Guatemala Artisan Stories and Uncharted Beach Adventure

Upon arrival at Guatemala City Airport (GUA) you will transfer to the colonial city of Antigua (approx. 1.5 hours). After checking in at the hotel, one of our representatives will meet you with all tips and recommendations to make the most of your time in Guatemala and answer any questions you may have. Followed by a free evening to relax after your flight and explore the town. 

After breakfast, you will go on a half-day walking tour of Antigua. You will be walking the colorful cobblestone streets and will have the opportunity of learning the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, visit markets, ruins and the major landmarks of the city. After lunch, you will take the chicken bus to San Antonio Aguas Calientes to meet with the artisan association in charge of hosting your first homestay experience with a Guatemalan family. 

After breakfast, you will visit the local market, do a carpenter workshop and will learn to fabricate the world famous "Worry Dolls" with a women's association from San Antonio Aguas Calientes.  After enjoying lunch with the women, we will take the chicken bus to San Juan del Obispo to do a chocolate workshop to learn the artisan production process and significance of this once sacred bean. You will return to San Antonio to enjoy one last meal and night with your host family. 

In the morning you will transfer to the Iximché Cultural Monument, capital of the Kaqchiqueles and one of the first cities to be conquered by the Spaniards in the highlands (approximately 1.5 hours). You will have the opportunity of taking a guided visit and exploring the many structures of this sacred site of great cultural importance. After finishing the tour, you will transfer to Panajachel (approx. 1.5 hours) to take a short boat ride to San Pedro la Laguna.  This will be the first night of your stay in the highlands.

Surrounded by primitive art, beautiful textiles and majestic views, San Juan will give you a warm welcome and the opportunity to interact and learn the way of life and customs of its T’zutujil villagers. You will be visiting local cooperatives and associations to learn the use of medicinal plants and healing and the background and evolution of naif art. You will also enjoy a rustic lunch in a Women's Cooperative. In the afternoon we will begin our natural dyeing and textiles workshop.

After enjoying breakfast you will take the public boat and colectivo to the town of San Antonio Palopó across the lake. After learning and helping during the ceramics production with a local workshop, you will head back to the women's cooperative to continue with your naturally dyed weaving. 

After an early departure you will take a boat to Panajachel (approx. 40 mins). Upon arrival, you will transfer to the town of Chichicastenango to visit the largest market in Central America (approx. 1.5 hours). Market days are Thursdays and Sundays and are bustling with artisans, farmers and travelers. Chichi market is the heart of Guatemalan trade and offers all sorts of crafts, textiles, local produce and living tradition. You will also have the opportunity to visit the cemetery and Santo Tomás Church. After lunch you will transfer back to the lake.

Tulle has worked as a natural barrier and filter for Lake Atitlán for a long time. In recent years, the amount of tulle plantations all over the lake has decreased due to high demand and the use of the plant for handmade crafts. You will have the opportunity to work hand in hand with tulle farmers, learning its properties and water processes, and how it is used to create your own "petate". Enjoy your afternoon in Santiago at leisure or head back to San Pedro to relax. Free evening. 

You will enjoy an early breakfast by the lake before you transfer to the Guatemalan Pacific (approx. 3 hours)  to enjoy a few days at the beach.  After enjoying a fresh catch lunch, venture into the mangrove or enjoy the waves. In the afternoon we will visit La Poza del Nance with a local conservation NGO - a sanctuary where the ocean meets the mangrove and you can watch turtles all year round. After learning about conservation efforts and seeing the sunset in the mangrove, we will return to enjoy a campfire dinner.  

In the morning you will be able to enjoy a surf or paddle board lesson with the local community guides and surf champions of El Paredón Buena Vista.  Feel free to enjoy your day as you wish. 

Enjoy a free morning at the beach before we transfer to Antigua (approx. 3 hours) to  say goodbye to Guatemala. Free evening. 

Time has come to say goodbye to Central America for now and head home.  3 hours ahead of your flight you will transfer from your hotel in Antigua to GUA airport for your departure flight.