Classic Cultural Guatemala

Today we will head out to the Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala’s former second capital, buried by an earthquake-triggered mudslide in 1541. Along the way, we can stop off at an interesting experimental macadamia farm in the village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, we will see the women’s textile cooperative for hand weaving and natural dye processing of the textiles. We will be able to enjoy an interactive experience with traditional dance and local music with the women and enjoy a nice local dish called “pepian” made of local spices with pork, beef or chicken. In the afternoon, we will head for a tour of the city's ruins, churches, and museums. The stories and legends of colonial times are still part of everyday culture and we will visit: La Merced Church, Convent Las Capuchinas, Saint Joseph Cathedral, Central Park, the local craft market & Chocolate Museum.

Today we will head to the market town of Chichicastenango, where the Mayan and Catholic traditions come together in glorious and colourful fashion! The scent of incense and the people's mysticism offers a unique atmosphere found only in Guatemala. The combinations of tastes, smells and colours combine uniquely here in this traditional highland village. We will then head to the Lake Atitlan, where we will spend the evening.

Today, we will visit San Juan La Laguna, where we can see the women’s textile cooperative for hand weaving and natural dye processing of the textiles. We will also visit the homes of the famous naïf painters before we continue to Santiago Village. We will then head to see the famous Maya deity, Maximon and learn about the textiles, spiritualism and beliefs of the T’zutujil Maya. Each year a different family houses the saint of the town, taking care of their cigarette smoking God. We will then head back to our hotel for the evening.

After breakfast, we will visit the historical site of Iximche in Tecpán, a Mayan city founded in 1463. The city was important before the Spanish arrived and almost a century later, it played a decisive role in the Spanish conquest of this region of Guatemala. The remains of the city can still be found in the surrounding pine forests, with its ceremonial plazas, temples and ball courts still on display. We will enjoy a traditional lunch in Tecpán before heading back to Antigua for the final evening of this cultural tour.

Today is the final day of this cultural tour. We will take you to the Guatemala City International Airport in time for your flight home or on to your next exciting destination.