Arrive Guatemala City; Private 1 Hour Transfer to Antigua; Remainder of day at leisure

Day 2:
Antigua

Walking tour to discover the secrets of Antigua’s traditional history and art. Admire the colonial architecture of the 16th century churches, buildings, fine arts, terra-cotta ceramics, wooden sculptures and a great variety of traditional weavings.

Day 3:

Iximche; Chuinimachicaj- Glamping

Travel to the ancient Mayan site of Iximche, a Pre Columbian Mayan site in the Western Highlands founded by the Kaqchikel Maya in 1470 after a prolonged conflict with the K'iche. You can participate in an unforgettable Mayan ceremony, a spiritual activity with very specific goals, whether to launch and celebrate important festivitals, as an offering of thanks, or to ask for health, other favors, or simple wisdoms. The ceremonies are also focused on saturating one with positive energy or cleansing negative energies, truly an experience not to be missed!

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Lunch is included at a local restaurant. After lunch, transfer to Chuinimachicaj for overnight at camp.

Sunset yoga at camp.

Day 4:
Lake Atitlan

Morning yoga practice at camp followed by breakfast and a hike to the ethereal Lago Atitlan. The trek begins with a 2,500 ft descent into the La Madre Vieja River valley that weaves through a patchwork of traditional agricultural fields and small villages. The trek includes a stop at a coffee finca. 

Following the coffee tour, cross the river on a hanging footbridge before a short ascent that takes you up to the rim of Lake Atitlán with expansive views of the water below and three massive volcanoes that surround it.
 
From there, a final descent through terraced fields of flowers and vegetables takes you to the lakeside village of San Antonio Palopó to conclude the trek. 

Day 5:
Lake Atitlan

Following yoga and breakfast, we head to San Juan la Laguna to a cooperative of Mayan textile that leverages traditional Maya heritage and art, connecting female artisans with national and international markets committed to the Fair Trade Principles. 

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Visit the organic plant garden where the natural dyes originate, learning the process of creating the dyes and fabrics from which the artists create their masterpieces. Observe the intricate Mayan weaving techniques involved in liso backstrap weaving and ikat tying from master weavers in San Juan.

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Later, the women of the cooperative teach you how to cook the traditional Guatemalan tamales. And, of course, you get to enjoy eating your creations and spending time with the ladies.

Day 6:
Lake Atitlan

After yoga and breakfast, we will begin a kayak tour, paddling to the lovely town of San Juan, approx. 3hrs away. Enjoy spectacular views of the three stunning volcanoes, Atitlan, San Pedro, and Toliman.

On arrival to San Juan, explore and  have lunch on your own. In the afternoon, boat transfer back to your hotel. 

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Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. Anne has many suggestions to explore other lake villages or simply enjoy the spa and the pool at the hotel.

Day 7:
Atitlan

Day at Leisure

Day 8:
Atitlan; Chichicastenango

After breakfast and morning yoga, transfer to Chichicastenango to what is surely the most colorful native market in the Americas. Market days are held every Sunday and Thursday and draw not only the K'iche' Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors from all over Guatemala, representing many of Guatemala's linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil,  and Kaqchikel.