Artisan Explorer in Guatemala
Sofie and her sister explored Guatemala’s rich artisan heritage on a hands‑on craft journey. They journeyed from Antigua’s cool colonial streets to Pacaya’s volcanic peaks, crossed Lake Atitlán, and trekked Tikal’s rainforest, joining textile workshops and a lake tour. Guided by passionate local artisans, Sofie gained new weaving skills, ceramic skills, cultural insight, and lasting appreciation for Guatemala’s creative spirit.
Places you'll stay
Guatemala City
Guatemala City is often a traveler’s first glimpse of Guatemala. As your plane descends over the capital, you witness the largest city in Central America unfold—a sprawling, colorful metropolis that spreads into a valley ringed by forested mountains and volcanoes. It’s a big and powerful place that is home to around four million people.
Destination
Quetzaltenango
Guatemala’s second largest city, Quetzaltenango (pop. 300,000), is a world apart from Guatemala City. It’s a cosmopolitan place set at an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,400 m) and is the main population center for Guatemala’s K’iche’ Mayans. Despite being a fairly big city, its residents are friendly and approachable. Quetzaltenango’s original K’iche’ name of "Xelajú" is still widely used in an abbreviated form, Xela, today.
Destination
Flores and Santa Elena
The twin towns of Flores and Santa Elena, which are often collectively referred to simply as “Flores,” are set within the heart of Petén. Flores is actually a small island in Lake Petén Itzá that’s connected to Santa Elena, on the mainland, by a causeway. With its pastel houses and genteel atmosphere, Flores is very pleasant.
Destination
Lake Atitlan, Panajachel
Panajachel is Lake Atitlán’s most popular traveler town. Set along the northern shores of the lake, the setting is here is gorgeous—think blue water, forested mountains, and volcanoes. The town’s culture mixes North American, European and Central American influences.
Destination
Antigua
The charming city of La Antigua is situated in a lush highland valley and surrounded by the cones of three volcanoes. As its name implies (Antigua means old in Spanish), this is a historic city. It was the former capital of Guatemala until an earthquake destroyed it in 1773. Following this disaster, the capital was moved to its current site at Guatemala City, but the ruins (and some of the people) of Antigua stayed put. These days, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s foremost tourist destinations.
Destination
Moments to look forward to
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlán is heralded as one of the most mystical and memorable lakes on the planet. It is also the deepest lake in Central America. You can get experience the lake by kayaking or swimming at the beaches on the lakeshore. See the lake from above by hiking the San Pedro Volcano or by reaching the summit known locally as Indian’s Nose.
Attraction
Pacaya Volcano
The Pacaya Volcano is one of Guatemala’s most active volcanoes. Rising to a height of 8,373-feet (2,552-m), the Pacaya Volcano makes for a convenient day trip from Guatemala City or Antigua. The volcano was granted national park status in 2001.
Attraction
Tikal National Park
Set within the northern reaches of Guatemala’s Petén department is the incredible Mayan site of Tikal. With its massive Mayan temples, steep limestone pyramids and thick green jungles, Tikal is undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Guatemala. The ruins and surrounding forest are located within the Tikal National Park.
Attraction
Quetzaltenango
Textile Workshop
Tour
Quetzaltenango
Fuentes Georginas
Tour
Quetzaltenango
Textile Workshop
Tour
Quetzaltenango
Textile Workshop
Tour
Quetzaltenango
Artistic Tour Xela
Tour
Quetzaltenango
Birding Experience - Reserva del Quetzal
Tour
Panajachel
Ceramica Mayan immersive experience.
Tour
Panajachel
Incredible Lake Tour
Tour
Panajachel
Leather Workshop
Tour
Antigua
Jade Workshop
Tour
Antigua
Pacaya Volcano Hike
Tour
Flores and Santa Elena
Amazing Tikal Tour (Private)
Tour
Flores and Santa Elena
Amazing Crater Azul Tour Experience
Tour
Incredible Stays
Hotel Recommendation #1
A 8.3/5 guest-rated stay in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Hotel Recommendation #2
A hand-picked stay in Quetzaltenango.
Hotel Recommendation #3
A hand-picked stay in Lake Atitlán.
Hotel Recommendation #5
A hand-picked stay in Flores and Santa Elena.
Curated to you
Insider-led Guatemala Design & Concierge
Your insider team designs the trip around what you care about, then supports you in-country with private logistics, vetted partners, and concierge help when plans change.
