Guatemala 2026: Textile Study Tour in Cloth and Culture

Dates

January 22 - February 2, 2026

price

$5,035
(double occupancy)
$5,885
(single occupancy)

about

Join us on an 11-day immersive journey through Guatemala’s rich textile traditions. Explore Maya weaving techniques, participate in natural dyeing workshops, and visit local artisans in Coban, Antigua, and Lake Atitlan.

Trip Highlights

Kick off your adventure in Guatemala City with an overnight stay at a luxury hotel in the heart of Zona 10. The next day, delve into the country’s rich textile heritage at the Museo Ixchel, where you’ll uncover the stories woven into the fabric of each region. Journey to Coban, where you’ll meet renowned weaver Amalia Gue and explore the vibrant rainforest, orchid sanctuaries, coffee plantations, and local weaving cooperatives.

In Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, immerse yourself in the charming colonial city while discovering nearby weaving villages nestled beneath the volcano. Participate in a hands-on natural indigo dye workshop with Olga Reiche, a master artisan featured at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market, and visit the extraordinary works of master weaver Lidia Lopez.

Explore the stunning beauty of Lake Atitlan, where you’ll visit the Multicolores cooperative and interact with skilled artisans in Panajachel. The highlight of the journey is a day trip to Chichicastenango’s bustling market, where you’ll experience the vibrant blend of Maya traditions, textiles, pottery, and mysticism. This unforgettable tour promises an immersive and eye-opening experience into Guatemala's textile artistry and culture!

Duration

12 days, 11 nights

Locations

Guatemala CIty, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, Coban, Panajachel, Sacatepequez

Physical Activity

Moderate

Itinerary:

Day 1

Thursday, February 22

Arrive to Guatemala City, overnight in GC. Travel to the Hyatt Centric Hotel where we meet for a welcome dinner. Please arrive before 4 p.m. by airport shuttle (at your own expense) to avoid traffic. Dinner included.

Day 2

Friday, February 23

After breakfast, visit the Museo Ixchel for a comprehensive look at Guatemala’s diverse Maya textile traditions. Then we travel some distance by luxury van to Coban, Alta Verapaz, where we settle into our hotel. Overnight in Coban. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Day 3

Saturday, February 24

After breakfast, we meet with famed weaver Amalia Gue, and her family cooperative of pikbil weavers on the patio of her home that overlooks the rainforest and coffee plantations. We meet and see both women and men weaving, an innovation in the culture. After a box lunch, we tour an organic coffee plantation and then return to our hotel. Overnight in Coban. Breakfast and lunch are included. Dinner on your own.

Day 4

Sunday, February 25

After breakfast, we meet several weaving cooperatives that Olga works with for an expoventa, enjoy a home-cooked local meal at X’Kape, then visit Oruigonia, a family project that researches and grows local orchids on their private reserve. Overnight in Coban. Breakfast and lunch are included.

Day 5

Monday, February 26

After an early breakfast, we make another long drive to Antigua, where we have the late afternoon free and then meet for a group dinner. Overnight in Antigua. Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch is on your own.

Day 6

Tuesday, February 27

Today, we participate in a natural dyeing indigo workshop with Olga, who is a dye master and owner of the amazing textile shop Indigo. We will also visit master weaver Lidia Lopez de Lopez, who creates tapestry of flowers and wildlife on huipiles — a visual feast in her nearby village of San Antonio Aguascalientes. Overnight in Antigua. Breakfast and lunch are included. Dinner is on your own.

Day 7

Wednesday, January 28

Today, we will go to Panajachel and Lake Atitlan, where we visit Multicolores cooperative. They have participated in the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market for years! Their story is incredible. There is time afterward to explore Santander Street, replete with artisan shops and market stalls. Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Day 8

Thursday, January 29

After breakfast, we make a day trip to the famed Chichicastenango Market where the vast maze of alleyways is filled with artisans and food stalls showcasing everything from vintage to new: textiles, pottery, woven baskets and bags in a riot of color, jewelry, and more. Return to and overnight in Panajachel. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner on your own.

