One of the most fun and delicious experiences we had during our time in Antigua, Guatemala, was making our own chocolate bars at ChocoMuseo. Nestled in the heart of this charming colonial town, ChocoMuseo is a must-visit for any chocolate lover, and it gave us the perfect opportunity to create something special to bring home as a souvenir.
When we walked through the doors of ChocoMuseo, we were instantly greeted by the rich, sweet scent of chocolate. It was impossible not to smile! The building itself is filled with history and charm, which made the whole experience feel even more authentic. They offer a variety of chocolate workshops, but we opted for the Bean to Bar experience, where we could make our own chocolate from scratch.
Our workshop began with a crash course in the history of cacao and its significance in Guatemala and the Mayan culture. We learned that cacao has been used in the region for centuries, not just as food but as currency and for ceremonial purposes. It was fascinating to see how something so beloved today had such deep roots in the culture of the past.
From there, we dove into the hands-on part of the workshop. Our instructor walked us through the entire chocolate-making process, starting from roasting the cacao beans. We then cracked them open and ground them by hand using a traditional stone grinder—definitely a workout! As we worked, we were encouraged to taste the beans at each stage, which was an eye-opener. Who knew cacao could taste so different as it transforms from bitter beans to the sweet treat we all know and love?
The best part of the workshop, of course, was crafting our very own chocolate bars. After grinding the cacao into a paste, we got to choose our mix-ins to customize our bars. ChocoMuseo offers a huge variety of ingredients, from classic choices like nuts and dried fruit to more adventurous ones like chili flakes and sea salt.
We each picked our favorite flavors and poured the molten chocolate into molds. I went with a mix of almonds and a pinch of sea salt, while Dalan opted for a more exotic blend with chili flakes and cocoa nibs. Watching our bars take shape was so satisfying, and we couldn’t wait to taste the final product!
After the bars had set, we finally got to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The chocolate was divine—rich, smooth, and bursting with flavor. It’s amazing how much better something tastes when you’ve been part of the process from the very beginning!
As a bonus, we even got to take home the bars we made. They were the perfect handmade souvenir to remind us of our time in Antigua and our day spent learning the art of chocolate making.
ChocoMuseo isn’t just about making chocolate bars; it’s a full sensory experience. Between learning the history, seeing the traditional tools, and actually making the chocolate by hand, it felt like we were truly connecting with a piece of Guatemalan culture. Plus, the ChocoMuseo shop is filled with other treats like chocolate tea, cacao nibs, and a variety of chocolate bars, which makes it a great place to pick up gifts for friends and family.
Our time at ChocoMuseo was easily one of the highlights of our trip to Antigua. It’s a fun, interactive way to immerse yourself in the rich history and flavor of Guatemalan chocolate, and we walked away with not only delicious souvenirs but a deeper appreciation for the craft. If you ever find yourself in Antigua, do yourself a favor and make your way to ChocoMuseo for this sweet adventure!
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