Join us in beautiful Guatemala for a personal visit with our talented artisan partners!
Tour dates:February 17-25, 2024
Tour cost: $2,400
Price includes all meals (except 1 on your own), ground transportation, hotels (double occupancy), admission fees, and bilingual guides. Not included: airfare, personal expenses (shopping, snacks, and alcoholic beverages).
Price is based on double room accommodations. Single occupancy is available for an additional $350.
Itinerary is subject to change and adaptation
Saturday
Arrival in Guatemala City
Sunday - Chichicastenango
On your way to the Central Highlands region, stop at the ancient Maya archaeological site Iximche.
Soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of Market Day at the world-famous Chichicastenango market.
Stay in Panajachel on Lake Atitlán.
Monday
Visit pine needle basket weavers in the rural villages of La Fe and Xeabaj, accompanied by Mayan Hands team members.
Learn about product development and scholarship & well-being programs.
Tuesday
Take a lancha (boat) across the lake to visit the Tz'utujil Maya town of Santiago Atitlán. Meet backstrap and tapestry weavers and learn about the community's history of repression and resistance.
Wednesday
Visit needle felting artisans in their hilltop agricultural village, and eat lunch in the community.
Later, 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.
Later, swim or kayak in the turquoise waters of Lake Atitlan at a nature reserve in San Marcos la Laguna.
In the evening, experience a temascal, a traditional Maya sauna.
Friday
Meet representatives from all 15 Mayan Hands groups, gathered for an Artisan Expo in Panajachel - demonstrating their technique, and showing off their group's unique style and skill. You'll have the chance to purchase unique samples and seconds.
In the afternoon, drive to Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO world heritage city.
Saturday
Explore the colonial city of Antigua. Optional day trips: Museo Ixchel (renowned textile museum) or weaving lessons with a master backstrap weaver.
Farewell dinner together, joined by members of the Mayan Hands team.
Sunday
Homeward bound
To register for the tour, submit your registration form and down payment (or payment in full).
A $1,000 down payment is required at the time of registration to reserve your space. Final payment is due November 15, 2023.
If you prefer to pay by credit card, please scan and send your registration form to info@mayanhands.org and we will send a secure payment link.
If you prefer to pay by check, please make your check payable to Mayan Hands and send to:
Mayan Hands Artisan Tour
420 Whitehall Road
Albany, NY 12208
Details
Tour price of $2,400 is for one person, double occupancy; please add $350 if you would like a single room.
The group is capped at 16 participants.
Before the trip, you'll receive a packing list, reading recommendations, weather reports, emergency contact information for your families, and more. We will also organize a pre-tour group video call to address questions.
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.
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, sudden weather changes, and unfamiliar foods, as well as new friendships, insights, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Our itinerary is subject to change and adaptation.
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 Insurance
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. 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.
