Guatemala’s food story runs deeper than trendy dishes and Instagrammable plates. This is a country where corn is sacred, chocolate has a rich history, and food is a way of life.

On this 8-day immersive vegan adventure, you won’t just eat incredible vegan meals; you’ll step into the heart of Guatemala’s food traditions, allowing you to experience food the way it was meant to be: slow, intentional, and deeply connected to the land.

Through regenerative tourism, you’ll be supporting ethical food producers and community-led sustainability projects, ensuring that the places we visit benefit as much as we do.

If you’re ready to go beyond the plate, meet the people behind the food, and experience Guatemala in the most delicious, meaningful way possible, this trip is for you. Join me and Emma (from Vegan Adventure Holidays) for an unforgettable taste of Guatemala, one that nourishes both you and the communities we visit.

Note: While Kristin won’t be joining this departure, you’ll be in wonderful hands with Emma, the bilingual vegan tour leader who designed and led our previous Guatemala tour. With more than 20 years of experience leading groups, Emma creates unforgettable travel experiences. In fact, one couple from last year’s tour (who have traveled on dozens of vegan tours around the world) called it “the best vegan tour we’ve ever been on.” Expect the same delicious food, meaningful connections, and thoughtfully curated experiences that made the original tour so special.

Full itinerary below

Day 1: Arrive at GUA airport & Transfer to Antigua

You’ll be met at the International airport in Guatemala City for your transfer to Antigua. After you’ve settled into our gorgeous hotel in Guatemala’s former capital city, La Antigua, you’ll have time to explore.

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and as you’re strolling around town, you’ll notice it sits in the Panchoy Valley, which is known as Guatemala’s cultural center. With an abundance of ancient churches, stunning parks, conveniently placed coffee shops, and flanked by volcanoes, your adventure starts now!

There will be an early evening ‘meet and greet’ with your tour leader, Emma, and other members of the group before heading out for our first dinner together.

Day 2: Get to Know Antigua’s Roots

After breakfast, we’ll ease into our adventure with a relaxed, guided walking tour to explore Antigua’s unique architectural and hidden gems. Expect cobblestone streets, artisan crafts, local markets, and of course, incredible coffee!

Once we’ve worked up an appetite, we’ll visit one of the fully vegan restaurants this historic city has to offer. Followed by a visit to the city’s only ethical cat cafe. We’ll spend time learning about the rescue organization behind it and the work they’re doing to address the issue of stray cats in Antigua.

Enjoy some much-deserved downtime at the hotel, or go take another wander around the city, before we regroup for our first dinner together.

Day 3: Coffee, Culture, & Time to Explore

We’ll start the day with a visit to a community-run coffee farm where every bean tells a story of resilience, sustainability, and community. We’ll walk through a coffee plantation with a local farmer while they share their knowledge and personal stories of Guatemala coffee culture, how it’s planted, harvested, and roasted using traditional methods. You’ll get to taste the final product, brewed fresh at the source, and see how this local organisation reinvests in the community through this fascinating coffee cooperative.

After a morning immersed in the world of coffee, the afternoon is yours. Wander Antigua’s vibrant markets, relax in a hidden courtyard café, or take in the view of distant volcanoes from a rooftop terrace. Whether you spend the time strolling, exploring, or just sipping another perfectly brewed cup of coffee, today is about slowing down and soaking it all in.

Later this evening, you’ll experience an innovative ten-course vegan tasting menu showcasing the very best of Guatemala’s local produce with a modern, plant-based twist prepared in ways that honour tradition while embracing the future of food, so exciting!

Day 4: Support Local Families & Humane Education

On this day, we’ll head to a local organic farm where breakfast is more than just a meal. It’s a chance to see firsthand how sustainable, organic agriculture is shaping Guatemala’s food future. Enjoy fresh tropical fruit, homemade bread, and freshly brewed, locally grown coffee as you chat with your new vegan travel buddies!

Next, we head up to El Hato, a small village close to Antigua, where we’ll get our hands dirty in a community garden project that provides fresh produce to local families in the area. Whether we’re planting, harvesting, or cooking, our time will leave a lasting positive impact on the community. We’ll learn about strengthening food security, supporting local families, and participating in their humane Education projects designed to inspire compassion for animals, people, and the environment.

The day ends with time to relax, reflect, and take in the volcano views, rest up because tomorrow, we continue our journey through Guatemala’s rugged highlands as we head to Lake Atitlan, the deepest and maybe most beautiful lake in Central America!

Day 5: To the Shores of Lake Atitlán

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Antigua and begin our scenic journey to Lake Atitlán. A place that feels more like a dream than a destination! As we descend through winding mountain roads (you may want to pack your Dramamine), you’ll catch your first glimpses of the lake: a massive, ancient crater filled with deep blue water and ringed by three striking volcanoes—San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán.

Lake Atitlán isn’t just beautiful, it’s powerful, sacred, and steeped in history. Considered by the Maya to be the “bellybutton of the world,” its shores are home to a patchwork of Indigenous villages, each with its own language, textiles, traditions, and rhythm of life. You’ll feel the shift as soon as we arrive; everything slows down here.

We’ll check into our lakefront hotel, nestled right on the water’s edge. It’s the kind of place where you can sip on your tropical juice while watching clouds drift across volcanic peaks. The afternoon is yours to settle in, explore the lakeside paths, take a dip in the pool, or simply soak up the natural beauty.

Tomorrow, we cross the lake for a hands-on vegan cooking class in a traditional Mayan village and dive deeper into the traditions of the lake’s communities.

Day 6: Cooking, Culture & Crossing the Lake

The day begins with a boat ride across Lake Atitlán’s deep blue waters, passing steep hillsides where farms and villages cling to the slopes. Our destination: a small Mayan village where food is a connection to history, land, and community.

