Join us for an unforgettable Artisan Tour to Guatemala!

• Meet expert Maya women weavers in their communities and learn firsthand about their stories, craft practice, and culture
• Spend eight nights and nine days immersed in the dramatic landscape of Guatemala's Central Highlands
• Learn about tradition and innovation in Guatemalan crafts and textiles
• Shop for one-of-a-kind treasures in renowned markets and directly with talented artisans
• Explore spectacular lakes, mountains, and the colonial charm of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO world heritage city

The tour price is $2,700 (double occupancy) or $3,050 (single occupancy). Price includes all meals (except 2 on your own), ground transportation, hotels (double occupancy), admission fees, and bilingual guides. Not included: airfare, personal expenses like shopping, snacks, and alcoholic beverages.

A $1,000 down payment is required at the time of registration. Your spot is considered reserved once we have received your registration form and deposit payment. Payment may be made by check or credit card. On your registration form, please indicate your preferred form of payment. If you select credit card payment, we will send a secure payment link.

To pay by check, make your check payable to Mayan Hands and send to:

Mayan Hands Artisan Tour
420 Whitehall Road
Albany, NY 12208

Before the trip, you'll receive a detailed itinerary, packing list, reading recommendations, weather reports, emergency contact information for your families, and more. We will organize a pre-tour group video call to address questions, and create a WhatsApp group for communication during the trip.

The group is capped at 16 participants. This is a sample itinerary; actual itinerary is subject to change and adaptation.

Saturday 

Arrival in Guatemala City

Sunday

Make your way to the Central Highlands region, traveling up winding mountain roads. On your way, visit a pine needle basket weaving group, who have partnered with Mayan Hands for more than three decades.

Arrive at our base in Panajachel on Lake Atitlán.

Monday

Take a lancha (boat) across the lake to visit the Tz'utujil Maya town of Santiago Atitlán. Meet traditional weavers and learn about the community's history of repression and resistance.

Later, visit needle felting artisans in their lakeside village and try your hand at this contemporary craft technique. Learn about well-being programs.

Tuesday

Meet with weavers representing three different artisan groups and weaving techniques. Learn about brocade, cinta weaving, and backstrap weaving.

Learn about product development and scholarship & well-being programs.

Wednesday 

Explore the market in Sololá.

Visit Multicolores, an inspirational textile art project using recycled materials.

Thursday 

Tour a coffee cooperative in the morning, following the process from cultivation to roasting to a finished cup.

In the evening, experience a temascal, a traditional Maya sauna, hosted in the home of one of our artisan partners on a peaceful hillside overlooking Lake Atitlán.

Friday

Choose your adventure: swim in the turquoise waters of Lake Atitlán at a nature reserve in San Marcos la Laguna, explore the murals of Santa Catarina Palopo, or relax on your own in Panajachel.

In the afternoon, drive to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO world heritage city.

Saturday

Explore the cobblestone streets and picturesque ruins of the colonial city of Antigua.

Farewell dinner together, joined by members of the Mayan Hands team.

Sunday

Homeward bound

Complete Tour Policies are included on the tour registration form.

Cancellation

Any cancellation must be made in writing by email and acknowledged by Mayan Hands. The date on which the notification is received by Mayan Hands will determine the cancellation charge applicable.

• 91+ days before departure: Deposit refunded less $250 administrative fee
• 61-90 days before departure: Deposit refunded less $500
• 31-60 days before departure: 50% of tour fee refunded
• 30 days or less before departure: No refund

No partial refunds are possible for any unused portion of your trip.

When a tour is canceled by Mayan Hands, the client will receive a full refund. However, Mayan Hands will not be liable for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking such as vaccinations, visas, non-refundable flights or loss of enjoyment, etc.

Travel in Guatemala

While Mayan Hands and our artisan partners will make every effort to ensure you are safe and well taken care of, we will be traveling in rural areas of Guatemala. Please be aware that this is not a luxury trip. You can expect some discomforts including uneven ground, winding roads, traffic delays, sudden weather changes, and unfamiliar foods. You will also experience new friendships, insights, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality! Our itinerary is subject to change and adaptation.

Mobility & Activity Level

An average day navigating the Guatemalan highlands may include uneven terrain, cobblestone streets, dirt paths, steep or uneven stairs, and climbing in and out of vans and boats. To ensure your safety and enjoyment, please be certain you can manage these physical demands.

Documentation

U.S. citizens traveling to Guatemala are required to carry a current passport. The U.S. Department of State recommends that travelers should have at least 6 months of validity remaining on their U.S. passports after the date of entry, or they may be turned back by the airline or immigration. It is your responsibility to obtain proper documentation. If you are not a U.S. citizen, contact the Guatemalan embassy or consulate for entry requirements.

Travel & Medical Insurance

We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance and medical insurance that covers you internationally. Mayan Hands does not cover all expenses in the event of a changed itinerary. You can review a variety of travel insurance programs online.

Photography Policy

At Mayan Hands, we take seriously our responsibility to uphold the dignity of the people we work with, including through respectful use of imagery and storytelling. Tour participants will be given an orientation to the organization’s Ethical Storytelling Policy and are expected to comply with Mayan Hands’ high ethical standards for taking and sharing photos, particularly of our artisan partners.