Guatemala Easter Festival

Welcome to Guatemala! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The drive takes about 20 minutes, depending on traffic. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

*Note: This itinerary requires arrival on a Sunday to align with the Easter festivities later in the week. Easter dates vary each year, so ensure your trip matches the correct timeframe.

 

Start the day with a guided sightseeing tour of Guatemala City’s Historic Downtown, where you'll explore its blend of colonial and modern architecture. Then, travel about a three-hour drive to the highlands, stopping en route at Iximché, an important pre-Columbian Maya site abandoned in 1524. Walk among its ancient pyramids, palaces, and ball courts, and visit the small on-site museum to learn more about its history.

Afterward, stop for lunch or a coffee break in Tecpán before continuing on a 1.5-hour drive to Lake Atitlán. Arrive in Panajachel in the afternoon and check into your lakeside hotel for the evening.

Today, after breakfast, board a private boat and cruise for approximately 30 minutes across the serene waters of Lake Atitlán to San Juan La Laguna. Visit a women’s textile cooperative to observe the hand-weaving and natural dyeing process. You may also choose to explore local art studios or take an optional painting class. If you are looking for something a bit different, perhaps opt to spend some time unwinding in a Mayan sauna. 

Continue to the village of Santiago by boat, home to the Tz'utujil Maya people, where villagers still adhere to traditional lifestyles. Walk through town to see locals in handwoven clothing and visit art galleries featuring oil paintings depicting highland life. Visit the shrine of Maximón, a revered deity, where locals leave offerings and learn about his significance in local spirituality and lore.

Return to Panajachel in the afternoon and enjoy free time to explore the town or relax at the hotel.
 

This morning, transfer about an hour to the highlands to visit Chichicastenango, home to one of Central America’s largest and most colorful markets. Browse handcrafted textiles, pottery, wooden masks, and fresh produce as vendors from surrounding villages gather to sell their goods. Visit the nearby cemetery, where vibrantly painted tombs reflect the Maya tradition of honoring ancestors.

After exploring the market, continue to Antigua and check in at your lodging in the heart of the city. Depending on arrival time, take a short walk to explore nearby landmarks such as the Santa Catalina Arch, Central Park, and the San José Cathedral. Relax at a nearby café, visit a local artisan shop, or simply enjoy the hotel’s charming courtyards and colonial ambiance.

Start the day with breakfast before setting out on a guided walking tour of Antigua, a UNESCO-listed city and former capital of Central America. Stroll through its charming streets, visiting historic landmarks, plazas, and markets while learning about its rich colonial heritage. Admire the beautifully preserved architecture and explore local markets filled with traditional crafts and fresh produce.

End the tour with a tuk-tuk ride to Cerro de la Cruz, where panoramic views of Antigua and Volcán de Agua provide the perfect photo opportunity. On a clear day, enjoy an unobstructed view of the volcano towering over the city, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

Experience Antigua’s Good Friday processions, one of the most significant religious events in Guatemala. Starting Thursday afternoon, intricate alfombras (carpets of colored sawdust, flowers, and pine needles) are carefully arranged along the city’s cobblestone streets. On Good Friday, solemn processions move through Antigua as penitents in purple and black robes carry massive religious floats depicting Christ’s Passion. The air fills with the scent of incense and the sound of marching bands, creating a powerful and reverent atmosphere.

During the days leading up to Easter Sunday, continue experiencing Holy Week traditions, including dramatic reenactments of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. If you prefer adventure, arrange an excursion to hike Pacaya Volcano, where you can witness its rugged lava fields, or challenge yourself with a trek up Acatenango Volcano for breathtaking views of Volcán de Fuego. Rent mountain bikes to explore the Antigua Valley or take an ATV tour through coffee farms and scenic trails. For a more relaxed experience, visit a local coffee plantation to learn about Guatemala’s world-renowned beans, browse artisan markets, or unwind in one of Antigua’s many cafés, soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

Enjoy breakfast in Guatemala City before transferring to the airport for your flight home. If you have more time, extend your trip to explore.