Day By Day

Sample Itinerary

April 7 th - 8 th

Arrival & Antigua

Our group will be met upon arrival in Guatemala City.   After a stop for a visit to this bustling capital's excellent anthropology museum and giant relief map, we'll drive the 50-minutes to the colonial gem of Antigua.   Overnight in Antigua at a charming, locally run 4-star hotel

After breakfast and a morning walking orientation in Antigua, we'll transfer by private van to the stunning Lake Atitlan, famously described by Aldous Huxley as the most beautiful lake in the world.   Caution: the ride, about 2 hours from Antigua, is on paved, but very curvy mountain roads.   If you're sensitive to car motion, have Dramamine or another motion sickness medication handy.

April 8 th - 11 th

Lake Atitlan: communities & coffee, markets, micro-loans &   Maximon

We'll explore two indigenous communities on the shores of the lake on our first afternoon, before returning to Panajachel for the evening.   Lodging in Panajachel at a charming, locally run 4-star hotel

On Sunday, we'll drive an hour to Chichicastenango to see it at the peak of market day activity.   We'll start first with a visit to the church to witness the fascinating syncretism between Catholicism and Mayan beliefs, both of which are practiced inside and outside its walls.

Our 'Coffee: from Crop to Cup' experience brings a contextual understanding of the importance of coffee in Guatemala.   From a visit to an organic coffee farm, to picking coffee cherries, to a professional style tasting, we'll explore coffee from its earthy origin to its aromatic finish. Little extras like an open air ride in the back up a pick-up truck and savoring Adele's homemade cinnamon rolls will add a delicious spice to our adventure.

One afternoon at Atitlan will be free to go horseback riding, kayaking, shopping or just relax and enjoy the magnificent views of one of the world's most beautiful lakes.

For those willing to rise early on the Tuesday of our trip, you'll witness one of Guatemala's most colorful markets, Solola, minus the hordes of tourists (as at Chichicastenango).   Both men and women wear the traditional outfits here, one of the few villages in Guatemala where the men still keep this part of the culture alive.

We'll also travel across the lake to visit Santiago Atitlan.   We'l be met by a local friend and guide who will lead of though its markets, galleries and churches.  

This town's history during Guatemala's violent civil conflict is particularly important, and we'll hear a very personal perspective.   We'll also visit the home of Maximon, a Mayan deity worshipped by many in Santiago and other towns throughout Guatemala.

Wednesday, April 12 th - 16 th

Antigua: processions & 'alfombras', weavers & farmers, food & festivals

Morning drive to Antigua.   Enjoy a free day in Antigua just as the Semana Santa activities are warming up.

  'Life of a Campesino'.   We'll meet Don Filoberto, his wife and their 11 children at their home in San Miguel, a 10 minute drive from Antigua.   From there we'll walk accompanied by mules (these can be used by anyone for whom the 1 ½ hour hike up the foothills of the volcano is too difficult) along the flanks of Volcan Agua, where Filoberto has a modest plot of farmland.  

Once we arrive at Filoberto's plot halfway up the volcano, we'll enjoy home-made tortillas and guacamole while listening to Filoberto recount his time during the late 80's and early 90's when he brought food and water to the guerilla, risking his life many times.

The atmosphere turns electric beginning around 4am on Friday morning.   For those who manage to rouse themselves from the comfort of bed, we'll head onto the streets together for a pre-dawn walk.   Believe it or not, Antigua is full of activity as the most stunning 'alfombras' (carpets) are being prepared for the Friday processions.

We'll dedicate one of our days in Antigua to the Mayan weaving tradition.   Our day leader will start us off with a morning overview at Casa de Artes, her gallery and home in Antigua.   We'll follow that with a visit to a local weaving community, visiting the workshops and spending time with several weavers

Optional Tikal Extension

April 16 th - 18 th

We'll take a short flight from Guatemala to Flores, launching point for our adventure in the El Peten region.   Once arrived and settled in, we'll set out to explore the site of Yaxhá.   Here we'll see the latest archaeological restorations taking place, tour the site and enjoy wine, cheese and sunset at Bat Temple.   Lodging at a charming and comfortable lodge set amidst the foliage of the jungle

We'll explore Tikal in the company of resident experts with a break in our explorations for a picnic lunch at the ruins.   After breakfast on our last day we'll transfer to the Flores airport and our flight to Guatemala City in time for your connections back to the US and Europe.