Chichicastenango

At 7:00 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel in Guatemala City and transferred to Chichicastenango. You will visit the largest and most picturesque open-air indigenous market in Guatemala. Hundreds of indigenous people from surrounding villages come to sell and trade their goods. You will also have the opportunity to witness religious ceremonies taking place in and around the Church of Santo Tomás, which is over 400 years old (shorts, swimsuits, and ALL PHOTOGRAPHY INSIDE THE CHURCH ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED). Overnight in Chichicastenango.

Solola

In the morning, you will visit Sololá and its traditional market. Sololá is one of the few highland towns where traditional attire is still worn with pride. The designs, threads, embroidery, and brocades of the garments reflect social class, economic status, and civic and religious hierarchy. In the afternoon, transfer to Lake Atitlán, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world and one of Guatemala’s most renowned natural wonders. Atitlán is the perfect place to experience authentic Guatemalan folklore. Twelve indigenous villages surround the lake, inhabited by descendants of the Quiché, Cakchiquel, and Tzutujil peoples. Overnight at Lake Atitlán.

San Juan la Laguna

At 9:00 a.m., you will board a motorboat to visit the indigenous village of San Juan La Laguna, one of the twelve villages around the lake. You will take a walk through the village to observe the daily life and local activities of its people. Continue on to Antigua Guatemala, the most important and charming colonial city in the country. Founded by the Spanish in 1543, Antigua is now a beautiful blend of ruins, restored colonial buildings, and new constructions in colonial style. It was declared a “Monument of the Americas” in 1965. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Antigua

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel for a tour of Antigua Guatemala. You will visit the Central Plaza, surrounded by the old Cathedral, City Hall, and the Palace of the Captains General; as well as monasteries, colonial churches, and a jade factory where jade is crafted into fine and beautiful jewelry. In the afternoon, transfer back to Guatemala City for overnight.