panajachel before boarding a private boat to the enchanting shores of Santa Cruz La Laguna. This picturesque Mayan village offers a serene escape, surrounded by the majestic beauty of Lake Atitlan. Immerse yourself in the rich culture as we stroll through the village, culminating in a shared sunset dinner, a moment of quiet reflection amidst the stunning natural landscape. 

This intimate experience promises a perfect blend of relaxation and discovery, capturing the essence of the tranquil charm that defines Santa Cruz La Laguna and the unparalleled beauty of Lake Atitlan.

Explore the breathtaking Atitlan Lake with a focus on discovering the charming village of Santa Cruz la Laguna. Take in the stunning views, immerse yourself in the local culture, and enjoy the unique experiences this lakeside gem has to offer.

That afternoon, we return to Antigua, allowing for a leisurely journey back to our starting point. Use this time to reflect on the week's adventures or indulge in any last-minute sightseeing opportunities.

That evening, we celebrate our unforgettable week with a Despedida (goodbye) dinner with Chef Luis. Join your fellow travelers for a memorable evening filled with laughter, good company, and perhaps a few surprises. 

It's the perfect way to wrap up an incredible journey before bidding farewell to this picturesque region.

On the final day of your memorable week, guests will start their morning with a delightful breakfast before departing for La Aurora International Airport. Your dedicated travel team will ensure a seamless and relaxed experience, allowing guests to savor their last moments in the enchanting destination.