Here, we’ll meet a very special lady, Anita, a local chef whose kitchen is filled with the aroma of roasted corn and simmering spices. She’ll guide us through a hands-on vegan cooking class, sharing the techniques and traditions behind handmade tortillas, rich pepián sauce, and fresh cacao drinks. This isn’t just about cooking—it’s about understanding the roots of Guatemalan food from someone who has spent a lifetime honouring them.

After sharing a meal with Anita, we’ll take time to explore the village at our own pace, visiting local cooperatives, meeting artisans, or simply soaking in the slower rhythms of life here. By late afternoon, we’ll return across the lake, letting the hum of the boat and the shifting light on the water mark the end of another day shaped by food, culture, connection, and regenerative tourism.

Day 7: Lake Atitlán & Panajachel Nature Preserve

Wake up to the soft sounds of waves lapping against the shore and volcanoes glowing in the morning light. Today is all about tuning in to what you need. Whether you’re in the mood for movement, nature, or simply soaking up the magic of the lake, we’ve got options.

For those craving adventure, join an optional kayaking session across the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlán. Paddle past lakeside villages, spot herons along the shoreline, and take in the sweeping views of the volcanic caldera from a whole new angle.

Later, opt to explore a nearby nature reserve, where lush trails wind through forest and suspension bridges lead to cascading waterfalls. Keep an eye out for coatis, butterflies, and tropical birds as you walk beneath a canopy of native trees.

Prefer to slow it down? Stay close to the hotel and relax in a hammock, swim in the pool, or journal with a fresh juice in hand. This is your space to rest, reset, and reconnect.

Day 8: Farewells & Full Circles

This morning, we leave the peaceful shores of Lake Atitlán and begin our journey back to Guatemala City for international departures. As we wind through the highlands one last time, there’s space to reflect. Not just on the places we’ve visited, but the connections made and the impact left behind.

Over the past eight days, you’ve done more than taste incredible vegan food- you’ve helped strengthen local communities, you didn’t just pass through; you became part of a larger story of regenerative tourism, community, and compassionate action.

As we arrive at the airport and say our goodbyes, know that this isn’t the end of the journey; it’s just the beginning of a new way to travel, connect, and give back.

Guaranteed availability for this tour ends August 31, 2025.

Note: While Kristin won’t be joining this departure, you’ll be in wonderful hands with Emma, the bilingual vegan tour leader who designed and led our previous Guatemala tour. With more than 20 years of experience leading groups, Emma creates unforgettable travel experiences. In fact, one couple from last year’s tour (who have traveled on dozens of vegan tours around the world) called it “the best vegan tour we’ve ever been on.” Expect the same delicious food, meaningful connections, and thoughtfully curated experiences that made the original tour so special.

More photos from our 2025 Guatemala vegan food tour!

If you’ve been dreaming of cobblestone streets, shimmering coastlines, and nourishing vegan noms in a stunning Mediterranean setting, then this Croatia tour is all you!

Whether you’re joining us in September (open to all) or October (women-only), this 8-day journey is packed with culture, connection, and unforgettable experiences. From UNESCO World Heritage Sites and island adventures to traditional veganized Croatian meals and sunset wine tastings.

Explore Croatia’s most iconic cities: Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik
Immerse yourself in nature at Plitvice Lakes National Park
Island-hop to Brač for olive oil, beach time, and panoramic views
Roll up your sleeves for a hands-on soparnik cooking class
Sip wine at a family-run winery on the Pelješac Peninsula
Relax knowing all meals are fully-vegan and logistics are taken care of

I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Croatia and spent time in the cities (and restaurants) we’ve outlined for this special excursion. Trust me when I say this country is an absolute gem. I can’t wait to go back and share this beautiful experience with you!

$99 deposit to hold your spot
Interest-free payment plans available
Final/full payment due 60 days before departure
These will be small groups (10-12 people max per tour)
Trip total: $2,800 per person, double occupancy (single supplement: $538)

Full itinerary below

Photo Credit: ^ Traverse Blog

Day 1: Arrive at Zagreb Airport (ZAG) & Transfer to Hotel

Your adventure begins in Croatia’s vibrant capital city. After your arrival, we’ll get you settled into your hotel and give you time to relax and shake off the travel dust.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a delicious welcome dinner at a local vegan restaurant; a cozy, relaxed way to meet your fellow travelers and kick off the journey ahead.

Overnight: Zagreb
Included meals: Dinner

Day 2: Time to Explore Zagreb

We’ll start the day with a 2-hour guided walking tour through Zagreb’s historic Old Town. Expect striking architecture, quaint alleyways, and fascinating stories about the city’s past.

After the tour, the afternoon is yours! Stroll through local markets, check out some of Zagreb’s many museums, or sip coffee in one of its famous cafés.

In the evening, we’ll reunite for dinner on lively Tkalčićeva Street, a colorful pedestrian area lined with restaurants, bars, and good vibes.

Overnight: Zagreb
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Plitvice Lakes National Park

After breakfast, we head out to one of Croatia’s most beloved natural wonders: Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its cascading waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and forested trails.

We’ll walk scenic paths and soak in the stunning views (and yes, it’s even more beautiful than the photos). Then we continue on to the charming coastal city of Zadar, arriving in time to see the famous Greeting to the Sun light installation and listen to the sea play music through the Sea Organ at sunset.

Dinner tonight is at one of Zadar’s top vegan-friendly spots!

Overnight: Zadar
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Zadar → Split

You’ll have a free morning in Zadar to enjoy the sea, explore Roman ruins, or just wander the narrow lanes of the Old Town.

Later, we’ll head south to Split, where ancient history and coastal vibes blend seamlessly. The heart of Split is Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO site and one of the most impressive Roman ruins still standing. After checking into our hotel, we’ll enjoy dinner in the Old Town.

Overnight: Split
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Brač Island Day Trip

Today we take a ferry to Brač, one of Croatia’s most picturesque islands.

