Our Story
More Than a Tour Company
We're locals who fell in love with sharing our city. What started as showing friends around became something bigger.
The Beginning
Like many great ideas, it started with a group of friends. Travellers would come to Antigua and ask us the same questions: Where should we eat? What should we see? Where do the locals actually hang out?
So, we did what came naturally—we showed them.
No clipboards. No megaphones. No rehearsed scripts. Just friends walking through cobblestone streets, sharing stories about the ruins, the food, the legends, and the occasionally questionable decisions that make this city feel so alive.
After years of working for the biggest names in the tourism industry and exploring over 40 countries between us, we found something was missing. Too many tours felt sterile with rigid protocols designed for instagram rather than genuine connection. We knew that whether you're backpacking or traveling in luxury, the most unforgettable experiences are built on authenticity and honesty.
That's when we realised that our "friend tour" was exactly what people were looking for. Not a boring history lesson. Not a bus window view, but a real, human connection to Antigua with memories and stories that last a lifetime.
So Walking Tours Antigua was born. And our philosophy hasn't changed: friends first, guides second.
What We Believe
Our Values
Friends First
We don't do scripts. Every tour is a genuine conversation — you'll leave with stories, not just photos.
Deeply Local
We live here. We eat here. The spots we show you are the spots we actually go to on our days off. No hidden fees and zero commissions.
Fun Over Formality
History is fascinating — but only when it doesn't feel like a classroom. We keep it real, fun, and engaging.
Safe & Inclusive
Everyone is welcome. We create spaces where every traveller — solo, couples, families, LGBTQ+ — feels at home.
The People Behind It
Meet the Team
Choko
Certified Guide & Co-Founder
Meet Choko, a certified guide and proud ambassador of Guatemala. After years leading tours across Mexico and Central America for major travel companies, he earned a reputation as one of the region's top guides. But for Choko, this was never just a job; it was a calling.
He eventually left the corporate tourism world to create something more personal, believing that travel should be human and flexible, not rigid or rehearsed. With a background spanning law, communication, and organic agriculture, Choko brings a depth to his tours that goes far beyond a standard script. As a local musician and writer, he is a natural storyteller who transforms history and culture into living, breathing experiences.
As a local himself, Choko is driven by a desire to challenge the industry's less transparent practices. Having seen firsthand how local providers were often undervalued, he has built a model rooted in integrity—where every partnership is fair, and the community thrives alongside the traveller.
After exploring over 20 countries, Choko understands what travellers truly crave: honesty, adventure, and genuine connection. When he isn't sharing the secrets of Antigua's cobblestone streets, you'll find him mountain biking, hiking, or indulging in his slightly nerdy passion for Magic The Gathering.
Choko's mission is simple: to help you fall in love with his country on his own terms—free from clichés, ethically grounded, and full of authentic, meaningful moments.
Kirsty
Heart of the Project & Co-Founder
Meet Kirsty, she is the heart of this entire project. While her story began outside of Guatemala, we believe home is where the heart belongs—and hers is firmly here. Her presence has shaped our vision, blending international standards with a genuine passion for creating meaningful experiences.
With a professional background in the healthcare industry, Kirsty brings a level of organisation, care, and attention to detail that strengthens everything we do. Her perspective as a seasoned traveller helps us anticipate the small details that make a massive difference for international guests. Having explored the world herself, she deeply understands the importance of safety and trust—especially for solo travellers and young women—ensuring every guest feels welcomed and respected.
Kirsty is also the driving force behind our commitment to the community. She believes tourism should be a force for good, which is why we prioritise supporting family-owned businesses and creating real opportunities for locals. Warm, thoughtful, and rooted in purpose, Kirsty ensures that every journey with us is not only professional but also safe, kind, and unforgettable.
A Family Business
We are a small, down-to-earth family business built on a simple idea: to stay together while doing the work we love. Instead of following a corporate path, we chose to create something meaningful on our own terms—something personal, honest, and deeply rooted in the community.
Our tours are more than just experiences; they are a way to support our family, create opportunities for others, and share the beauty of Guatemala with the world. When you choose to walk with us, you aren't just booking a tour—you are supporting a local dream and helping ensure that tourism benefits the small businesses and people who make Antigua so special.
We believe the best experiences come from real people and genuine connections. That is exactly what we aim to share with every guest who joins our family for a day.
Friends First, Guides Second
Come Walk With Us
We can't wait to show you our Antigua. Browse our tours, or just say hello — we're always happy to chat.