Hi! This is Becky from the MedTreks team and I want to share you with you a few reasons why I love to travel to Antigua, Guatemala!

Spanish, Culture & Magic in December

There’s something about Antigua that keeps calling me back—especially in December. It might be the crisp morning air in the mountains, or the way the volcanoes seem to stand guard over the city, or maybe it’s the way holiday traditions spill into the streets. But really, it’s the mix of everything—language, warmth, color, connection. It just sticks.

Spanish That Doesn’t Feel Like Studying

I originally came to Antigua to improve my Spanish. I figured I’d spend a few weeks in a classroom and head home with a better accent. What I didn’t expect was to fall into a rhythm of learning that didn’t feel like studying at all. My teacher and I would wander through markets or grab coffee, working grammar into conversations about fruit prices or weekend plans. It was language by living—and it stuck with me in a way flashcards never could.

History You Walk Through

Antigua’s past isn’t locked behind glass—it’s everywhere. You brush past centuries-old convents on your walk to breakfast, or pass under the Santa Catalina Arch and feel history hanging in the air. The city has this way of telling stories without trying too hard. Locals are full of legends if you ask—and even if your Spanish is a little shaky, they’ll gladly share.

People Who Make You Feel at Home

It’s impossible to talk about Antigua without talking about its people. Guatemalans are generous with their smiles and quick to welcome you in. Initially, when I first arrived, unsure of my Spanish and kind of fumbling through daily life, people were endlessly patient. It felt like everyone was rooting for me to succeed—not just in learning the language, but in feeling at home.

December: Tamales, Fireworks & Fruit Punch

December in Antigua is joy turned all the way up, and the best time to travel to Antigua, Guatemala. Fireworks crackle in the evenings, kids parade through the streets for posadas, and the smell of ponche (Guatemalan hot fruit punch) lingers on every block. Food isn’t just delicious here—it’s shared. It’s wrapped in banana leaves, passed across the table, cooked with care. That part stays with you.

Color, Crafts & Creativity

You don’t need to go to a gallery to see art here—it’s in the walls, the textiles, the market stalls. I love wandering without a plan, turning corners and finding tiny artist studios or women weaving by hand in the plaza. It’s a city that’s alive with color in a way that feels both vibrant and grounded.

Pacaya: Where the Earth Reminds You Who’s Boss

One of my all-time favorite memories is hiking Pacaya Volcano. It’s not a brutal hike (thankfully), but it still feels like a real adventure. The landscape changes fast—green to ash to lava rock—and before you know it, you’re standing on warm earth, feeling heat rise through cracks in the ground. And yes, roasting marshmallows over volcanic vents is just as cool as it sounds.

Therefore, every time I come back to Antigua, I find something new. Something about the city makes space for reflection, for joy, for learning that feels effortless. December just amplifies it. And every time I leave, I take a little more of it with me.

Ready? Travel to Antigua, Guatemala!

Join us for a week of rich culture, hands-on learning, and natural beauty in Guatemala. Whether it’s cooking with local chefs, practicing Spanish over morning coffee, or hiking an active volcano—this trip blends connection, discovery, and CME in all the best ways. Explore the Full Itinerary & Reserve Your Spot. 

Written by: Becky Grebosky