We’ll drive to Mt. Vidova Gora, the highest point on any Croatian island, for panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Then we head to the Olive Oil Museum to learn about local olive oil production, and enjoy a tasting featuring olive spreads, figs, fresh bread, marmalades, wine, and more.

In the afternoon, you’ll have time to relax at Zlatni Rat, Croatia’s most iconic beach, known for its unique shape and crystal-clear waters.

Dinner tonight is on your own, but you know I’ll have a bunch of recommendations for you!

Overnight: Split
Included meals: Breakfast; tasting and snack lunch at the olive oil museum

Day 6: Traditional Cooking + Wine Tasting + Dubrovnik

Today we head to a local village for a hands-on cooking class, where you’ll learn how to make soparnik, a traditional savory pie filled with Swiss chard, onions, and garlic. It’s baked under hot coals and served with stories and smiles.

Next, we visit a family-run winery on the Pelješac Peninsula, known for producing some of Croatia’s best wine. Enjoy a tasting with local appetizers as you soak in the vineyard views.

We end the day in the dazzling city of Dubrovnik, our final home base for the trip.

Overnight: Dubrovnik
Included meals: Breakfast; Soparnik lunch

Day 7: Discover Dubrovnik

This morning, a local guide will take us on a 1.5-hour walking tour through Dubrovnik’s walled Old Town, where you’ll learn about its medieval history and admire iconic landmarks like the Rector’s Palace and Sponza Palace.

After the tour, you’ll have time to explore on your own; walk the city walls, shop for handmade goods, or take a cable car up for a stunning view.

That evening, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner featuring “peka,” a traditional dish slow-cooked under an iron bell, veganized just for us. It’s the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.

Overnight: Dubrovnik
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Farewell & Departure

We’ll share one last breakfast together before transferring to the Dubrovnik airport (DBV) for your flight home. Expect hugs, group photos, and a heart full of memories.

Departure from Dubrovnik
Included Meals: Breakfast

This trip is perfect for vegans, vegetarians, veg-curious, and anyone who wants to see the world without compromising their values. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or with friends, all compassionate, kind individuals are welcome.

Questions? Email me here: kristin @ wtfveganfood . com

Some trips leave you full. Not just from unforgettable meals, but from connection, culture, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself. Our week-long vegan group tour through Guatemala was exactly that.

Yes, we ate incredible food (trust me, I’m still thinking about that French toast from Once Once), but what made this experience powerful wasn’t just what was on the plate. It was the hands that grew the produce, the women sharing their recipes, the farmers changing their communities, and the organizations building a more sustainable, equitable future through vegan food.

First Stop: Antigua

After everyone flew into Guatemala City, we settled into Antigua, a colorful, welcoming colonial city surrounded by volcanoes. We kicked off the adventure with dinner at La Bruja, a cozy vegan eatery that set the tone: delicious food, warm energy, and community right from the start.

The next morning, we watched the sunrise over lush gardens while enjoying traditional (veganized) Desayuno Chapín at Samsara. Then we spent the day not as tourists, but as guests in a community. At Garden of Hope, we played soccer and flew kites with the kids, and learned how donations and vegan education programs are creating access to food and opportunity.

Lunch at Caoba Farms tasted even better once we learned they supply fresh produce to about 80% of Antigua’s restaurants. Dinner at Almendra brought pasta, burgers, falafel, and vegan desserts that disappeared embarrassingly fast.

By the end of day one, we were already feeling full in the best possible way.

From Bean to Cup + A 10-Course Vegan Tasting Menu to Remember

No trip to Guatemala is complete without diving into its coffee culture, so we spent a morning in San Miguel Escobar for a hands-on coffee farm experience through De La Gente Coffee. A local farming family walked us through every step of the process: planting seedlings, harvesting ripe cherries, pulping, washing, drying, and finally roasting. It wasn’t just an agricultural lesson; it was a look into how coffee sustains families, preserves traditional growing methods, and supports small-scale farmers. We ended the tour sipping one of the freshest, brightest cups of coffee imaginable, and it felt like drinking gratitude straight from the source.

That evening, the trip took a wildly different, delicious turn with dinner at Quiltro, where we experienced one of the most innovative vegan meals I’ve ever had: a 10-course tasting menu that felt like edible art. From tangy pumpkin cheese to pillowy potato puffs, a chaya tostada, fermented watermelon with passionfruit glaze, silky onion dressing, torched cauliflower and yucca, and a black tortilla layered with roasted pumpkin leaves, every dish felt inventive and full of intention. Finishing up with the creamiest coconut ice cream, crowned with chopped mango.

The presentation, the creativity, the flavors- it all came together as a culinary experience that celebrated both tradition and imagination. It’s hard to believe this was only day two of the tour. So much depth, flavor, and connection, and we were only getting started.

Courtyards, Bagels & Community

Antigua mornings quickly became a favorite part of the trip. One morning, we gathered around breakfast bagel sandwiches in our hotel’s lush, flower-filled courtyard, hummingbirds dancing overhead. It was the kind of place where time slows down: soft chatter, blooming plants, warm sun, and the clink of coffee cups. The kind of peace that feels like a gift.

We returned to Juntos Podemos, where mothers from the community were taking a vegan cooking class. We observed, learned, laughed, and attempted hand-pressed tortilla-making (keyword: attempted). We supported Thrive Philanthropy, planted crops, watched an oat milk-making demo, and tasted empanadas made with love.

That night, dinner at Once Once—bohemian, chic, candlelit—stole our hearts (and appetites) with sweet potato ravioli, citrusy lemonade, and decadent desserts like vegan tiramisu, tres leches, and crème brûlée. Bliss.

Lake Atitlán: Volcano Views + A Different Pace

After a breakfast at Once Once that included the best French toast ever created, we made our way to Lake Atitlán, a volcanic crater lake encircled by Maya communities and towering peaks.