Day 9

Friday, January 30

We spend the morning on the other side of Lake Atitlan, taking a boat launch to visit weaving cooperatives in San Juan de Laguna. Afternoon in Panajachel on your own. We return to Antigua in late afternoon and arrive in time to check in and have dinner. Overnight in Antigua. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Day 10

Saturday, January 31

After breakfast, we will spend the morning exploring weaving villages under the volcano within a short drive of Antigua. Lunch is at the organic farm-to-table restaurant, Caoba Farms. Afternoon on your own. Overnight in Antigua. Breakfast and lunch are included. Dinner is on your own.

Day 11

Sunday, February 1

This is our last day together in Antigua. After breakfast you are free to continue exploring the city. We will have a self-guided list of not-to-be-missed places to see and suggestions for neighborhoods to explore on your own. It’s a good time to gather up last-minute gifts and do your final packing. Gather for our Grand Finale Dinner and goodbyes. Breakfast and dinner are included. Lunch is on your own.

Day 12

Monday, February 2

Departure to Guatemala City airport. Please schedule flights to depart after 1 p.m. It will take 1-1/2 to 2 hours to get there, and you need to be there two hours ahead of time to check in for international flights.

What's Included

Lodging

11 nights (1 in Guatemala City, 3 in Coban, 5 in Antigua, 2 Panajachel)

Guide

2 Bilingual guides and translators: English and Spanish

Transport

Private bus

Meals

11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners (see itinerary for details)

Activities

Visits to Textile Museum, markets, orchid farm and coffee plantation; boat ride; artisan studio visits, weaving demonstration; indigo workshop

Important Information

Pricing
Double Occupancy: $5,035/person (Double room with a private bathroom)
Single Occupancy: $5,885/person (Single room with a private bathroom)

Activity Level
Moderate- You should be able to stand for at least an hour and walk up to two miles on flat surfaces, unpaved paths, and small inclines.

The tour does NOT include airfare, taxes, tips, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, local transportation, and meals outside of what’s noted in the itinerary. We reserve the right to substitute artisan guides and alter the program as needed.

A $750 non-refundable deposit (first payment) is required to guarantee your place. The balance is due in two equal payments (August 1, 2025 and November 1, 2025)

If you cancel on or before November 1, 2025 we will refund 50% of what you paid, minus the $750 deposit. After that, there are no refunds unless we need to cancel the trip, in which case you’ll receive a full refund.

You are required to carry your own international accident/health insurance that includes $50,000+ of emergency evacuation insurance. Some travel insurance options are here.

All documentation for plane reservations, travel insurance, and personal health issues must be received 45 days before the program starts or we reserve the right to cancel your registration without reimbursement.

 

What Other Travelers Are Saying

FAQs

Do you have
more questions?

How many people are on each tour?

For private, custom date tours, you choose the number of people. Please refer to the tour details for any restrictions. Our group tours are usually 8-12 people, but no more than 15. We intentionally keep groups small for a more intimate experience – like a local friend showing you around their favorite places.

Airfare, airport transfers, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, tips, and some meals (see the tour itinerary for what’s included).
There are several options here and we can offer suggestions after you register.
Absolutely not! Anyone who is interested in art, culture, history, traditions, and personally connecting with artisans is welcome.
No. Our mission is to help these artisans support their families and keep their traditions alive. 100% of any purchase you make (you’re not obligated to buy anything) goes directly into their pocket.
Absolutely! Our tours are a great way to meet other like-minded travelers and solo travelers often join us. Our tour prices are noted in both double and single occupancy. We welcome solo travelers and those who want to share a room.
After you register for your tour we can provide hotel contact information to arrive early or extend your stay. We also offer day tours and workshops you can add onto the beginning or end of any tour.

No, you are responsible for getting yourself to and from the airport, but once you register for a tour, we’ll recommend a few safe and reliable options.

There is an ATM at the Oaxaca International Airport and many throughout Oaxaca City. Airport transportation options accept credit cards, but some restaurants and shops are cash only.

We’ll provide a suggested packing list as your tour date approaches.

Dates

January 22 - February 2, 2026

price

$5,035
(double occupancy)
$5,885
(single occupancy)

Dates

January 22 - February 2, 2026
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