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6 NIGHTS 7 DAYS

Guatemala Origo Style

Artisan Connections

Embark on an 8-day journey through the Guatemalan highlands, where rich traditions intertwine with breathtaking landscapes. Explore iconic regions and connect with local communities, sharing time with weavers, artisans, and cultural leaders who proudly preserve their ancestral heritage.

Day 1

Upon arrival at Guatemala City Airport, your private transfer will take you to the enchanting colonial city of Antigua Guatemala (approximately 1.5 to 2 hours).

Once checked into your hotel, you may relax on the terrace or head out to explore the city at your own pace. Today you’ll have the chance to wander through cobblestone streets full of life, admire colorful facades, and soak in the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage treasure.

Day 2

Wake up in beautiful, heritage-rich Antigua!

Today you’ll visit the Chokojol Juyú School of Culture, located in the nearby town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes. This village is renowned for one of the most complex textile techniques: brocade, which features designs on both sides of the fabric.

Local women will also teach you how to handcraft a bracelet using their traditional methods.

Day 3

Your culinary adventure begins today. Your local food expert will pick you up at your hotel and guide you through Antigua’s central market, where you’ll gather all the ingredients for your hands-on cooking class.

Then, roll up your sleeves and learn how to prepare three traditional dishes: tamales, pepián, and a refreshing local drink.

Day 4

Say goodbye to Antigua!

Your private transfer will take you on a scenic 3.5-hour drive to the majestic Lake Atitlán. Along the way, you’ll stop at the archaeological site of Iximché, once a thriving Maya Kaqchikel city and later the first capital established by the Spaniards during the colonial period.

With your guide, you’ll explore the temples and plazas of this historic site.

Day 5

A private boat will carry you across Lake Atitlán to the colorful town of San Juan la Laguna, known for its murals, stunning textiles, and breathtaking views.

Today’s experience will be with an inspiring collective of Maya women weavers. In an open-air space surrounded by nature, you’ll learn the ancestral art of natural dyeing and weaving, from spinning cotton and preparing plant-based dyes to mastering the techniques of the backstrap loom.

Day 6

Today you’ll visit the vibrant community of Santiago, Atitlán.

A scenic boat ride will bring you across the lake to this picturesque town, nestled between the majestic Atitlán and San Pedro volcanoes. Santiago is celebrated for its world-class textiles, where men and women collaborate in three intricate processes: weaving, jaspe (ikat dyeing), and embroidery.

Day 7

A day of discovery in the communities of San Antonio Palopó and Santa Catarina Palopó.

Your first stop will be in San Antonio, a tranquil town that has remained off the radar of mass tourism yet stands out for its exquisite textiles and remarkable ceramics.

This craft was introduced by the renowned artist and master potter Ken Edwards, whose legacy continues today in four locally owned workshops. Here, you’ll witness the creative process firsthand and learn about the three unique types of clay found in the Guatemalan highlands.

Day 8

Enjoy one last cup of exceptional Guatemalan coffee and bid farewell to this beautiful country as you transfer to the airport for your return flight.

We’re delighted you chose to explore Guatemala with us, we hope it has been an unforgettable journey!

Don’t be a stranger, we look forward to welcoming you back soon.


About this Journey

GUATEMALA

Each encounter offers a deeper understanding of Guatemala’s living traditions, expressed through textiles, crafts, and daily life, while inviting you to reflect, connect, and be inspired. This journey is more than travel; it’s an invitation to experience cultural exchange, authenticity, and the human stories that bring these lands to life.

8 DAYS IN GUATEMALA

An invitation to experience cultural exchange

Savor Guatemala’s delicious local cuisine and enjoy regional flavors at every stop along the way. From vibrant streets to hidden gems, each experience will be a delight!

Visit the Chokojol Juyú School of Culture, learn about the brocade technique, and weave your own bracelet.

Discover local spices, aromas, and ingredients while joining an interactive traditional cooking class.

Explore, on a guided visit, the fascinating archaeological site of Iximché.

Participate in an interactive workshop with a group of women from San Juan la Laguna, in the warmth of their home, and learn how to create natural dyes while working with plant-based fibers.

Get involved and learn from embroiderers, weavers, and community leaders in Santiago, Atitlán, as you immerse yourself in Maya symbology and cosmovision.

Enjoy a day trip to the communities of San Antonio Palopó and Santa Catarina Palopó, visiting weaving cooperatives and ceramics workshops, and paint your own tiny wooden house as a keepsake to take home

What's Included

Included

Accommodation

Tours and activities

Airport transfers

Specified meals

Ground transportation

Not Included

Travel insurance

Optional activities

International flights

Tips and gratuities

Your Tour Operator

About Your Hosts (Etnica)

We are a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to building bridges between travelers and local communities in Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico.

Through our extensive network of partnerships, we organize for you in collaboration with Origo, a memorable adventure where you’ll discover hidden gems, a curated selection of community projects, experienced guides, and immersive travel experiences.

We prioritize responsible travel and co-creation, always valuing the preservation of heritage and cultural identity.

Our commitment to community-based tourism ensures that every journey leaves a positive and lasting impact, empowering local communities and supporting their sustainable development.

Our experience has allowed us to welcome hundreds of travelers from around the world, earning us recognition from the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) as one of the winners of the 2021 Global Startup Competition.

Artisan Connections

JOIN US for this unique experience.

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