We are considering posting a couple of tour options for the spring of 2026 and are in the process of gauging interest to decide which trip we will run. If you are interested in this proposed Guatemala tour please fill out the “Sign up for additional informaiton” form below to show your interest.
Here are some details about the proposed Guatemala tour:
Guatemala is a land rich in Mayan history which still holds strong in the present day culture. Antigua, in southern Guatemala, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979 for its cultural, political, and architectural importance. This is a country lively with volcanoes and balanced by the tranquillity of it’s lakes. Lake Atitlan is home to many villages which hold individual communities, many still with their own language.
While the Baroque colonial buildings in Guatemala’s former capital are stunning in their own right, one annual Easter tradition enhances the city’s beauty immensely. Each year, Antigua covers its streets in intricate alfombras, or carpets, during Semana Santa in preparation for the city’s processions on Good Friday. Residents spread sand to even out the surface and then use stencils and sprinkle dyed sawdust, flowers, seeds, vegetables, and other organic materials to create intricate designs which reflect biblical symbols, nature scenes, and Mayan traditions. This Easter celebration is like none you’ve seen before.
We will begin our journey on the shores of beautiful Lake Atitlan, with a visit to the the renowned Chichicastenango Market, the largest and most famous market in Guatemala. Following that the group will explore some of the local villages that surround Lake Atitlan, witness traditional artisans, see a local shaman performing rituals for the local people, and explore the Mayan ruins of Iximche with your guide to learn about this impressive civilization.
From there the group will depart for Antigua to enjoy a private volcano tour before immersing yourselves in the explosive color and pageantry of the Easter celebrations. After several days of photographing the beautiful celebrations that engulf the city the group will depart for Tikal where they will explore the Yaxha National Park which offers many wildlife opportunities. We round out the tour with a private guided tour of the Tikal site with its fabulous temples that rise up through the jungle canopy.
Our meticulously crafted tour promises an unforgettable blend of cultural immersion, stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and the opportunity to capture the essence of Semana Santa through your lens.
Finally, head up into the emerald jungle to explore the mystical sight of Tikal. This will be one special trip to remember.
Explore this magnificent landscape with Art Wolfe by your side instructing you on the best ways to properly capture the immense beauty that surrounds you.
To ensure an intimate and personalized experience, we have limited the tour to a small group of photography enthusiasts. Reserve your spot now to avoid disappointment!
Led by Art Wolfe
Assisted by Gavriel Jecan
Limited to 10 participants
Transportation and Accommodation
Meals, lodging, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Guatemala City International Airport.
Sample Itinerary
Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.
Day 1 March 30, 2026 Arrival at Guatemala City International Airport – Transfer to Lake Atitlan
**Please book a flight that lands in the morning**
Private transfer to Lake Atitlan
Approx. 3.5 hour drive, please book a flight that arrives in the morning or lunch time at the latest.
The Hotel Atitlan is a comfortable, colonial style option set in beautiful location on the shores of Lake Atitlan, ten minutes from the main town of Panajachel on what once was the estate of a family owned coffee plantation.
Each of the 60 rooms and suites at Hotel Atitlán Hotel & Gardens features a private balcony overlooking the lake or the hotel’s tranquil grounds. Rooms have been individually decorated with hand-woven fabrics and bedding, artisan-crafted furniture and authentic artwork from local Guatemalan villages. Floors are made from traditional tile and covered with beautifully hand-woven area rugs.
The hotel has beautiful gardens, inside and outside dining, a small pool, and bar. Its lakeshore location offers guests stunning views across Atitlan and her three surrounding volcanoes. Just behind the hotel is the Reserva Atitlan which offers moderate hiking in cloud forest and a butterfly farm.
This evening there will be a welcome dinner with Art Wolfe, Gavriel Jecan. (D)
Day 2 March 30 San Juan village and Santiago village on Lake Atitlan
Transfer to San Juan La Laguna Village where you can visit a local textile cooperative to see the back strap loom in use and to see how they still dye with natural dyes. You can also visit the home and workshop of local naïf painters before boarding the boat onto Santiago Village for lunch.
After lunch walk with your guide to find the house where the Maya God Maximon is living. Each year a different “brotherhood” has the privilege of taking care of their God so his location changes. Once with Maximon you may see local shaman performing rituals for local people and if you wish you can ask your guide to help you hire the services of a shaman for you to have a personal ceremony performed.
After visiting Maximon guests can visit the local church and learn about the history of this very traditional town and also see the market and learn about the distinctive textiles and primitive art that is famous from this area. When you are ready you will be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 3 April 1 Lake Atitlan – Antigua (With tour of the Iximche Ruins en route)
Following an hour’s transfer from Lake Atitlan you will arrive at Iximche for a tour of this amazing and famous Maya archaeology site before continuing on to and your hotel in Antigua.
A mere two blocks from the central park, Naif Boutique Hotel situates you at the epicentre of the city’s offerings, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings steeped in culture and art. The rooms seamlessly integrate colonial architecture with modern conveniences, providing a well-appointed haven to ensure your stay is as delightful as possible. The hotel also offers in room spa sessions to further elevate your experience. (B, L, D)
Days 4-5 April 2-3 – Antigua
- Holy Thursday & Good Friday in Antigua – photography focused time with a private guide to show you around the city.
Spend your days in this enchanting city strolling through avenidas, plazas and calles, soaking up the baroque architecture and lovely atmosphere. Explore the colorful Easter parades or head out to explore nearby volcanoes. Your local guide will be on hand to help you make the most of your days here. (B, L, D)
Day 6 April 4 – Holy Saturday
While Saturday has a few processions, you may choose to hike up Pacaya Volcano. This volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Central America and you will have a chance to see some fumaroles and possibly even lava. We’ll head out early in the morning, returning around noon.
In the afternoon, you can view processions from San Felipe de Jesus and Escuela de Cristo. These processions feature only the Virgin Mary’s float, as Jesus has died. The floats are carried only by women, dressed in black. Between 8-11 pm, there will be special ceremonies in most churches around Antigua. You can take the time to receive blessings at one of the ceremonies.
Day 7 April 5 Easter Sunday
There will be a church service that celebrates the Resurrection, though this is not a big day for processions or celebrations. There is just one celebrational procession at 1 pm, which leaves from the Hermano Pedro church. This church is associated with the city’s own saint, Hermano Pedro who worked as a healer in Antigua and the surrounding villages. He was sainted in 2002 when the pope visited Guatemala. This procession is a beautiful one with plenty of flowers and happiness.
Day 8 April 6 Transfer to Airport
Holy Week in Antigua Guatemala has come to a close and you will be taken to the airport for your departing flight.
-End of Tour-