On the drive from Antigua to Chichicastenango, we will take a 15-minute stop to stretch, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán, one of Guatemala’s most sacred and storied lakes, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. This short break is a perfect moment to pause, breathe, and connect with the natural and spiritual beauty of the highlands.

Upon arrival, walk about 6 blocks toward the Church of Santo Tomás built on top of a pre-Columbian temple as you admire the faith expressed in praising the saints and the joy of the 14 cofradías (religious brotherhoods). The purpose to be early inside is to witness the expressions of faith and devotion before it becomes crowded and inaccessible. With more than seven Mayan altars, each believer offers prayers and lights candles as a sign that their words transcend to the Creator with their messages. Each brotherhood presents a altar that later will become in the procession, this is actually an unusual float size as they needed to addapt the amount of groups, leaving us with a tremendeous sincretism version of colorfully decorated altars with saints images.