We arrived sipping hibiscus-flower juice, letting the still water and mountain air wash over us. Panajachel greeted us with a slower pace: woven textiles and colorful streets. Dinner at The Little Spoon introduced us to a menu full of bowls, tacos, salads, and comforting flavors that felt like a warm hug.

The next morning? Kayaking for some, smoothie bowls and lakeside coffee for others.

Adventure, Nature & a Butterfly-Filled Afternoon

We spent an unforgettable afternoon at Reserva Natural Atitlán: zip lines, waterfalls, and swaying suspension bridges. In the butterfly geodome, hundreds of vibrant wings flickered in every direction, like a living kaleidoscope.

That night’s dinner at Las Chinitas brought miso soup, Cambodian salads, and cozy stir-fries that were made with so much care. It tasted like something prepared in someone’s home. Lovingly, generously.

Cooking with Anita: The Experience We’ll Never Forget

On our final full day, we took a boat to San Pedro La Laguna for a farm-to-kitchen cooking class with Anita, a woman whose presence is as nourishing as her food. We cooked traditional Mayan dishes using ingredients we purchased fresh at the market. We listened as she shared her story of resilience and the creation of Atitlán Women Weavers, a cooperative supporting local Mayan women through sustainable weaving and dignified income.

We rolled tortillas, chopped, stirred, laughed, tasted, and learned. We left not just inspired, but changed.

Our farewell dinner in Panajachel was full of gratitude, gelato, hugs, and that quiet kind of happiness that comes after a meaningful journey.

More Than a Trip: Ethical Vegan Travel as Activism

This tour wasn’t about being vegan abroad. It was about:

• Support, not extraction
• Connection, not consumption
• Nourishment, not novelty

We shared tables, kitchen spaces, stories, gardens, and laughter. And we left fuller than when we arrived.

Want to Join Us Next Year?

If this kind of travel speaks to you: slow, delicious, ethical, and rooted in community- you’re invited to come with us next year.

Join the waitlist to get early access + first dibs on limited spots.
This trip will sell out, and the waitlist gets early registration.

Be the first to know when the next tour opens

Travel with intention.
Hear the stories behind the food.
Experience Guatemala, beyond the plate.

Questions? Email me anytime: Kristin @ WTFVeganFood . com

Taste the country as locals cook it, plant seeds in the Garden of Hope, and sit in on a Humane Education workshop that links animal welfare to community prosperity. Your hands-on help, plus a built-in donation, fuels community projects, turning every dish you savour into momentum for the people who serve it.

Guatemala’s food story runs deeper than trendy dishes and Instagrammable plates—this is a country where corn is sacred, chocolate has a rich history, and food is a way of life.

On this 8-day immersive vegan adventure, you won’t just eat incredible vegan meals, you’ll step into the heart of Guatemala’s food traditions, allowing you to experience food the way it was meant to be: slow, intentional, and deeply connected to the land.

Here’s a look at the highlights:

 November 2-9, 2025​
Full board 100% vegan meals
Lakeside vegan cooking class
Community coffee plantation visit
10-course vegan tasting menu experience
​ 4 nights in Antigua, 3 nights in Lake Atitlan, private transfers
4 hands-on visits to the Garden of Hope Community Project
All vegan meals, accommodations, transfers, and meaningful experiences included
 $99 deposit to hold your spot (trip total is $2,700 per person, double occupancy. Single supplement is $570)

Through regenerative tourism, you’ll be supporting ethical food producers and community-led sustainability projects, ensuring that the places we visit benefit as much as we do.

If you’re ready to go beyond the plate, meet the people behind the food, and experience Guatemala in the most delicious, meaningful way possible, this trip is for you. Join me and Emma (from Vegan Adventure Holidays) for an unforgettable taste of Guatemala—one that nourishes both you and the communities we visit.

→ Guaranteed availability ends on July 4th, 2025*

Click here to secure your spot

Book your spot here: https://tinyurl.com/wtfvf-guatemala-tour
(Be sure to mention Kristin from Will Travel for Vegan Food when you book.)

Full itinerary below

Day 1: Arrive at Guatemala City airport & Transfer to Antigua

You’ll be met at the International airport in Guatemala City for your transfer to Antigua. After you’ve settled into the joining hotel in Guatemala’s former capital city, La Antigua, you’ll have time to explore. Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and as you’re strolling around town, you’ll notice it sits in a valley, the Panchoy valley, which is known as being the cultural center of Guatemala. With an abundance of ancient churches, appealing parks, conveniently placed coffee shops, and flanked by volcanoes, your adventure starts now! There will be an early evening ‘meet and greet’ with your Vegan Adventure Holidays trip leader Emma, your host, Kristin, and other members of the group before heading out for our first group dinner.

Day 2: Farm, Food & Community

This morning, we’ll head to a local organic farm where breakfast is more than just a meal—it’s a chance to see firsthand how sustainable, organic agriculture is shaping Guatemala’s food future. Enjoy fresh tropical fruit, homemade bread, and freshly brewed, locally grown coffee as you chat with your new vegan travel buddies!

Next, we head up to El Hato, a small village close to Antigua, where we’ll get our hands dirty in a community garden project that provides fresh produce to local families in the area. Whether we’re planting, harvesting, or cooking, our time will leave a lasting positive impact on the community. 

After an eye-opening and rewarding morning of connection and hands-on work, we’ll head back into Antigua for some free time and later a relaxed walking tour of the city, sunset drinks, and another beautiful vegan group dinner together.

Day 3: Coffee, Culture & Time to Explore

We’ll start the day with a visit to a community-run coffee farm where every bean tells a story of resilience, sustainability, and community. We’ll walk through a coffee plantation with a local farmer while they share their knowledge and personal stories of Guatemala coffee culture, how it’s planted, harvested, and roasted using traditional methods. You’ll get to taste the final product, brewed fresh at the source, and see how this local organisation reinvests in the community through this fascinating coffee cooperative.

