Hands-On Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the few places where a wide range of handmade traditions are still practiced as part of daily life rather than preserved solely for demonstration. Weaving, ceramics, food preparation, and small-scale production remain embedded in households and villages, passed down through generations. This trip’s route is designed around direct participation—working alongside artisans, learning techniques through doing, and building personal connections that make the objects you carry home meaningful and memorable.
What's Included
-
Private airport transfers
-
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
-
6 activities as shown in itinerary
-
5 nights in 3-4 star hotels
-
Shared ground transportation between locations
Day 1
Arrival & Cooking in Antigua
- You’ll be met on arrival and transferred by private taxi from Guatemala City airport to Antigua.
- After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to rest or explore nearby streets.
- In the evening, take part in a hands-on cooking class, introducing Guatemalan ingredients, techniques, and everyday dishes through shared preparation and dinner.
Day 2
Working in Weaving & Jade
- Spend the morning at Kakaw Designs for an in-depth weaving class, learning backstrap loom techniques and the structure behind traditional patterns.
- Time afterward for independent shopping, with recommendations for respected local workshops specializing in weavings and masks.
- In the afternoon, visit Xibalba for a jade jewelry-making experience, working directly with the material to understand its cultural and historical significance.
Day 3
From Cacao to the Lake
- Begin the morning with a chocolate experience, focused on cacao processing and use.
- After lunch, depart Antigua for Lake Atitlán.
- Arrive in the afternoon and check into your accommodation in Panajachel, with the evening free to settle in and enjoy the lakeside.
Day 4
Hands-On Craft Across the Lake
- Travel by private boat with a local guide to artisan villages around Lake Atitlán.
- In San Juan La Laguna, take part in a hands-on natural dye demonstration, working directly with plants and fibers used in traditional weaving.
- Visit Mundo de Abejas Maya to learn about native bees and honey production.
- Continue by lancha to San Antonio Palopó, where you’ll paint ceramics using local techniques.
- Return to Panajachel in the late afternoon by pickup truck with your guide, following a common local route back into town.
Day 5
Santa Cruz la Laguna: Beading & Food Traditions
- Take a morning lancha to Santa Cruz La Laguna, where your guide meets you at the dock.
- Travel by tuk-tuk up to the village for a hands-on session focused on tamales and beading, working alongside local hosts.
- Return to Panajachel in the afternoon, where your finished ceramic pieces are waiting for you.
Day 6
Departure
- Depart Panajachel by private transport to Guatemala City airport for your onward flight.
At a glance
- 6 days
- Private · Fully managed
- Start: Antigua · End: Lake Atitlan
- $2,250
Local team · Fixed pricing · Travel on your dates
Good to know
-
Arrival & transfers: Fly into GUA. Private transfers included in itinerary.
-
Pace: Moderate — walking tours and light hikes, balanced with downtime.
-
What you organize: International flights and travel insurance. Everything else is handled.
-
On-the-ground support: Local teams run the route and are available throughout your trip.
Love a route, but want to mix and match?
Our trips are designed in advance to ensure flow and fixed pricing.
If you’d like to combine elements from different journeys, book a call and come ready with your favorites — we’ll puzzle-piece it together before you commit.
About Due South
You’ll fly into Guatemala City International Airport (GUA). All routes include a private transfer from the airport to Antigua on arrival, and onward transfers as outlined in your itinerary. If your route ends in Antigua or Lake Atitlán, we’ll coordinate your return transfer to Guatemala City for departure.
We recommend arriving in Guatemala City by early afternoon to allow time for airport formalities and the transfer to Antigua. Your welcome activity is scheduled for the evening. If you arrive later, our team will adjust logistics to ensure a smooth arrival.
Departures should be scheduled for late morning or later on your final day. If your route ends at Lake Atitlán, we’ll provide guidance on transfer timing back to Guatemala City to ensure a comfortable departure window.
Yes. All airport transfers included in the itinerary are handled by our local team. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred privately between destinations throughout your trip.
Tips are not included unless otherwise stated. We provide clear guidance before your trip so you can tip appropriately, without guesswork or awkwardness.
Most travelers from the U.S., Canada, UK, and EU do not need a visa to enter Guatemala for short stays. Entry requirements can change, so we recommend checking with your local authority prior to travel.
No special vaccinations are required for Guatemala beyond standard travel recommendations. We advise consulting your healthcare provider for personalized advice, particularly if you plan to spend time at Lake Atitlán or in rural areas.
These routes are designed for travelers with a moderate level of fitness. Activities include walking tours, light hikes, and day-to-day movement through towns and markets. There is no technical trekking, and downtime is built into the itinerary.
The structure and highlights of the route remain consistent. Occasionally, timings or activities may shift due to weather or local conditions. Any adjustments are handled by our team to maintain the overall flow and experience.
Why travelers choose Due South
Book with confidence
Travel on your dates
No fixed departures or group schedules. Travel privately, entirely on your timeline.
One provider, start to finish
Design, bookings, and operations handled by one team. No third-party hand-offs.
On-the-ground support
Local teams run each route and remain available throughout your trip.