We will begin our long journey throughout Guatemala’s Altiplano as we make our way to one of Central America’s largest and most famous artisan markets in the town of Chichicastenango. Every Thursday and Sunday vendors from all over the country gather in the central part of Chichicastenango to sell their products. Here you'll find a wide variety of goods, such as fruit, vegetables, flowers, handicrafts, pottery, textiles, and even livestock. 

Our walking tour then continues to the Church of Santo Tomás, which dates back to 1540 AD. Here you will be able to observe what’s known as syncretism: a mixture of the Maya and Catholic religions, which was utilized by the indigenous Maya groups in order to avoid religious persecution. We will then end with a visit to the local cemetery, a colorful place where Maya rituals are performed in what is seemingly a Catholic cemetery, yet another example of "sincretisimo'. 

From there, we will visit our friend María at Proyecto Tux where she will tell us about the pre-Hispanic food dynamics of the indigenous Mesoamerican populations. Maria and the other women who work alongside her conduct research related to food, diets, techniques, procedures, and recipes, according to agricultural production cycles in the territories of indigenous people. The techniques and recipes created by the science of indigenous women, used and transmitted for centuries, generation by generation, have been threatened since the appearance of chemical fertilizers, monocultures and processed food.

We will enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel, with beautiful views and lush gardens. The hotel offers complimentary saunas where you can relax, or enjoy the jacuzzi in your room with water from the natural springs. The hotel also offers different spa services for an additional charge if you'd like to book something in advance. 

After a leisurely morning, we will head into the city of Quetzaltenango at noon for lunch and a guided tour of the historic center. During this tour, we will learn about the region's unique background and historical significance during the Spanish empire, as well as its pre-Hispanic origin. We will visit government buildings, plazas, parks, churches, and the theater and will also sample the region's iconic bread known as "shecas". 

In the evening you can choose to return earlier to the hotel for a relaxing evening or hang out longer in the city center for dinner and live music.

After breakfast, we will hit the road and begin our long journey to Nentón, close to the Guatemala - México border.  

Our first stop will be to the nearby town of Salcajá to see the first church ever built in Central America. Then we will visit the neighboring town of San Andrés Xecul to visit the famous “yellow church” and learn all about its hidden symbolism and the way it has woven aspects of the Maya creation story, Popol Vuh, into the ornate decorations of the church's exterior. In this region, we will also participate in a workshop with local artisans and enjoy a traditional lunch before continuing our journey north.

Finally, we will reach the countryside inn, Finca Chaculá, which will be our home for the next two evenings. Here we will enjoy dinner by candlelight, as electricity is limited in the area. The peace and quiet will allow us to get a good night’s rest after a long day on the road.

After a hearty breakfast early in the morning, we will begin our very off-the-beaten-path journey to Laguna Brava. This stunning lake in Nentón is eight kilometers long, surrounded by lush mountains, and filled with crystal clear turquoise water. There are no motorboats allowed on the water keeping the lake pristine and reducing noise pollution as well. Laguna Brava is a breathtaking destination that is so special that it's hard to put into words. During our time at the lake, we will enjoy a ride on a row boat, an optional hike to nearby waterfalls, and a hot soup at our friend's house overlooking the lake. 

After an adventurous day in nature, we’ll return to the countryside-inn to take hot showers, eat dinner and settle in for another cozy evening. 

Getting to Laguna Brava can be a bit of a journey and depending on road conditions it may require a bumpy ride in the flatbed of a four-wheel-drive pickup truck (limited in-cabin seats available for the faint of heart) to get to the bank of the lake. Once there, however, you will surely be blown away by one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Bring your hiking shoes, swimsuit, and an appetite for adventure for this special day! 

We'll start our day off with another hearty breakfast at the inn before we set off for a day of exploring Hoyo Cimarrón & Cenotes de Candelaria. Enjoy a day in nature as we take a morning hike to Hoyo Cimmarón. Here we will observe the unique flora and fauna of the region and enjoy expansive views of the countryside before arriving at this massive dry cenote, over 600 ft deep and 580 ft in diameter. Dare to look below and see the forest of trees lining the bottom and vultures diving down into the canyon. 

From there, we will drive to the nearby Cenotes de Candelaria for a picnic lunch and an afternoon dip in the cool blue waters of this massive natural swimming pool. This is one of the most stunning destinations in all of Huehuetenango and a wonderful way to feel connected with nature. 

After an active start to our day, we will begin the 4-hour journey to the town of Todos Santos Cuchumatán where we will spend the night at a family owned and run bed and breakfast in a Mam community. On this day we will drive through the highest non-volcanic mountain range in Central America, known as Sierra de Los Cuchumatanes. Its highest point is situated at 12,500 ft a.s.l.  On our drive, we will enjoy expansive views of these beautiful mountains on our way to reach Todos Santos Cuchumatanes, a small community nestled at the bottom of a lush valley. 

After breakfast, we will enjoy a guided tour of the town of Todos Santos. We will also stop to visit with some weavers and farmers in rural Huehuetenango where you can purchase textiles and get a glimpse into life in this unique region of Guatemala before enjoying a home-cooked meal from the region. 

We will then check into the country inn, Unicornio Azul, for a free afternoon to relax and enjoy this beautiful place. Likewise, you can enjoy an afternoon horseback ride before enjoying dinner and a cozy night by the fire.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and take in the scenic views and the peace and tranquility of the inn. We will then enjoy a light hike to the beautiful and idyllic Laguna Magdalena. This fairytale-like lake is located in the town of Chiantla, and it is surrounded by lush green vegetation, which is a great contrast to its blue waters. 

You will then have a free afternoon and evening to relax at the hacienda after many days of adventure before making your journey back to La Antigua the next day. Dinner is included at our hotel and this would be a great night to play cards or a game like charades, Lotería (Latinamerica bingo), or Chapinopoly (Guatemalan version of monopoly) with your guides, drivers, and fellow travelers

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our day of travel. We will hit the road early to start the long journey back to La Antigua, making stops along the way for lunch, snacks, stretching, and bathroom breaks. Depending on the time and the overall mood of the group there are some quick points of interest we could stop along the way. 

Hopefully, we'll arrive in La Antigua between 3:00 and 4:00 pm but we should definitely be rolling in at the latest by 5:00 pm, giving you time to get settled into 

your room and freshen up. 

That night, we will enjoy a relaxing farewell dinner at one of our favorite Antigua restaurants to celebrate the closing of another wonderful Heart of Travel adventure!