GUATEMALA - THE MAYA of ATITLAN
Join us on a journey through the Maya of Lake Atitlán. Photograph small villages, colonial towns and the Mayan magic that seems to hover over the lake like the morning mist. Travel in dugout canoe along the shores to visit weavers, artists and shamans - and soak up the serenity of this magical place.
GUATEMALA - The maya of Atitlan
Explore colonial streets, art galleries, small Mayan villages, volcanos, art and weaving cooperatives, misty lake sunrises – these workshops have everything, while keeping long travel days to a minimum. We will be in Antigua during the famous Semana Santa celebrations! Nance and Laurie have spent decades visiting this complex and mystic country and have deep roots growing in the communities we visit. We will be exploring the more mindful side to photography and offering culinary market visits and cooking classes! This workshop will bring you into the world of the Maya, like you’ve never seen it. Shamans, ceremony, art cooperatives and weavers. All right there on the magical Lake Atitlàn!
our NGO partner
Atitlán Women Weavers is a women's weaving cooperative that was established two and a half years ago by a local Mayan woman named Anita. It has since then become a source of income for many women in the community who weave and create products to sell in the shop located by the main docks of San Pedro La Laguna. Some of these products include handmade shawls, hand bags, backpacks, scarves, and traditional clothing that display the vibrant colours and distinct patterns of various regions around the lake. Their mission is to improve economic opportunities for our local women as well as share a beautiful piece of the Mayan culture with the world.
ITINERARY
February 27-March 6 - Mindful photography and Culinary Experience
Photography classes are just after breakfast and critiques, just before dinner.
Cooking classes and culinary market visits are planned on the day
ARRIVAL DAY
Fly into Guatemala City. You’ll be picked up and transferred to Antigua, the old colonial capital, nestled between
three volcanoes and steeped in history.
Accommodations: http://www.hotelcasadelparque.com
DAY 1
Welcome to Antigua!
Language tips, maps and orientation and meet our guide/translator who we’ll be
with us both in Antigua and at the lake.
Stroll the colonial streets of Antigua and end up at the busy, colourful market!
Lunchtime Antigua
Evening - Farm to table Dinner
DAY 2
Journey through green valleys, past the volcanoes to Lake Atitlán.
An afternoon at the authentic Solola Market before heading down to Panajachel to shop,
then jump in a water taxi to head to our hotel on the lake.
Accommodations: https://www.lacasadelmundo.com/web/
DAY 3
Explore San Juan La Laguna – a artist and weavers paradise. A Tzutujile Mayan village and a model community.
Visit art galleries, woman’s weaving cooperatives, a medicinal and curative plant garden
operated by the comedrones (midwives).
DAY 4
Wake up to at dawn to photograph the mist on the lake, then take a boat taxi to San Pedro village to
photograph/paint the local market and to buy fresh ingredients to prepare for our lunch.
A visit to a coffee plantation and a Mayan ceremony will end our day.
DAY 5
Exploring Atitlán - Panajachel, for lunch and a shop, and a visit to Santa Catarina, a small village
across the lake - a photographer’s dream! We stroll the village
and head to the onion fields, corn plantations and fields of flowers for artistic inspiration.
or
Take a hike up Volcán San Pedro, a day long trek that rewards you with spectacular views of this magical lake!
Return to San Pedro for a drink and snack before catching the water taxi back to our hotel.
DAY 6
Boat to Panajachel to meet our driver for our journey back to Antigua
Cocktails and FINAL DINNER and EXHIBIT of your work!
Accommodations: Meson Panza Verde
DAY 7
TRAVEL DAY HOME or on to your Volcano Acatenango 2 day Add-on ($400 usd)
Safe journey home, we will miss you!
DATES
April 12th - 19th, 2024
COST
$3400 usd
GUESTS – (10-12)
ARRIVAL AIRPORT – Guatemala City
FEATURED GUESTHOUSE - Meson Panza verde
QUICK PACK LIST
Camera equipment, good shoulder bag, bathing suit, sunscreen, bug repellant, good walking shoes
RECOMMENDED READING
Secrets of the Talking Jaguar: Memoirs from the living heart of a Mayan Village Martin Prechtel, 1999 - A wonderful memoir weaves the experiences of the author who visited Atitlan, stayed, and studied the ancient Tzutujil culture for 25 years. He became a village chief and a famous shaman in his own right. In Secrets of the Talking Jaguar, Prechtel brings to vivid life the sights, sounds, scents, and colors of the Maya of Santiago Atitlan.
TRAVEL LEVEL
Easy/ Comfortable hotels. Hikes to Volcano (optional add-on): Moderate to strenuous hike.
*Price includes accommodations, instruction, internal transport. Does NOT include international airline tickets, tips to guides/drivers, alcohol, and participation in optional ceremony.
When single room occupancy is available it will be an extra cost