Today we will visit the Grupo de Apoyo Mutuo (GAM) digital archives, a project that aims to digitize, preserve, and provide access to over 3,700 case files of disappearances tied to Guatemala’s civil war (1960-1996). Our guided visit will allow you to come up close to the tales of the war and will provide a historic context for the next few days and parts of the country we will visit.   After enjoying a rustic lunch in Guatemala City Center we will transfer to Antigua Guatemala (1.5 hours approx.) where you will spend the afternoon walking the colorful cobblestone streets and learning the history of this UNESCO World Heritage site, we will also visit markets, ruins and major highlights of the city along with the majestic views of surrounding volcanoes. 

Accomodation: Posada San Vicente 

After an early breakfast we will transfer to the Pacaya Volcano National Park (1.5 hours approx). This adventure and hands on hike will take you to explore one of the three active volcanoes in Guatemala. We will learn more about the volcano’s history, agriculture and latest activity; we will also be roasting marshmallows in the lava and will have a pic-nic lunch together. After the hike we will transfer back to Antigua to spend a free afternoon in town.

Accomodation: Posada San Vicente

Learn the process from bean to cup with small-holder coffee farmers from a sustainable development and fair trade coop in the village of San Miguel Escobar, just 15 minutes outside Antigua. We will experience a day in the life of a farmer. After a short hike up Agua Volcano to see the coffee fields, we will be invited into the farmer's house to learn about and utilize the machinery used to process coffee.  The best part comes at the end when we get to roast coffee in the traditional Guatemalan way, over the fire, and share a fresh cup of coffee and lunch with the farmer and their family. After our visit we will take a short transfer to the town of San Juan El Obispo where we will visit a Cacao Cooperative and will learn more about the production process from bean to bar.

Accomodation: Posada San Vicente

We will begin our day in the town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes were we will learn how to make the world famous Guatemalan worry dolls and will also learn the traditions of the Kakchiquel people of the village, the women will also teach us how to prepare local delights and we will be able to explore the town with them.   

After the class we will have our first homestay experience with a local artisan association, the representatives will greet us with our host families will take us personally to their homes, were we will meet the rest of the family and have the chance to relax before having dinner together. This homestay is also the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself with in the traditional lifestyle of the population.

Accomodation: Homestay 

We will enjoy breakfast with our host families before transferring to the beach town of El Paredón Buena Vista (2 hours approx.) to enjoy a few days by the sea. We will participate in an interactive clean oceans workshop with a local NGO.  We will learn about the educational activities and how the community is involved in the efforts of keeping the beach clean and sustainable growth of the village while providing education and business opportunities through entrepeneurship. 

Accomodation: Surf Camp

Today we will then take a boat through the mangrove where we will visit the turtle sanctuary known as “La Poza del Nance”. This unique lagoon where the ocean meets the mangrove is a feeding area that allows visitors to observe sea and fresh water turtles all year round.  On the way back we will stop to collect Mangrove propagules for a short reforestation activity and we will collect as much as trash and single use plastic as we can find. At the end of the day we will enjoy a beach bonfire and dinner together, where we will reflect on lessons learned and will also exchange ideas with the NGO staff.  

Accomodation: Surf Camp

Today we will say goodbye to the Pacific coast before heading out to the highlands of Lake Atitlán. We will drive to Santiago Atitlán (3 hours approx.), one of the largest t’zutujil villages of the Lake. After checking in to our hotel we will begin exploring the town with our local partners and artisan association. 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, learn its properties and the process to use inside the water and how it is used to create your own "petate" respecting artisan techniques.  

In the afternoon we will visit a group of weavers, embroiderers and ikat artisans that will take us up close to the context, background, complexity and the importance that represents carrying the millenary traditions that have been inherited generation by generation. The t'zutujil population of Santiago also carries the scars and wounds of the 36 year long civil war. You will come up close and personal to the tales of the war, you will also visit the war memorial, catholic church and the Cofradía of Maximón to learn about the religious syncretism between Maya cosmovision and Catholicism. In the afternoon we will take the boat to San Juan la Laguna, where we will be spending the next few days at an ecological hotel in the mountains. 

Accomodation: Eco Hotel Mayachik

 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.    We will learn the process of natural dyeing and textiles with women weavers, the use of medicinal plants and healing with women healers and will see an art demostration with Maya art pioneers. We will also enjoy a rustic lunch with the María and Benedicto from EcoSpanish School and will have time to explore the rest of this colorful town. After a busy day we will head back to our hotel to enjoy the evening. 

Accomodation: Eco Hotel Mayachik

Today we will venture into the surrounding mountains at the foot of Atitlán and Tolimán volcanoes, we will take the boat back to Santiago Atitlán where we will be hiking and will have the opportunity to appreciate huge trees, preserved by locals over the centuries. Part of the mountains crossed by the route are recovery areas, where the re-growth of native trees is again attracting the Quetzal and other birds that had disappeared after the civil war in Guatemala.   Our interpretative hike will include learning about the flora and fauna of the forest; the ancestral and spiritual stories of the Tz’utujil lands and the economic social situation of the farmers who live and work in these mountains. Once we head back to our hotel we will meet with Dr. Jessica Kind, climate change specialist to share a conversation and finish the day and head back to San Juan.

Accomodation: Eco Hotel Mayachik

After an early breakfast, we will take the boat to the town of Panajachel (25 mins approx.), upon arrival we will take the bus to Chichicastenango to enjoy market day (1.5 hours approx). 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; in these sacred venues it's still possible to observe rituals. This town also holds the great history of the one of the gems of Maya literature, the Pop Wuj. We will have lunch at a local venue and will also observe a performance of a traditional Maya Dance and will share with a Maya priestess. 

Accomodation: Hotel Kaqchiquel

In the morning we will say goodbye to the Lake and will head to Atitlán Nature Reserve to go on a zip-lining adventure through the forest. We will then head out to visit MAIA impact school in the town of Sololá, this award winning school is creating a generation of empowered girls who have the knowledge and resources they need to lead choice-filled lives, break cycles of poverty, and ignite transformational change in their communities. We will visit their facilities and will learn more about their sustainable development efforts and leadership creation. We will enjoy lunch on route and will transfer back to Antigua Guatemala to enjoy a final group dinner and night. 

Accomodation: Posada San Vicente

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

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