Maya Textiles Tour - 7 Days
HIGHLIGHTS
Guatemalan folklore is possibly the most interesting and varied in the world. One of the best expressions of this can be seen in local textiles, which incorporate more than 325 variations of styles and color schemes, each one with its own historically symbolic meaning. Markets dot the countryside and offer a fascinating insight into the Maya Culture, and a great opportunity to see the Maya people dressed in their traditional textiles.
Dates
This tour can begin any day of the week! We suggest you begin on a Sunday to take full advantage of the Chichicastenango Market.
Price
$1995.00 Per person in double occupancy, through December 19, 2009
$325.00 Single supplement
Prices not valid Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year. Please ask for these holiday prices.
Accommodations also available at Lazos Fuertes (Standard Room, Antigua) & Hotel Kakchiquel (Standard Room, Atitlan) for lower prices - and at Panza Verde (Standard Room, Antigua) & Hotel Atitlan (Standard Room, Atitlan) for higher prices.
Included
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6 nights lodging with taxes
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4 nights Meson de Maria - Standard Rooms, in Antigua
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2 nights Posada de Don Rodrigo - Standard Rooms, at Lake Atitlan
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Private guided tours of Antigua & surrounding villages, Guatemala City Textile Market, Azotea Coffee Farm & Maya Traditions Museums, Solola women's textile cooperation, Chichicastenango and market, San Juan la Laguna & Santiago women's textile cooperative, studio-homes of naif painters
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Transfers throughout
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Boat ride across Lake Atitlan
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10 Meals as listed (B= Continental Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Specialize your time in Antigua by adding an informal lecture / discussion on Guatemala & its History!
Not Included
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International airfare and taxes
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Departure tax
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Gratuities
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Alchohol & items of a personal nature
Full Itinerary - Maya Textiles of Guatemala
Day 1
Arrival – Antigua
You will be met at the airport & transferred by vehicle (about 1 hour) to Antigua. Night in Antigua
Day 2
Textile Day Trip Antigua & Villages 
Our Textile Expert will pick you up for a full day tour of Antigua & surrounding villages to learn about the famous Guatemalan Textiles – weaving techniques, natural dyes, symbolism – and to see the back strap loom method of weaving ongoing in Maya homes. Lunch will be in one of the local restaurants in Antigua. Night in Antigua (B,L)
Day 3
Ixchel Museum, Azotea Coffee Farm & Maya Museums
Your guide will drive with you to the Ixchel Textile Museum in Guatemala City, where you will learn about the history of textiles and the ongoing work of the museum to preserve this ancient craft. Lunch will be in a restaurant in Guatemala City. After lunch you will be transferred back to the fabulous Azotea Coffee Farm & Maya Traditions Museums covering traditional music, costume & traditions. Night in Antigua (BL)
Day 4
Lake Atitlan & Textile Cooperative
Today you will be met at your hotel and will be transferred to Lake Atitlan, with a stop en route in Solola to visit a women’s textile cooperative. Here you will be shown the different weaving techniques of the area. After the visit you will transfer on to your hotel at Lake Atitlan. The afternoon will be free to relax. Night at Lake Atitlan (B)
Day 5
Chichi Market
Today you will drive approximately 1 hour to the famous market at Chichicastenango. Time for shopping in this fabulous 
craft market and an opportunity to see Maya rituals being performed in the Catholic Church. you will enjoy lunch in Chichicastenango before heading back to Lake Atitlan. Night at Lake Atitlan (B,L)
Day 6
Lake Tour (San Juan, Santiago)
This morning you will take a scenic boat ride across Lake Atitlan (30min) to the village of San Juan La Laguna to visit the women’s textile cooperative to see hand weaving and natural dye process. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant. Later you'll have the opportunity to visit the studios / homes of the celebrated naïf painters. From here you'll continue to the village of Santiago where you will visit another textile cooperation. After the tour you will be transferred back to Antigua. Night in Antigua (B,L)
Day 7
Transfer Out
This morning your driver will transfer you to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight. (B)
