.gif) MayaWorks Tours
Upcoming Journey Dates:
September 12-21, 2008February 13 - 22, 2009
Why Join a MayaWorks Tour?
MayaWorks offers 10-day tours of the western highlands of Guatemala. Participants have the opportunity to visit MayaWorks artisans and enjoy the beauty of the country as well gain insights about Maya culture and fair trade. Your trip will be highlighted by knowledgable and friendly local guides.
Tours provide an opportunity to meet a variety of Mayans involved in women’s economic and education issues and to learn first-hand about their lives. There is also time for enjoyment of the incredible beauty of Guatemala and to reflect with the group on our "one world" connections.
Who Joins MayaWorks Tours?
These tours are specifically designed for women and men who would like to become involved or want to increase their participation in MayaWorks when they return to the States.
Past tours included people from all over North America; college students, teachers, managers and administrators, professional church workers, artists, and social workers.
Over the course of the days together, tour groups forge bonds of friendship with each other and a shared commitment to the women of Guatemala and MayaWorks.
Sample Itinerary
(some variability is expected)
Friday: Arrive in Guatemala City.
Saturday: Guided tour of Guatemala City including a visit to the Ixchel Museum to learn about typical Maya clothing. We will hop on a a short evening flight to Flores with immediate transfer to Tikal National Park. Overnight in Tikal.
Sunday: All day guided tour of ancient Mayan ruins with a break for lunch in the park. Return to Guatemala City and overnight in Antigua.
Monday: Visit the MayaWorks office and the Behrhorst Foundation in Chimaltenango. Then on to Xetonox to visit the school and students as well the women who create the corn husk angels. Overnight in Antigua.
Tuesday: Travel to distant Aguas Calientes to visit the school and meet with weavers there. See projects that MayaWorks donors have helped to fund, including the construction of the new school kitchen! Then to beautiful Comalapa to meet with scholarship students and have dinner with a family. Overnight in Comalapa.
Wednesday: Meet the women of Tzanjuyu as they present a weaving demonstration. Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains to Panajachel on the shores of Lake Atitlan. Overnight in Panajachel with free time to shop and relax.
Thursday: Boat trip across Lake Atitlan to San Marcos to meet with Maria del Carmen Chavajay and the women who crochet hackeysacks and yarmulkes. In the afternoon meet Diego Chavez who guide us through the Peace Park in Santiago Atitlan. Meet weavers of pastoral stoles. Overnight in Santiago Atitlan.
Friday: Diego Chavez will give us a tour of the church in Santiago Atitlan, built in 1547, followed by a visit to Maximon and the women who create the MayaWorks beadwork. Afternoon is free. Overnight in Santiago Atitlan.
Saturday: Return to Antigua by the coastal road through coffee, rubber and sugar plantations. Guided tour through Antigua coffee plantation. Visit with artisan leaders Emy and Cesar Xicay in San Antonio Aguas Calientes. Final dinner together at the famous Santo Domingo Hotel in Antigua. Overnight in Antigua.
Sunday: Farewells and departures for home.
September 2008 Tour Cost: $1,350 including a $150 non-refundable security deposit
February 2009 Tour Cost: $1450 including a $150 non-refundable security deposit
Tour Memories from Participants
"The MayaWorks Journey: A Personal Reflection", by Louise Wildeman
"Guatemalan Trip Creates a Kaleidoscope of Memories, New Friendships and Increased Understanding", by Pam Hepple, Gibsonia, PA
"An Ode to MayaWorks", by Marcia K. Lang, Sarasota, FL
To Make a Reservation or For More Information
If you would like to reserve a spot in one of our next tours or would like more information about MayaWorks tours Email our Tour Coordinator: Sarah@mayaworks.org.
Includes All hotel accomodations (double occupancy); ground transportation; all meals; flight to Tikal and bilingual guide.
Airfare: flight costs vary; e.g. from Chicago: $550 range; from NYC $525 range. MayaWorks works with a travel agent who can get us discounted tickets. Please contact us if you are interested.
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