** Scroll down to view the complete day-by-day itinerary**
Join us on this off-the-beaten-path trip in Guatemala, as we travel throughout the northwestern region of the country with visits to Chichicastenango, Quetzaltenango, and the main event: Huehuetenango. This trip provides the opportunity to explore some of the less visited regions in Guatemala where the majority of the population self-identifies as indigenous. This culturally and linguistically diverse region of the country has also been heavily affected by climate change, immigration, and the lasting effects of the country's 36-year-long internal conflict. In addition to its cultural, historical, and social intrigue, Guatemala's northwestern region is also incredibly beautiful. Throughout this trip, we will have various opportunities to disconnect and enjoy nature including visits to rivers, lakes, cenotes, mountain ranges, and light hikes.
View an epic video from a previous trip to Huehuetenango here!
Our trip begins with a fun cooking class in Antigua Guatemala for your welcome dinner and some general information about the trip. The next morning we depart for Chichicastenango to visit one of the largest indigenous markets in Latin America and to enjoy a multi-course lunch with our friends at Proyecto Tux. This dining experience is put together by a group of indigenous women who are passionate about sustainable and seasonal food production as well as preserving pre-hispanic recipes and customs related to food.
From there we will continue to Quetzaltenango where we will relax in some natural hot springs and visit the first church ever built in Central America along with other surrounding towns in the Quetzaltenango and Totonicapán departments. On the last portion of our trip, we will head to Huehuetenango, an area that does not receive a high volume of tourism. Here we will see dry cenotes that are over 500 ft, deep, wet cenotes where we will be able to take a swim, and a turquoise lake that will take your breath away! We will also visit the interesting town of Todos Santos Cuchumatán where we will stay at a small, family-owned bed and breakfast.
Remember, we will be getting fairly off the beaten path during our time in Quetzaltenango, and even more so in Huehuetenango. Some of these areas are not developed as tourist sites to the same degree as La Antigua or Lake Atitlán so they prepared for a few bumpy rides and more modest accommodations at times. Rest assured we've done everything possible to make the trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, and above all else to keep you safe and healthy.
Per person price when booking a double occupancy spot
Upon arriving at the airport, one of your Program Directors will be waiting to greet you and accompany you to the beautiful colonial town of La Antigua via private shuttle (approx. 1 - 1.5 hour drive). Once in La Antigua, you will be checked into your hotel and given a brief orientation of the city. If you need any assistance going to the bank, store, pharmacy, etc. one of the Program Directors will be more than happy to accompany you. In the event, you arrive early in the morning and would like to coordinate any specific activities during the day just let us know so we can accommodate your requests.
This evening we will enjoy a traditional Guatemalan meal and learn how to make tortillas during this interactive dining experience at our friend Joaquín’s cooking school just outside of La Antigua. Here we will dine on the terrace while you will meet the guides and fellow travelers to discuss the upcoming activities for our adventure here in Guatemala.