After a morning immersed in the world of coffee, the afternoon is yours. Wander Antigua’s vibrant markets, relax in a hidden courtyard café, or take in the view of distant volcanoes from a rooftop terrace. Whether you spend the time strolling, exploring, or just sipping another perfectly brewed cup of coffee, today is about slowing down and soaking it all in.

Later this evening, you’ll experience an innovative ten-course vegan tasting menu showcasing the very best of Guatemala’s local produce with a modern, plant-based twist prepared in ways that honour tradition while embracing the future of food, so exciting!

Day 4: Dig, Grow & Feast

Today, we return to El Hato, where we’ll roll up our sleeves and dive deeper into the community garden project. This isn’t just about planting veggies—it’s about strengthening food security, supporting local families, and participating in their humane Education projects designed to inspire compassion for animals, people, and the environment

After a morning in the village, we’ll gather for another incredible plant-based feast, made with fresh, local ingredients—some of which may have come straight from the garden. Expect bold flavors, handmade tortillas, and nourishing dishes that celebrate Guatemala’s rich food heritage.

The day ends with time to relax, reflect, and take in the volcano views, rest up because tomorrow, we continue our journey through Guatemala’s rugged highlands as we head to Lake Atitlan, the deepest and maybe most beautiful lake in Central America!

Day 5: From Antigua to the Shores of Lake Atitlán

This morning, we return to El Hato’s community garden for our final visit, leaving behind not just planted seeds but a lasting contribution to a project that feeds families and strengthens local food systems. It’s a moment to reflect on the work we’ve done, the hands we’ve worked alongside, and the impact of travel that truly gives back.

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Antigua and begin our scenic journey to Lake Atitlán—a place that feels more like a dream than a destination! As we descend through winding mountain roads, you’ll catch your first glimpses of the lake: a massive, ancient crater filled with deep blue water and ringed by three striking volcanoes—San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán.

Lake Atitlán isn’t just beautiful—it’s powerful, sacred, and steeped in history. Considered by the Maya to be the “bellybutton of the world,” its shores are home to a patchwork of Indigenous villages, each with its own language, textiles, traditions, and rhythm of life. You’ll feel the shift as soon as we arrive; everything slows down here.

We’ll check into our lakefront hotel, nestled right on the water’s edge. It’s the kind of place where you can sip on your tropical juice while watching clouds drift across volcanic peaks. The afternoon is yours to settle in, explore the lakeside paths, take a dip in the pool, or simply soak up the natural beauty.

Tomorrow, we cross the lake for a hands-on vegan cooking class in a traditional Mayan village and dive deeper into the traditions of the lake’s communities.

Day 6: Cooking, Culture & Crossing the Lake

The day begins with a boat ride across Lake Atitlán’s deep blue waters, passing steep hillsides where farms and villages cling to the slopes. Our destination: a small Mayan village where food is a connection to history, land, and community.

Here, we’ll meet a very special lady, Anita, a local chef whose kitchen is filled with the aroma of roasted corn and simmering spices. She’ll guide us through a hands-on vegan cooking class, sharing the techniques and traditions behind handmade tortillas, rich pepián sauce, and fresh cacao drinks. This isn’t just about cooking—it’s about understanding the roots of Guatemalan food from someone who has spent a lifetime honouring them.

After sharing a meal with Anita, we’ll take time to explore the village at our own pace, visiting local cooperatives, meeting artisans, or simply soaking in the slower rhythms of life here. By late afternoon, we’ll return across the lake, letting the hum of the boat and the shifting light on the water mark the end of another day shaped by food, culture, connection, and regenerative tourism.

Day 7: Choose Your Own Pace at Lake Atitlán

Wake up to the soft sounds of waves lapping against the shore and volcanoes glowing in the morning light—today is all about tuning in to what you need. Whether you’re in the mood for movement, nature, or simply soaking up the magic of the lake, we’ve got options.

For those craving adventure, join an optional kayaking session across the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlán. Paddle past lakeside villages, spot herons along the shoreline, and take in the sweeping views of the volcanic caldera from a whole new angle.

Later, opt to explore a nearby nature reserve, where lush trails wind through forest and suspension bridges lead to cascading waterfalls. Keep an eye out for coatis, butterflies, and tropical birds as you walk beneath a canopy of native trees.

Prefer to slow it down? Stay close to the hotel and relax in a hammock, swim in the pool, or journal with a fresh juice in hand. This is your space to rest, reset, and reconnect.

Day 8: Farewells & Full Circles

This morning, we leave the peaceful shores of Lake Atitlán and begin our journey back to Guatemala City for international departures. As we wind through the highlands one last time, there’s space to reflect—not just on the places we’ve visited, but the connections made and the impact left behind.

Over the past eight days, you’ve done more than taste incredible vegan food —you’ve helped strengthen local communities, you didn’t just pass through; you became part of a larger story of regenerative tourism, community, and compassionate action.

As we arrive at the airport and say our goodbyes, know that this isn’t the end of the journey—it’s just the beginning of a new way to travel, connect, and give back.

There are only 10 spots available—secure yours ASAP: https://tinyurl.com/wtfvf-guatemala-tour

*Guaranteed availability ends on July 4th, 2025. This means we require a minimum of 10 bookings. We will only reopen registration if we can confirm additional availability, and unfortunately, I can’t say if or when that might be.

Ever found yourself in a place so many times that people start asking if you’ve moved there?

That’s been me with Portugal lately. And while I do love the tile-covered streets, seaside views, and pastel de nata (vegan ones, of course)… the truth is, a planned 2-week visit last summer turned into 6 weeks + 2 return visits, about 2-3 weeks each, spanning 8 months.

It all started with a toothache in Brighton, UK, last summer.

A dentist there took X-rays, said I probably needed a root canal, gave me antibiotics, and told me I’d be fine until I got back to the States in a few weeks.

