The textile tradition in Guatemala traces back to the Mayan era, and some of those ancient weaving techniques are still practiced today. Starting in Guatemala City, we’ll travel into the rainforest to visit a coffee plantation and artisans in remote villages. From there it’s off to the colonial city of Antigua for a lot of exploring, including visits to weaving villages under the volcano and a hands-on natural indigo dye workshop.
More weaving co-ops await us in Panajachel and around Lake Atitlan. Panajachel is a paradise of handcrafted goods, offering everything from yardage and fashion to jewelry and leather goods. But that’s not the only shopping opportunity. The Chichicastenango market is a blow-your-mind immersion into all things Guatemalan, from food to handicrafts.
12 days, 11 nights
Guatemala CIty, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Coban, Panajachel, Sacatepequez
Moderate
Day 1 - Thursday, February 22
Guatemala City Arrival
Day 2 - Friday, February 23
Guatemala City & Cobán
Day 3 - Saturday, February 24
Cobán
Day 4 - Sunday, February 25
Cobán
Day 5 - Monday, February 26
Cobán & Antigua
Day 6 - Tuesday, February 27
Antigua
Day 7 - Wednesday, January 28
Antigua & Panajachel
Day 8 - Thursday, January 29
Chichicastenango Market
Day 9 - Friday, January 30
Panajachel
Day 10 - Saturday, January 31
Antigua
Day 11 - Sunday, February 1
Antigua
Day 12 - Monday, February 2
Departure
11 nights (1 in Guatemala City, 3 in Coban, 5 in Antigua, 2 Panajachel)
2 Bilingual guides and translators: English and Spanish
Private bus
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners (see itinerary for details)
Visits to Textile Museum, markets, orchid farm and coffee plantation; boat ride; artisan studio visits, weaving demonstration; indigo workshop
Pricing
Double Occupancy: $5,035/person (Double room with a private bathroom)
Single Occupancy: $5,885/person (Single room with a private bathroom)
Activity Level
Moderate- You should be able to stand for at least an hour and walk up to two miles on flat surfaces, unpaved paths, and small inclines.
The tour does NOT include airfare, taxes, tips, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, local transportation, and meals outside of what’s noted in the itinerary. We reserve the right to substitute artisan guides and alter the program as needed. We cap this tour at 15 people.
A $750 non-refundable deposit (first payment) is required to guarantee your place. The balance is due in two equal payments (August 1, 2025 and November 1, 2025)
If you cancel on or before November 1, 2025 we will refund 50% of what you paid, minus the $750 deposit. After that, there are no refunds unless we need to cancel the trip, in which case you’ll receive a full refund.
You are required to carry your own international accident/health insurance that includes $50,000+ of emergency evacuation insurance. Some travel insurance options are here.
All documentation for plane reservations, travel insurance, and personal health issues must be received 45 days before the program starts or we reserve the right to cancel your registration without reimbursement.
Traveling with a small group has its advantages, but it also means that independent travelers need to accommodate the group’s needs and schedule. We include plenty of free time to explore on your own.
About our local tour guide, Olga Reiche
Olga is a Guatemala textile artisan, dye master, and social justice advocate who has worked with local artisans and indigenous groups for over 30 years to train them in natural dyes. Her concern for environmental and artisan sustainability is a driving force in her work around Lake Atitlan and in the northern Cobán region of Guatemala.
A teacher of weaving and natural dyeing, Olga has written numerous articles about natural dyes and sustainability, indigenous culture, and continuity. She has also been invited to participate in the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market in New Mexico for many years. She mentors weavers, teaching them how to manage a business, and competitively market their products in the international arena.
Olga heads the sustainable eco-fashion brand Indigo, working with craftspeople from different regions to create clothing from recycled and reused materials. The name of her brand is inspired by the rich blue pigment which comes from the native Guatemalan indigo plant.
Olga is also the lead designer at Indigo, and produces naturally-dyed threads that are used by weavers with whom she collaborates—mostly women working out of their homes. They make pieces according to Olga’s instructions, weaving almost exclusively on backstrap looms, incorporating patterns and symbols inspired by their shared Mayan heritage. Once the pieces are fabricated, they are returned to Olga for assembly into comfortable and luxurious handmade garments, some of which have been featured in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue Mexico.
For private, custom date tours, you choose the number of people. Please refer to the tour details for any restrictions. Our group tours are usually 8-12 people, but no more than 15. We intentionally keep groups small for a more intimate experience – like a local friend showing you around their favorite places.
No, you are responsible for getting yourself to and from the airport, but once you register for a tour, we’ll recommend a few safe and reliable options.
We’ll provide a suggested packing list as your tour date approaches.