Captivating Culture: Guatemala
March 19-25, 2023 : 7 days/6 nights
$1999 ($450 deposit) : Visiting Antigua, Santa Lucia, Iximche, Panajachel, Santa Cruz la Laguna, San Juan la Laguna
Deadline for Registration: February 19, 2022
About This Trip
When arriving at Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City, your Naturally Smart Host will be waiting to greet you as you exit the airport doors. Our first stop, after a quick departure from the City, is the colonial town of Antigua, just a 1-hour drive away (without traffic).
Once settled into Antigua, we'll take a quick siesta and take a tour of the town before enjoying a Bienvenidos Dinner at one of the most celebrated restaurants in town, with an eclectic menu, inventive cocktails, and an outdoor garden to welcome the night.
After a delicious breakfast the following morning, we'll begin our journey further into the Guatemalan Highlands. Along the way, we'll learn about Mayan culture, visit rural communities, and explore the Land of Eternal Spring. Continuing to Lake Atitlan, we'll enjoy cultural excursions throughout one of the most stunning regions of Guatemala.
Finally, our trip will conclude by returning to Antigua for a day of culture and reflection before we celebrate our adventure during our Feliz Viaje dinner.
What is Included
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Coordination & Fees
From the moment of arrival to departure, we coordinate and facilitate exceptional experiences, so your only priority is living your best impact life abroad.
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Bi-lingual Guide & Host
Spanish being the official national language, your local tour guide will accompany you every step of the way, while your host ensures a smooth experience behind the scenes.
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Private Transportation
We coordinate transportation throughout your journey with carefully vetted and trusted drivers on land and captains by water.
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Meals and Dining
From welcome dinner to our “Feliz Viaje!” celebration, we’ll enjoy authentic Guatemalan fare, as well as cross-cultural staples.
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Accommodations
Rest assured, we partner with leading hotels to book ideal accommodations that will leave you ready for the adventure ahead.
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Connection
Direct connections to lending partners and small business owners to learn first-hand operations, needs, and growth opportunities.
Added Bonuses
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Grants and Scholarships
A percentage of proceeds from each booking supports the growth of our Guatemalan team and counterparts.
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Carbon Offset
We calculate carbon emissions for each guest and support a certified carbon offset organization focused on reforestation and access to smoke-free stoves.
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Introduction to Facilitators
Should an organization speak to you, we introduce facilitators of investment and donation for trusted financial exchange.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Each day of our journey is carefully curated to ensure an easy blend of cultural experiences, meeting communities, travel, and downtime. We believe travel should be comfortable, stimulating yet never overly active, and also allow for mindfulness and rest as needed.
During free mornings or afternoon rest (siesta), guests will also have an optional activity. If a grander excursion is calling you, just let your host or guide know and we’ll coordinate to bring the most out of your time with us.
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After nestling into our hotel in Antigua, guests will have downtime to relax and run any local errands needed. Those who look to withdraw cash or other special asks, simply let your guide know and they'll offer assistance.
If you arrive in the morning, please know that we can help with planning to ensure a most fulfilling welcome!
After a quick siesta, we will enjoy a welcome happy hour before indulging in the delicious menu of a local favorite with scenic views of the town.
Meanwhile, you will meet your guide and host, as well as mingle with fellow travelers. Your host will also share more about the week ahead and review itinerary details.
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Once we've enjoyed a delicious "typical" breakfast, we will visit Cerro de la Cruz for a quick hike to discover a unique vantage point of Antigua, as well as the three surrounding volcanoes (Agua, Acatenango, and the active Fuego).
After, we'll walk to bustling Central Park and wander through the Arch Street to learn more about this stunning UNESCO world heritage city before enjoying a lunch of Guatemalan fare.
Next, we'll take a quick jaunt to a women's coffee cooperative to learn the history of coffee in Guatemala and the lifecycle of the world's second-favorite beverage, from bean to cup.
A quick afternoon siesta will leave us refreshed before group dinner, hosted at a speakeasy restaurant where we'll nosh on delicious creations by a local chef.
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After a hearty breakfast with a view, we'll depart for Iximche. At the historical Mayan site, we'll be joined by an anthropologist who will share knowledge and understanding about the past, present, and potential future of the Mayan civilization. Before continuing to Lake Atitlan, we'll have a Q&A session with our special guest during a delicious lunch.
From there, we arrive to Panajachel, one of the most bustling towns around Lago de Atitlan. As with every day on the trip, we'll enjoy some downtime in the afternoon before dinner. For guests too restless for siesta, we'll have the option to walk down the popular Santander and continue along the shoreline to take in majestic views.
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After breakfast in Panajachel, we'll take a short boat ride to Santa Cruz la Laguna. This lakeside town offers incredible views of Lake Atitlan, but even more incredible is what happens further up the mountain!
After dropping our bags to our hotel, we'll visit a vocational school supporting seven neighboring communities. We'll learn about their programs, as well as dine at their well-known restaurant, complete with killer terrace views.
After enjoying a free afternoon along the water, we'll meet for happy hour and a memorable family-style dinner at our hotel, with a potential "open mic" night to show off our hidden talents!
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We'll have a free morning to relax, breakfast will be available at our hotel, but guests will also have the option to take to the lake kayaking or via stand-up paddleboarding.
After lunch at our hotel, guests are welcome to enjoy a siesta or join our tour through the "Land of Cooperatives," San Juan la Laguna. San Juan is one of the most colorful pueblos at Atitlan, from the well-decorated dockside to the festive road leading into town where local artists have painted murals for storytelling. Here, we'll learn how chocolate is made, about textiles and natural dyes, as well as the heritage of unique Guatemalan painting styles.
Returning to Santa Cruz la Laguna, later that night we'll enjoy candlelight dinner along the water.
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After breakfast and our last boat ride across the Lake, we'll be met by our driver to bring our group back to Antigua.
Once arrived, we'll leave our bags at the hotel before heading to a farm-to-table restaurant for lunch and a tour. After wandering through the organic wonderland, guests are welcome to enjoy the afternoon on their own or take part in touring a former monastery-turned-museum and resort before learning our unique nawals (Mayan spirit animals).
Later, we'll head to local microbrewery Cerveceria 14 to celebrate our trip at our Feliz Viaje dinner. There, we'll enjoy live music while we share our favorite experiences from our trip!
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All good things must come to an end, but it doesn't mean you can't take a part of Guatemala with you. We'll be sharing a (bonus) folder of candid pictures from throughout our trip along with a special thank you message.
Please confirm your departure date and time with us so we can coordinate your transportation to Aurora International Airport for a safe return home.
Payment Options
Payment options below are offered to accommodate guests’ needs whether with a payment plan, paying in full, or preferring to pay via a bank transfer or check. We strongly encourage guests to read through Naturally Smart Travel’s terms and conditions before processing payment.
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Make a Deposit
Of the $1999 total, guests must make a $450 non-refundable deposit to confirm their booking. Once processed, an email confirmation will be sent with future payment dates and communications schedule to prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Make a Full Payment
Guests who pay in full ($1999) contribute $450 of the payment received to a non-refundable deposit. Once processed, an email confirmation will be sent with a communications schedule to prepare you for the Land of Eternal Spring (Guatemala).
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Electronic Transfer or Check
If an electronic transfer or check is your preferred method of payment, please email us for relevant bank information and mailing instructions by clicking the button below.
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About
Naturally Smart Travel coordinates sustainable group and private impact tours to create culturally immersive experiences throughout Guatemala. With our unique recipe for blending culture, low or high impact excursions, and community empowerment into every trip, we inspire opportunities for both conscious guests and social or environmental initiatives to thrive.