Spoiler: I was not fine.

By day three, I was in agony—waking up at all hours with blinding pain. I had an appointment booked in Lisbon (my next stop) just in case, but the day before my flight, the pain was so bad that I ended up at an emergency dentist in Brighton early that morning.

The emergency dentist decided on a partial root canal to relieve the pain. Unfortunately, they couldn’t fully numb the area (I would find out much later why that was). Needless to say, that partial root canal was one of the most painful experiences of my life. We’re talking tears, hyperventilating, and total panic in that chair. Every other part of my face (and throat!) was numb, so I was totally freaked out and still in pain to boot.

They did what they could, and a few hours later, I was on my flight to Portugal.

I had kept my Lisbon appointment for a second opinion… and thank goodness I did. It turns out, there’s no way I could have had a full root canal to begin with because they found a crack aaaaaall the way down to the root. This tooth had to go.

And that extraction? Same deal—partially un-numbed for most of it. I don’t recommend!

The problem, which was only discovered after the initial few yanks and cranks on the tooth , was a secondary infection tucked below the crack, within the root base. I cried again. We had to take breaks. Once they realized what was going on, they were able to numb that little infected pocket and then finished pulling the dang thing out.

Relief! Finally!

Over the next 8 months, I returned to Lisbon twice more: once to have the implant post placed, and again for the final crown. About a dozen visits in total. Five different dentists. One unexpected lesson in dental tourism.

The upside? International Advanced Dentistry (IAD) in Lisbon was phenomenal, and since my U.S. insurance doesn’t cover dental work, it was actually more cost-effective to keep flying back to Lisbon than to get it done at home.

So yes, I’ve gotten to know Lisbon very well—and not just the people who work at IAD.

If you’ve ever had a medical emergency abroad, you know how wild it can get. But honestly? It made me appreciate Portugal in a whole new way.

And now I want to share this place with you (minus the dental drama).

If you’re curious what Portugal looks like without an excruciating tooth extraction, check out the trip I’m leading next April. We’ll explore Porto, Coimbra, Évora, and Lisbon—and yes, I’ll show you my favorite vegan pasteis de nata spot too!

Here’s to finding vegan food together!

P.S. I shared this story by video, too. You can watch it here:

Full transparency: I’ve been grappling with promoting tourism lately.

The world is heavy. Politically, socially, emotionally. I know I’m not the only one carrying that weight.

I’ve found myself in some pretty dark places this year, but I keep coming back to this line of poetry from Toi Derricotte. She said:

“Joy is an act of resistance.”

Not a distraction. But a form of activism.

It’s one thing to keep going. It’s another to keep feeling. To stay open. To make space for beauty, connection, and the things that remind us who we are and what we love.

For me, one of those things has always been travel.

If you, too, have been craving something beautiful and meaningful, but you’re not sure if now is the time to reach for it, I see you. You’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for wanting joy.

That’s why I’ve ultimately decided to move forward with (finally) hosting my first guided tour!

To make sure everything is seamless, safe, and thoughtfully planned, I’m partnering with the folks at EF Go Ahead Tours to take us on…

…a journey through Portugal!

If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll notice I got to spend quite a bit of time there last year. So it feels like such a treat to invite you to join me in a country I’ve come to love so much!

Together, we’ll explore Portugal’s vibrant culture, coastlines, history, and, of course, its food scene.

Here’s a quick overview:

• When: April 12-20, 2026 (THIS TOUR IS NOW CLOSED)
• Where: Porto, Coimbra, Évora, and Lisbon
•  What: 7 nights, 5 tours, 3 dinners, expert local guides, and private shuttles
•  Hold your spot for as little as $99 + interest-free payments leading up to departure

Reserve your spot here

Choosing to do things that bring us joy doesn’t ignore our current reality; it honors it.

We’re allowed to keep dreaming, exploring, and building a more compassionate world, one step—and one journey—at a time.

Full Itinerary

Come with me to explore one of Europe’s most popular countries for its incredible culture, coastlines, history, and, of course, food scene.

Charming cities perched on peaceful riverbanks. Elegant Old Towns laced with cobblestone lanes. Too many opulent churches, palaces, and architectural gems to count. And then there are the emerald countrysides and sparkling coastlines, not to mention the mouthwatering food and wine. Is there anything Portugal doesn’t have? As you spend a week exploring the country, from Porto in the north to Lisbon and the sunny Algarve in the south on our tour extension, you’ll discover that the tiny European country really does have it all.

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Porto today.

Day 2: Arrival in Porto

Welcome to Portugal! Settle into your hotel in this 2,000-year-old, UNESCO-listed city. Later, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner!

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Porto

Navigate narrow streets and old-world architecture like a true tripeiro, or Porto resident, as you follow your city guide on a sightseeing tour. Keep an eye out for azulejos—the intricately painted, cobalt-and-white tiles that adorn church facades, train stations, and many other delightful nooks and crannies.

• Wander through the tiny riverside lanes of the Ribeira district and let your eyes dance across its candy-colored buildings.
• Pass citywide icons—such as the Baroque-style Clerigos Tower, the Gothic Sao Francisco Church, and the double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge—as you wind along the Douro River to the mouth of the Atlantic.
• Step inside the city’s Neoclassical Stock Exchange Palace and see the dazzling, gilded geometrical patterns of the Arab Room.

The best views of Porto are from the waters of the Douro. If you sign up for this afternoon’s added excursion, you’ll cruise by hillside villas and under ancient bridges, ending with a guided tour of a Port wine cellar (complete with a tasting).

Not joining the cruise? Spend your free afternoon uncovering the architectural and culinary treasures of the Ribeira district—and try to hunt down a vegan francesinha. This hearty, tomato sauce-soaked take on the French croque monsieur is a Portuense specialty.

