Our Guatemala journey is an intimate exploration of friendship, discovery, and hands-on creativity that goes far beyond conventional travel. From the cobblestone romance of colonial Antigua to the mystical volcanic shores of Lake Atitlán, we'll immerse ourselves in Guatemala's vibrant artistic soul—learning directly from the master craftswomen and cultural guardians who keep centuries-old traditions alive.

Picture yourself grinding spices alongside Maya women whose families have perfected pepián for generations, or working natural indigo dyes under the guidance of a renowned textile artist. We'll share laughter over hand-pressed tortillas, try our skills at traditional backstrap weaving, and connect with contemporary artists whose work bridges ancient wisdom and modern expression.

We have easy, interest-free payment options. 

This isn't rushed sightseeing—it's mindful discovery. We move at a pace that honors both the landscape and the culture, creating space for genuine connections, quiet reflection, and spontaneous moments of joy that become the trip's most treasured memories.

Our backdrop? Some of Earth's most dramatic scenery. Thirty-seven towering volcanoes (three still active) pierce the skyline, while ancient Mayan ruins emerge from dense rainforest canopies. Shimmering highland lakes reflect morning mist, and colonial facades glow golden in the afternoon sun. Your senses will be awakened at every turn—by the rich aroma of handmade empanadas and complex pepián stews, the vivid geometries of traditional textiles worn with pride, and the primal calls of howler monkeys echoing through jungle temples.

Please note that this is a sample itinerary. Accommodations and activities may change but we will always replace them with something of equal or better value.

1. Authentic Cultural Immersion Move beyond typical tourist encounters with hands-on experiences led by local masters—from an intimate cooking class with a beloved doña to an indigo dyeing session to a coffee farm visit where we learn about time-honored, earth-friendly growing methods.

2. Sacred Maya Fire Ceremony Experience a profound spiritual ritual in a hidden cave, led by an indigenous guide who will share the cosmovision of the four elements while blessing personalized jade pendants with your individual nahual (spirit animal guide).

3. Antigua's Living History Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage jewel that features baroque churches standing alongside crumbling convents, flowering vines cascading down centuries-old stucco walls and an energy fueled by the frisson of Mayan traditions and modern ideas.

4. Lake Atitlán Village Encounters Journey by boat across Guatemala's most beautiful lake to visit authentic Maya communities, learning traditional weaving techniques from women's cooperatives while surrounded by three majestic volcanoes reflected in crystalline waters.

5. Optional Tikal Extension Extend your adventure to explore Tikal's towering temples rising from pristine rainforest—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the ancient Mayan world meets incredible biodiversity.

Jeannie Ralston, right, loves Latin America culture, having lived in Mexico and traveled extensively throughout Central and South America. This itinerary was informed by her dear friend, Holly, left, who was born and raised in Guatemala. Jeannie can’t wait to experience this fascinating country of Mayan traditions, sumptuous landscapes, and Spanish colonial flair along with other adventurous women. 

Touch down at La Aurora International Airport where our team provides a warm Guatemalan welcome. Enjoy a scenic 90-minute transfer through changing landscapes to reach Antigua, your base for the next three nights.

 Settle into the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage jewel—one of Latin America's best-preserved colonial cities where European baroque architecture harmoniously blends with indigenous cultural elements.

For dinner, we'll experience Monika Grave's pioneering restaurant, where German precision meets Guatemalan soul. Welten was among Antigua's first establishments to celebrate local produce using within international recipes, creating a legacy of genuine hospitality that's kept original staff members as part of the family for decades.

We'll begin at the Foundation for Fine Arts and Culture, where over 4,000 pieces tell Guatemala's artistic story from pre-Columbian origins to contemporary expression. Wander through the Casa Museo's curated galleries and tranquil gardens, concluding with wine or coffee while absorbing creative inspiration.

Colonial walking tour: Explore Antigua's living postcard scenery with a guided journey through cobblestone streets lined with pastel facades. Pass the iconic Santa Catalina Arch, vibrant artisan markets, and hidden courtyards while learning stories of Spanish grandeur and modern creativity.

Hands-on cooking experience: Join doña Betsy and her team of highland Maya women for an authentic culinary journey. Learn family recipes using indigenous ingredients while preparing vibrant sauces, rich pepián, handmade tortillas, and traditional beverages. Share your creations around the table with marimba music, stories, and celebration.

Coffee Tasting: An expert mixologist guides you through Guatemala's distinctive regional coffee flavors, followed by a specially crafted cocktail featuring the beans you've just sampled.

Sustainable Coffee Experience
Venture into the Agua Volcano slopes to San Miguel Escobar for an intimate encounter with Guatemala's coffee heritage. Meet farmers practicing earth-friendly methods passed down through generations. Try your hand at cherry picking and traditional roasting while discovering how ancient tools shape each cup's distinctive character.

