Join us for our next Artisan Tour: November 2-10, 2024

• Meet expert Maya women weavers in their communities and learn firsthand about their stories, craft practice, and culture
• Spend eight nights and nine days immersed in the dramatic landscape of Guatemala's Central Highlands
• Learn about tradition and innovation in Guatemalan crafts and textiles
• Shop in the world-famous market in Chichicastenango
• Explore Maya cultural sites and the colonial city of Antigua Guatemala, a UNESCO world heritage city

Tour dates:Saturday, November 2 - Sunday, November 10, 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.

Saturday 

Arrival in Guatemala City

Sunday

On your way to the Central Highlands region, stop at the Maya archaeological site, Iximche, the former capital of the Kaqchikel Maya kingdom.

After traveling up winding mountain roads, arrive in Panajachel on Lake Atitlán in time to visit the local market.

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 cobblestone streets and picturesque ruins of the colonial city of Antigua.

Farewell dinner together, joined by members of the Mayan Hands team.

Sunday

Homeward bound

A $1,000 down payment is required at the time of registration. Your spot is considered reserved once we have received your registration form and deposit payment. Final payment is due August 15, 2023.

Payment may be made by check or credit card payment. On your registration form, please indicate your preferred form of payment. If you select credit card payment, we will send a secure payment link.

To pay by check, 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, and create a WhatsApp group for communication during the trip.

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.

• 91+ days before departure: Deposit refunded less $250 administrative fee
• 61-90 days before departure: Deposit refunded less $500
• 31-60 days before departure: 50% of tour fee refunded
• 30 days or less before departure: No refund

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. You can also expect 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.