Day 4: Évora via Coimbra

Drive south from Porto, stopping to explore Coimbra on a guided walking tour of the city. Home to the country’s first university, this slightly under-the-radar area is the fourth-largest population center in Portugal and dates to pre-Roman times. Monuments that tell the story of Roman and Moorish occupation stand alongside manicured parks and gardens.

• Coimbra University houses a flourishing botanical garden and the Joanina Library, filled with tomes that date to the 16th century.
• Around the city, narrow medieval streets twist and turn between ochre-colored buildings, virtually untouched by time.

Later, settle into your hotel in Évora. Situated among cork groves in the Alentejo region, the town is known for its picturesque, rolling hills, its compact, walled city, and its Roman, Moorish, and royal roots. Here, you’ll join your group for an included dinner this evening.

Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Évora

Follow a local guide through the streets of UNESCO-recognized Évora, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Its streets, paved with cobblestones, are culturally protected and cherished by locals. Look all around you for the yellow trim that decorates Évora’s buildings—local lore promises the color offers protection from evil spirits.

• Take in the region’s whitewashed homes and intricate tilework and make it your mission to uncover as many azulejos as possible. While some are grand displays, others are hidden in plain sight, just waiting to surprise you.
• Pass the remains of the Roman Temple, its 14 Corinthian columns standing solemnly, their capitals mostly still intact.
• Prepare for an encounter with the macabre when you enter the Capela dos Ossos—the Chapel of Bones—a 16th-century chapel lined with the skulls and bones of the interred.
• Learn about cork production with a tour of the Alentejo Cork Factory. Portugal exports more than half of the world’s cork supply, making this product of the cork oak tree essential to Portugal’s economy.

Spend a free afternoon discovering Évora at your own pace, or add on this afternoon’s excursion to indulge in the flavors of the Alentejo region. Taste olive oils with tapas at an olive farm, learn about viniculture during a visit to a vineyard, followed by a dinner featuring a guided wine tasting led by a sommelier.

Day 6: Lisbon via Alentejo cork factory

As you travel to Lisbon, stop to learn about locally produced cork and olive oil.

• Learn about cork production with a tour of the Alentejo Cork Factory. Portugal exports more than half of the world’s cork supply, making it essential to the country’s economy.
• Join a local guide for a tour of an olive farm to learn about oil production and the importance of the grove’s ecosystem.
• Sample the farm’s olive oil alongside regional tapas.

Continue south to Lisbon today, where you can discover the meaning of saudade—the crossroads between nostalgia and longing— by adding an evening fado show to your itinerary, featuring Portugal’s traditional music.

Prefer to spend the evening on your own? Ask me or the Tour Director for a recommendation, or grab some of your travelers and head to the Graça district for a panoramic view of Lisbon from an uphill perch. You can also begin (or end) your night out with a punchy Lisbon specialty: taking a shot of ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur.

Optional add-on: enjoy a Fado show tonight.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Lisbon

Get to know the alluring Portuguese capital on a tour with a local guide. Roam historic neighborhoods adorned with pastel buildings while a gentle Atlantic breeze whispers over cobbled streets and plaintive fado music fills the air.

• Stop at Eduardo VII Park to take photos and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• Back on board your coach, drive along Avenida de Liberdade and past Lisbon’s important landmarks, including the busy Praça Marquês de Pombal roundabout, the Rossio rail station, with its pair of horseshoe-shaped front doors, and the Santa Justa lift, a 19th-century Industrial Age marvel turned beloved visitor attraction.
• Stop at the waterfront to discover the city’s maritime heritage at the Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower, the latter of which served as a point of embarkation and disembarkation for Portuguese explorers.
• Enter the church at Jerónimos Monastery, which was built in honor of voyagers.
• Make your way to Placa do Comercio and walk to Casa de Bicos, or the House of Spikes, a 16th-century palace whose facade is covered with more than 1,000 spike-shaped stones.

Sign up for the add-on cooking class or spend a free evening on your own! Ask me or the Tour Director for a recommendation, or head to the Alfama district for a panoramic view from Saint George’s Castle. You can also begin (or end) your night out with a Lisbon specialty: a shot of ginjinha, the local sour cherry liqueur.

Day 8: Free (and last) day in Lisbon

Vividly hued architecture and impossibly perfect gardens will greet you in Sintra should you choose to add this special excursion to the former playground of Portuguese royalty. If you’d prefer to set out on your own, explore the green expanse of Parque Florestal de Monsanto, a massive swath of protected forest right inside Lisbon’s city limits.

Optional add-on: Sintra and the Portuguese Riviera.
Or you could sign up for a vegan food tasting tour with local vegan foodie, Tara from Vegan Family Adventures.

Later, we’ll celebrate our trip with the group at a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Ready to journey with me through Portugal?!

The tour is priced in double occupancy. For those traveling alone, there are single rooms available. For travel buddies wanting to room together and pay separately, the best way to book is by phone (they can also arrange flights for you)!

3 ways to secure your spot today:

1. Call GoAhead at 1-800-438-7672 (reference Kristin Will Travel for Vegan Food Portugal Tour)
2. Visit the dedicated booking page, HERE.
3. Request a call (recommended): This will allow you to pick a time that works for you to schedule someone from GoAhead to call you! Grab a spot on their calendar HERE.

Note: This is not a food tour. It’s a guided country tour that includes vegan meals. But since your gurl is the Group Coordinator, you know I’ve got you covered on the food front!

Can’t wait for this and hope to see you there!

Protein-Rich Food to Keep Up Energy Levels

Being in the outdoors is an exciting time for your little friend, who will be thrilled at having a whole new world to explore. Just as you’re packing yourself some trail mix, make sure you keep up your companion’s energy levels by bringing a protein-rich vegan dog food. You’ll enjoy watching them bound along happily when you walk along forest trails. 