Local Lunch in San Juan el Obispo
Savor regional specialties in this charming highland village.

The Indigo Project Studio Visit
Meet textile artist Olga Reiche in her inspiring studio, where Maya heritage meets contemporary sustainable fashion. Learn to prepare natural indigo dye vats and experiment with ancient techniques using only traditional materials—creating your own naturally-dyed textiles to treasure.

Chichicastenango Market Adventure
Journey to the Maya highlands for one of Guatemala's most vibrant cultural experiences. Navigate colorful stalls brimming with handwoven textiles, pottery, flowers, and ceremonial items while absorbing the energy of highland life and the aromatic blend of copal incense.

Church of Santo Tomás
Witness where Maya rituals beautifully blend with Catholic traditions in this sacred space.

Cemetery Cultural Stop
Visit the town's brilliantly painted cemetery where ancestral beliefs are honored through color and ceremony.

Lunch at Los Cofrades
Enjoy regional cuisine in this highland cultural center.

Lake Atitlán Arrival
Scenic afternoon transfer to Panajachel with breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán and its three guardian volcanoes.

Maya Marimba Dinner
Dine at José Pingüinos while enjoying an authentic performance by a Maya Ladies Marimba orchestra.

Maya Fire Ceremony
Begin with a profound spiritual experience in San Jorge La Laguna's sacred cave. An indigenous spiritual guide leads this ancient ritual using offerings of candles, incense, flowers, and corn to honor the four elements—fire, water, air, and earth. Receive a blessed jade pendant featuring your personalized nahual glyph, your Maya spirit guide determined by the sacred calendar.

Lake Village Boat Tour
Cross pristine waters to San Juan La Laguna, celebrated for its women-run weaving collectives and vibrant artistic traditions. Participate in hands-on dyeing and backstrap loom weaving workshops with master artisans.

Santiago Atitlán Cultural Encounter
Fresh local lunch followed by learning about Maximón, the revered folk saint who embodies the synthesis of Maya and Catholic spiritual traditions.

Farewell Lakeside Dinner
Return to your lodge for a soulful dinner overlooking Lake Atitlán's mystical beauty.

Studio Visit with Paula Nicho Cumez
Travel to San Juan Comalapa, "the Florence of Guatemala," for a private encounter with this renowned Kaqchikel Maya contemporary artist. Paula's dreamlike paintings explore female empowerment through ancestral Maya spirituality—her work graces the Smithsonian's permanent collection and represented Guatemala at the 2024 Venice Biennale.

As co-founder of the Kaqchikeles Surrealist Painters cooperative and subject of the award-winning film Del Azul al Cielo, Paula shares her journey as artist, Maya woman, and cultural guardian in her inspiring studio space.

Local Lunch in San Juan Comalapa
Taste regional highland cuisine in this artistic community.

Iximché Archaeological Site
Explore this remarkably preserved late Maya Cakchiquel city (founded 1463) nestled in gentle pine forests. Walk among four ceremonial plazas with their temples and ball court—spaces that still host contemporary Maya worship ceremonies.

Culinary Excellence at 7 Caldos
Dinner crafted by distinguished chef Mirciny Moliviatis, recognized among Forbes' 100 most influential women in Central America and winner of the Gourmand Awards' Best in the World honor for her cookbook "Viviendo la Receta."

Return Transfer
Morning departure for La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City with time for international flight connections.

En Route Lunch
Final taste of Guatemalan cuisine at a carefully selected local restaurant.

Inclusions

• Private ground transportation and domestic flights to/from Flores

• 2 nights boutique accommodation with breakfasts

• 1 lunch and 2 dinners

• All entrance fees and activities

• Round-trip airline tickets (23kg checked luggage included)

Domestic flight to Flores with airport meet and greet service. Evening check-in and welcome dinner at your rainforest lodge.

UNESCO World Heritage Exploration
Full day discovering Tikal—one of the Maya world's most powerful ancient cities and a dual UNESCO designation for both cultural significance and natural biodiversity. Towering temples rise above jungle canopy like stone sentinels of lost civilization.

Explore the Grand Plaza, Temple IV, and Lost World Complex while learning about royal dynasties, sacred rituals, and extraordinary astronomical knowledge. Walk beneath towering ceiba trees listening for howler and spider monkey calls, watching for toucans and parrots dancing through the canopy.

Rainforest BBQ Lunch
Enjoy fresh-grilled cuisine within the park's pristine natural setting.

Farewell Dinner at Capitán Tortuga
Final celebration on charming Isla de Flores.

Morning transfer to Mundo Maya Airport (15 minutes) for domestic flight arriving at La Aurora International Airport with time for international connections.

Available Flight Times:

• 7:20 AM – 8:30 AM

• 10:25 AM – 11:25 AM (TAG Airlines)