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Colorful handmade carpet in for the Guatemal Easter Festivals

Guatemala Easter Festival

Example 9 Day Tour
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The Easter Festival is just the beginning of this 9-day Guatemala travel adventure. Arrive in Antigua in the middle of the festival, when the streets come alive in celebration of this Holy Week. This itinerary is designed to coincide with the Easter festivities in colonial Antigua but also offers so many other opportunities to discover Guatemala. Journey into the highlands and explore the commanding temples and other remnants of the Mayan past. Wander through rows of vendors at Chichi's magnificent market, and spend a few nights along the shores of the volcano-fringed Lake Atitlan. Explore colonial Antigua. Join us for fascinating traditions, mystifying history, and the inviting culture of Guatemala.
Easter Processions in AntiguaMaking threadAntigua and the VolcanoBoats on Lake Atitlan, GuatemalaView of Pacuya Volcano from AntiguaA local plays music in GuatemalaCarpet making process for Easter Festivals in AntiguaWatching a Maya woman weaving on Guatemala tourThe sun sets behind the volcanoes around Lake Atitlan, GuatemalaColorful handmade carpet in for the Guatemal Easter Festivals
Highlights
  • Watch the processions and reenactments leading up to Easter Sunday
  • Discover Antigua's past and wonder about its history as you tour the city
  • Visit Lake Atitlan where Mayan culture is still alive and well
  • Visit the lively Chichicastenango market
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Antigua

Fly into Guatemala City where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Antigua

Day 2: Chichicastenango

Rise early to visit the famous market of Chichicastenango. This beautiful town, surrounded by valleys and shadowed by mountains, has many shamanistic and ceremonial overtones. Its large market brings villagers from throughout the region, who often arrive the night before and sleep on blankets in the market square. Rising early, they set out their colorful fruits, vegetables and handicrafts. The market disperses in the early afternoon and travel to the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan, a deep caldera lake flanked by three majestic volcanoes. A passenger boat takes us across the azure-colored water to our charming lodge in the village of Santiago Atitlan.

Day 3-4: Lake Atitlan

This morning after admiring the placid waters of the lake, set out about town on a walking tour. Scholars tell us that the Ancient Maya disappeared mysteriously a thousand years ago, but anyone who has intimately explored this fascinating region knows that the Maya continue to thrive in the highlands of Guatemala. Villagers in Santiago Atitlan still adhere to the traditional lifestyle of the Tz'utuhil Maya and on the walk you'll see many people cloaked in brightly-colored, handwoven clothing. Along Santiago's main street are art galleries filled with oil paintings depicting busy market scenes and typical life in the highlands. Time perimtting visit Maximòn and leave an offering to this curious and revered deity. The rest of the time here is yours free to explore the area with your guide. You can go hiking or horseback riding on nearby trails. Your guide is available to help you plan extra activities.

Day 5: Antigua

Board the lancha this morning for the return trip across Lake Atitlan and transfer to Antigua, once the capital of Guatemala and all Central America. The city resembles a living ruin, with Volcano Fuego rising above. Mammoth ruins of churches and palaces tell the story of Antigua's past glory, and restored fascades speak of a bright future for this wonderful city. This afternoon tour the city and admire Antigua's gilded cathedrals. The afternoon is yours to rent mountain bikes to explore the countryside, visit a coffee finca, or macadamia nut plantation, or just people watch in the main plaza to complete your Guatemala travel experience.

Day 6-8: Free days Antigua

Let the celebrations begin! The spectacular Easter festivals in the former colonial capital are beyond comparison to anything in the northern hemisphere. Along cobblestone streets, intricate carpets of colored sawdust are painstakingly laid down. Later, a solemn procession of Roman centurions march over the carpets, carrying an image of Christ on the cross. Music and swinging incense burners accompany the robed cofradia. During these lively days leading up to Easter Sunday witness elaborate ceremonies re-enacting the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Trips can also be arranged to climb the nearby volcanoes of Pacaya and Acatenango, or you might rent mountain bikes and explore the foothills of the Antigua Valley, go horseback riding, or visit a nearby coffee plantation.

Day 9: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Return home today, or with more time, extend your trip to Tikal!

Accommodations

Santiago de Atitlan - Hotels

Antigua - Hotels

Dates & Prices

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Per person starting at
$1,673

Notes

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Included
  • 8 Breakfasts
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • 8 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

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Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge

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