If you’ve always thought that meat is necessary to keep your doggo healthy, that isn’t really true. It’s the protein that’s mandatory, even if this crucial macronutrient is sourced from plants. As long as canines get all of the essential amino acids for tissue-building, they’ll thrive and stay healthy.

Hiking Dog Harness

Keeping your furry friend secure during your traveling/camping trip is important. You’ll want to make sure they don’t take off after a butterfly or squirrel and get lost. Plus, camping areas and hiking trails have other people. Be considerate and keep your puppy on a leash to avoid disturbing other hikers. You’ll need a sturdier harness that works more efficiently than a leash or collar. 

Something with double leash points gives you a stronger grip in case your buddy tugs and tries to get away. Controlling excitement and being well-behaved can be hard in a new place with exciting new scents and sights.

Portable Bowls for Food and Water

Investing in a set of collapsible bowls for food and water is a great idea. Sets designed for outdoor ventures come with a fastener that can be cinched and sealed to prevent spilling. Fill a matching water bowl with fresh, clean water, and you’re sorted. Do remember to have some extra food for the traveling/camping trip. All that excitement and activity is going to make your little one hungry.

Bonus: Grooming and Bathing Afterward

The ASPCA recommends that you bathe your dog at least once every three months. Of course, it is advisable to check with the vet for advice on keeping your buddy’s fur clean, tangle-free, and free of allergens and fleas. Time a grooming session right after the camping trip so you get rid of all the dirt and mud they might have picked up on the trail. Check out pet services prices close to where you live and do let them know about your floofy friend’s adventure in the wilderness. 

A camping trip in the woods is a great way to spend some wonderful time with the family—including your dog(s). Make sure you have the necessary supplies to keep everyone comfortable and have a memorable trip!

So last month a dear friend introduced me to eve, a company that makes beautiful wallets and handbags from sustainably- and ethically-sourced cork. Upon browsing their website I was immediately drawn to this blue Bora tote.

The Bora is not only big enough to carry my computer and several books or notebooks but it has a top zipper. Oh yeah! Top zippers mean less risk of things fall out or someone reaching in. Although if anyone gets closer than 6 feet away from me these days I’m already moving in the opposite direction.

The Bora has several inside pockets, and one along the back, making it easy to separate out pens, a wallet, cards, keys, and of course hand sanitizer!

QUICK NOTE: This gorgeous blue color of the Bora will be discontinued once it sells out so if you like this one be sure to get your hands on one ASAP. Use “WTFVEGANFOOD” at checkout to get 15% off any order!

With sustainability and “the greater well-being of people and our planet” as the centerpiece of the company, Eve wallets and bags are ethically sourced and handcrafted in Portugal. The cork comes from family-owned farms and is carefully removed from the trees by hand.

Did you know that harvesting the bark from a cork oak tree every 9 – 10 years helps the tree to grow and live longer? “As the cork tree continues to mature and go through harvest, the tree is able to absorb more carbon dioxide to support its bark regeneration.  As a result, our harvested trees will filter more carbon dioxide than those left untouched, resulting in cleaner air for everyone.” Eve

The wallets and bags are assembled using organic cotton, vegan glues, and natural vegetable-based dyes, and no harsh chemicals.

The detail and durability of the stitching, buckles, and zippers, is made clear even only after using the Bora for just a couple of weeks! I also really like the sort of weathered appearance it has, caused by the natural grain and texture of the cork itself.

So yeah, even though I’m still doing my part by staying home and social distancing, it is really lovely to have something other than Coronavirus to talk about right now (even if just in this written format). Honestly, the simple act of unpacking this tote (after it was quarantined for a few days first of course) brought such a welcomed sense of joy and gratitude. It’s those little things that really count right now. And always.

Eve online: https://www.evecork.com/
Eve on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eve.cork/
Eve on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evecork1/

Get 15% off any Eve order by using the code “WTFVEGANFOOD” at checkout.

Last December I had an incredible opportunity to spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as I was coming off of my sponsored round-the-world trip with VeganTravel.com. Here is a bit of the culinary tour I took while in this incredible city (some tourist attractions included) –

(1) Vegan street foods of Saigon…

Street foods (listed in order they appeared) –

Rice noodle dish @ Ben Thanh Market
Xoi bap & mung bean snacks
Sugar cane juice
Pomegranate & pomelo juices
Che chuoi chung
Fried bananas
‘Kashew Cheese’ vegan cheese brand
Dau hu
Banh tieu
Mangoes & pomelos dipped in chili spices

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(2) What I ate [on a different] day…

Istanbul, Turkey: Vegan Food tour video: http://bit.ly/2r5CoLN

Food Stops –

Ben Thanh Market
PlanTrip Cha (juice place in 3A Art Area)
Healthy Farm (the one with the faux egg! Address: 42 Tran Hung Dao, Ward Pham Ngu Lao, District 1)
Trang Sen Vegetarian Restaurant (213, Le Van Luong Street, Tan Kieng Ward, District 7)

Touristy Stops –

Ben Thanh Market
Museum of Fine Arts
3A Alternative Art Area
Saigon Central Post Office
Independence Palace (starts at minute 7:36)

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THE GOAL = Reach our first milestone with our Patreon support of $800 by June 30th.

https://www.patreon.com/wtfveganfood

Today marks the halfway point and we are less than $10 shy of $400 so far.

WHY = The ultimate plan is to have enough resources to build a crew and create and produce a proper VEGAN TRAVEL SHOW pilot season, that we’ll then use to pitch big networks to pick up and make it an internationally televised show.

Every bit helps and since Patreon is a monthly donation platform. That’s why contributing even $1 makes a huge difference. That’s ONE MORE dollar every single month that will go toward all the various works that I do here at Will Travel for Vegan Food.

Can you help?

Join the PUSH here: https://www.patreon.com/wtfveganfood

If you’d like to get caught up on the past HALF MONTH’s worth of dances—or are just really bored and looking for something to do—I’ve got them ALL linked below! Hehe!

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