Fundación Tradiciones Mayas (FTM) invites you to explore the culture and artisan communities of Guatemala through a unique, 10 day Fair Trade and Textile Tour from Sunday 24th of October to Tuesday 2nd of November 2010.
Please join us as we at FTM, and the communities we support, open the doors for a rare insight into the culture of Guatemala and the weaving tradition of the back strap loom. This tour promotes the importance of Fair Trade and culturally aware eco-travel within the region and enables master weavers of Guatemala to share their knowledge as cultural guardians and educators.
You will have a chance to explore an ancient Maya site and the charming city of Antigua Guatemala, as well as the lakeside villages of Lake Atitlan with all their beauty and diversity. Take this opportunity to spend Halloween in Guatemala and experience the incredible SUMPANGO KITE FESTIVAL.
Cost: US$1439
INCLUDES: most meals, airport transfer, in-country transportation, accommodations, fluent bilingual tour guide, entrance to Maya ruins and pre departure booklet.
EXCLUDES: Airfare, tips and free day activity expenses
See below for trip itinerary:
FUNDACIÓN TRADICIONES MAYAS- FAIR TRADE AND TEXTILE TOUR
*Maximum group size 12 people*
DAY 1- WELCOME TO GUATEMALA
Our tour facilitator will greet you at Guatemala’s La Aurora International Airport and transport you to charming Antigua Guatemala. After you check into the hotel we will have an orientation session before enjoying our first group dinner together.
DAY 2 – MAYAN RUINS, ARCHAEOLOGY & BEAUTIFUL VISTAS
On the way to the town of Panajachel (a 3 hour ride from Antigua) we will stop at the Ma
ya archaeological site of Iximche, explore the site and museum, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Iximché was the capital of the Maya Kaqchikel nation during the Post classic period and was the settlement of Guatemala’s first Capital City. Explorations, excavations, and restoration of the site began in 1960 and continue to date. Many structures are still covered by lush vegetation. Afterwards we will continue on the road making a brief stop at the Mirador of San Jorge, overlooking Lake Atitlan, before arriving to settle in the town of Panajachel.
(photo courtesy of Jascha Tabor)
DAY 3 – UNDERSTANDING FAIR TRADE AND THE WORK OF FTM
Start the day with a breathtaking tour of our medicinal plant garden and learn more about our Health Project. Learn more about Fair Trade and the work of Maya Traditions with anthropologist Martha Lynd. Appreciate the art of back strap weaving and its intricacies as you learn about, observe and get to know some of the artisans FTM works with. After enjoying a traditional lunch with staff and artisans have an opportunity to peruse FTM’s fair trade store before we make our way across the lake to the magical Casa del Mundo Hotel where we will spend the night.
DAY 4 – EXPLORING SAN JUAN LA LAGUNA AND A FAIR TRADE JEWELRY COOPERATIVE
After enjoying the morning at the Casa del Mundo, , perched on the cliffs of the lake, relaxing, swimming or kayaking we will take a boat further across the beautiful Lake Atitlan to the Tz’utujil Maya community of San Juan la Laguna to met the women artisans FTM works with. We will experience the creation of back strap woven products by observing all the different steps involved in creating the amazing products that our San Juan group produces as well as a demonstration of the natural dye technique particular to this village. Enjoy lunch in a local “comedor” before some free time to wander this enchanting lakeside village and its art galleries and cooperatives. We will then visit San Pedro La Laguna to learn more about a small Fair Trade cooperative working with beautiful beading and jewelry before taking the boat back to Panajachel.
DAY 5 – FTM ARTISAN COOPERATIVES IN SOLOLA AND CHICHICASTENANGO
After breakfast, travel to Chuacruz to meet graduates from our scholarship program – sons and daughters of women participating in our artisan groups. Learn about the successes of the widows in the Solola group by visiting their community house and land. We will then enjoy a packed lunch in the community before traveling on to visit the isolated community of artisans in Quiejel that FTM works with as you have a chance to experience what life is like in the highlands. This is another opportunity to gain an understanding of the way in which Fair Trade has impacted on the lives of the artisans FTM supports.
DAY 6 – FAIR TRADE COOPERATIVE ASOCIACION MAYA AND TRADITIONAL SOLOLA MARKET DAY
Travel on local transport to the nearby town of Solola to first visit the Fair Trade Cooperative of Asociacion Maya that makes many chenille products. Learn more about their long history and their amazing achievements. After visiting the cooperative you will have time to wander around the traditional market of Solola where every Tuesday and Friday people from the surrounding villages converge to sell and buy their produce. We will return to Panajachel where you will have some free time before we meet up for dinner.
DAY 7 – CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE!
Day 6 is a free day and we are able to help arrange any adventure you may choose. Some options include zip lining at the nature reserve in Panajachel, mountain biking and or hiking around the lake, weaving classes, kayaking, visiting the Mayan Deity of Maximon in Santiago Atitlan or simply relaxing by the lake!
DAY 8- CHICHICASTENANGO MARKET DAY
Visit the famous market of Chichicastenango in the area of Quiche where you can witness the mix of Mayan and Latino cultures most evident by visiting the churches, cemetery and the colorful market. See how the blend of traditional and modern cultures and the vibrancy of the market day make this the most visited market in Guatemala. On our return to Panajachel we will visit the cemetery in the early evening to witness how Halloween is celebrated Guatemalan style on this very important family holiday to remember and celebrate the life of those no longer with us.
DAY 9- SUMPANGO KITE FESTIVAL & RETURN TO ANTIGUA
Take an early start to attend the annual SUMPANGO KITE FESTIVAL, witness the beauty of the gigantic kites as you partake in a festival of All Souls Day. Fly your own kite as kites up to 20 feet in diameter are flown in a competetion to see whose kite makes it the furtherest. The kites are believed to be a vehicle for speaking with the souls of departed loved ones and represent the floating spirits of the dead.
We will arrive in Antigua in the late afternoon before we have our Farewell Dinner.
(Photo courtesy of John Reardon)
DAY 10 COME BACK SOON!
Transfer from Antigua Guatemala to Guatemala City, Aurora International Airport, for your flight home, or continue your journey!
For more information about Fundacion Tradiciones Mayas please see
www.mayatraditions.org. For a registration form please email:
