guatemala holy week
Mar 18 - 26, 2024
Spectacular Semana Santa Processions plus beautiful Lake Atitlan
Spectacular Semana Santa Processions plus beautiful Lake Atitlan
- Pace: Active, lots of walking on cobble-stoned streets, may be warm
- 9 days/8 nights
- Scheduled dates: 2024: Mar 18-26
- 2024: $1850 per person/double with minimum 10. With 6: $1975
- Single supplement $500 (limited) Singles are either a double room at single rate or a smaller room.
- Optional Tikal itinerary and pricing on request
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Considered one of the most colorful celebrations in the New World, processions and vigils are scheduled throughout Lent, but none are as beautiful and magical as those in Antigua, Guatemala, the lovely colonial city just one hour from the capitol. We have chosen to attend the amazing Palm Sunday procession, where thousands of men in purple Roman robes carry life sized - or larger - wooden figures, which tell the Easter story. The processions go through the streets of Antigua, passing over elaborate, colorful alfombras (carpets) made of flower petals and colored sawdust. This tradition has gone on for centuries; there is mention of it back to the 1500's.
Also in Antigua, we visit a small coffee co-op, part of a 'direct trade' project. One of the 32 growers in the coop will show us around his/her small finca, where s/he also grows other crops for the family. At their home, we'll see how coffee is separated, roasted and ground, followed by lunch with the family. A chocolate making class will include some history served along with the beans which we will toast and grind, to make hot drinks and candies.
The Maya in Guatemala are known for their beautifully woven costumes which differ from one village to the next. At the famous Chichicastenango Market, we will have the chance to see the variety and do some bargaining and shopping, before we continue to Lake Atitlan. On any list of 'most beautiful lakes in the world' will be Lake Atitlan, and you'll see why. Ringed by volcanoes and a number of indigenous villages, this is a stunning place. One morning will be spent on the lake, learning about the villages, the people and the interesting geography.
We will have tasted some interesting foods in Guatemala, and we have a chance to learn a few cooking secrets in the kitchen of one of Antigua's restaurants. We consider this tour to be an excellent of sustainable tourism, giving you an opportunity to meet locals, visit in their homes, see their daily lives. Additionally we participate in local traditions. Your travel dollars are spent locally, making an economic impact in the communities. We hope you will come home from this trip with a better understanding between us and the Guatemalans.
- Accommodations: 5 nights Hotel Los Pasos, a boutique hotel in Antigua. 3 nights Jenna's B&B outside Panajachel, all rooms with private bath and hot water.
- Included: Transportation as listed by van (note much of our day tours will be walks), eight nights lodging with taxes, daily breakfast, visits on excursions as listed with any entry fees, three lunches, three dinners, basic tips (for servers, drivers, guides providing included services)
- Not Included: International airfare (to/from Guatemala City), meals not listed, drinks during meals, special gratuities, personal insurance
- Bring: Comfortable walking shoes (lots of walking, much on cobble-stoned streets), light sweater or jacket for cool evenings, hat, sunscreen, camera. For Tikal extension, bring bug spray, hat, bug juice, swimsuit, comfortable shoes.