Julie Marchese
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
ARRIVE IN GUATEMALA
Welcome to Guatemala! Our representative will meet you at the airport and assist with your private transfer to your hotel in Antigua.
Established in 1543, the historic city of Antigua combines old world charm with modern luxury. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Guatemala, Antigua has a colonial feel with prominent Spanish influences evident in the architecture and culture. Explore the quaint cobblestone streets and taste regional cuisine.
Good Hotel is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of old town Antigua. This pleasant spot combines minimalist design with old-world charm to achieve a warm and inviting atmosphere that is sure to make you feel at home.
Good Hotel is awesome and sources all of their food from regional organic farms and supports the local community through their numerous charitable partnerships.
Overnight Good Hotel
Day 2
VISIT TO A LOCAL SCHOOL AND WALKING TOUR OF ANTIGUA
Breakfast this morning is served á la carte with plenty of healthy options available. Try a cup of the hotel’s locally grown coffee before embarking on a full day learning about the Niños de Guatemala school program.
Today you travel to a village to learn about the Niños de Guatemala school programs. This is an organization that provides education and various health benefits to underrepresented youth. You go with the program coordinator via local bus to the school. You have the opportunity to assist the teachers and staff for the day or enjoy an exchange with the students by practicing your Spanish and English skills together.
At 2:00 PM, you’ll meet your guide who will take you on a walking tour of Antigua. Antigua is full of beautiful historic sites such as the Arco de Santa Catalina, an iconic 17th-century archway, and the stunning Iglesia de La Merced, an 18th-century Spanish church famous for its intricate stonework and yellow exterior. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the winding streets and spanish courtyards before returning you to your hotel for dinner.
Overnight Good Hotel
Day 3
ANTIGUA TOUR, COMMUNITY LIBRARY, AND CREATIVITY PROJECT
Today, you will take a morning tour of Antigua and try some street food.
After lunch, you’ll drive to a village located in the outskirts of the beautiful community of San Antonio Aguas Calientes. Here you will meet the after school program of Caldo de Piedra, which provides a safe space for kids and encourages them to form habits of reading books, creating art, music, and playing like kids! It brings out the best in everyone – both the kids, staff and the visitors by promoting creativity, connection and learning opportunities.
Professor Carlos is the backbone and leader of this fascinating community library. You will have the opportunity to learn how Professor Carlos and this amazing project came to life. You will also learn how the project self-sustains and he’ll include you in the day’s activities.
Overnight Good Hotel
Day 4
VISIT TO LOCAL COOPERATIVE, FAMILY-RUN COFFEE FARMS
After a relaxed breakfast, your guide will collect you and you’ll transfer to San Miguel Escobar town where you will get to experience a day in the life of a coffee farmer. The families that farm coffee in the region are part of a larger cooperative group that helps get farmers a fair price for their coffee and sustain their livelihoods and their families.
Start by taking a short hike up Agua Volcano to enjoy the view and learn how coffee is grown and harvested. After the hike, head to the farmer’s home to learn about the coffee roasting process where you’ll also get the chance to roast your own coffee beans! Top off the experience by sharing a freshly brewed cup of delicious Guatemalan coffee and a local family-style lunch.
Transfer back to Antigua in the evening.
Overnight Good Hotel
Day 5
CHICHICASTENANGO MARKET VISIT AND TRANSFER TO LAKE ATITLAN
After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby to transfer you to Chichicastenango. This vibrant town is buzzing with activity and is known for its beautiful handcrafts. Your guide will accompany you to local churches known for their magnificent Spanish architecture.
Spend the afternoon exploring the market and browsing through the brilliantly colored stalls. It is not unusual to witness cultural ceremonies that combine indigenous and Christian rituals. Later, transfer to Lake Atitlan where you will check into Hotel Atitlan.
This charming hotel is beautifully furnished with traditional decor and boasts stunning views of the lake and mountains. Spend the evening exploring the picturesque gardens or lounging by the pool. Dinner that night is available for purchase at the hotel.
Overnight Hotel Atitlan
Day 6
WEAVING WORKSHOP AND COOKING CLASS
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the hotel, board a boat to San Juan la Laguna where you will be introduced to your Mayan teacher for the day.
Begin your weaving workshop by touring the organic gardens where various plants are grown to be used as natural fabric dyes. Learn traditional weaving and dyeing techniques that have been passed down through generations. You will also get to flaunt your skills in the kitchen as you have a chance to help the Mayan women prepare a traditional Guatemalan meal for lunch. Take the boat back to the hotel in the afternoon to enjoy some time at leisure before dinner at the hotel this evening.
Overnight Hotel Atitlan
Day 7
KAYAKING AND TRANSFER BACK TO ANTIGUA
After breakfast at the hotel, board the boat to Santa Cruz for a kayaking adventure. Spend the morning paddling along the shore and admiring the colorful gardens that dot the landscape. Enjoy the sunshine and splash in the clear water before reuniting with your driver and transferring back to Antigua.
After a four-hour private vehicle transfer from Atitlan, check into the opulent Porta Hotel — a beautiful Spanish-style building with magnificent gardens and dining. Spend the afternoon as you wish, luxuriating in the full-service spa or exploring the city, before returning to your room for the night. Lunch and dinner can be purchased at the hotel or at any number of nearby restaurants.
Overnight Porta Hotel
Day 8
Departure
Enjoy breakfast this morning at the hotel’s Los Moros Restaurant. When you are ready, transfer to Guatemala City Airport to catch your flight home.
