choose Your Journey
C u b a
Dates: January 27-
February 3, 2025
*Contact*
Easter Lent in Guatemala
DATES: April, 7-16 2025
Traveling With Purpose and a Camera
We combine intentional exploration with meaningful connections.
Purposeful Experiences: Meet coffee farmers, aid groups, and herbalists. Witness Mayan ceremonies and immerse yourself in vibrant cultures.
Photography as a Bridge: Use your camera to connect deeply, learn from locals, and create lasting stories and friendships.
Environmental Awareness: Our trips are low-impact and support the wisdom and leadership of local communities.
Expert Leadership: With over a decade in Guatemala as a professional photojournalist, Sherrlyn brings unmatched insight and respect for the soul of each destination. Her connections in Cuba are wide-ranging boxers to coffee farmers
Local Immersion: Stay in locally run accommodations and engage closely with the heart of the community.
Unforgettable Moments: Join us for breathtaking sunrises, vibrant processions, and special experiences like the 2025 Lent Celebration journey in Guatemala.
As Easter approaches, the streets fill with the scent of flowers, swirling incense, and colorful processions—a celebration you’ll never forget. Secure your spot and be part of something truly remarkable!
Solo travelers are encouraged.
Backroads in Comfort
Reviews
Words of Travelers’
”I had a vacation like no vacation in Cuba before thanks to the energy, spontaneity, and creativity of Sherrlyn,
who knows how to engage everyone in thoughtful and uplifting conversation. I now have an insider's view of #Cuba thanks to her coordination of this trip, and made many Cuban friendships, such as with this champion boxer and trainer, Radame Castillo…” Gary Klein 2023 #GuatemalaTravel
“ Traveling with Sherrlyn Borkgren is a fun adventure”.
”I felt that I was inside the culture and had this unique opportunity to be accepted as one of the people. “ Raelynn C.
“Want to become a better visual storyteller? Join Sherrlyn's Guatemala/Cuban workshops. She'll show you things you might miss, even standing next to her.”
Bob Dotson, American Story NBC TODAY’S SHOW and New York Times best author.
”I never felt like a tourist except when I was on my own and with others in the group. I saw places, met people, and had a great time.
This is a cultural adventure and I recommend it for anyone who wants to explore and do urban photography.
There are a lot of landscapes to photograph but when you’re around Mayan people who still wear traditional dress I did want to engage with them. They are the landscape in many ways. “ Liz H. #Travel Photograph
“Sherlyn is a master photographer and culturally sensitive. For anyone interested in honing their skills in storytelling in other cultures, I highly recommend her workshops. Bill Bangham, editor and writer
Sherrlyn@gmail.com
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Text or call during business hours for details at 541.579 9929
“Sherrlyn is not just a tour leader; she's a passionate explorer with a remarkable talent for capturing breathtaking shots published in hundreds of magazines worldwide”. You will acquire hidden gems and a travel experience that goes beyond the ordinary. You’ll travel with Sherrlyn and enjoy friendships with local artists, herbalists, farmers and more who look forward to meeting you.
Travel to Guatemala see a sample Itinerary with us
A fun fast video of the shakedown of the Guatemala trip. Take a sneak peek into our thrilling journey through this video below.
Guatemala is a land of marvels, a realm where mysteries and wonders await your discovery. Echoing the sentiments of famed author Aldous Huxley, "Lake Atitlan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world," the breathtaking landscapes, adorned with majestic mountains and volcanic peaks, will leave you in awe.
Experience ancient Mayan rituals with smells that will linger and whisper tales of a bygone era. Guatemala is a land of endless exploration.
These are no ordinary tours; they are immersive adventures that dive deep into local culture, extend a helping hand to the communities we visit, cultivate new friendships, and capture the very essence of Guatemala through breathtaking photographs.
You always have choices from climbing a volcano to opting out for an afternoon in a hammock.
Laughing Planet Journeys is an adventure meant for those who have an open and curious mindset. Flexibility is key, as we aim to provide an immersive and authentic experience of Guatemala's culture and communities. We have a structured yet spontaneous agenda because we know anyone who travels must be instinctive to once-in-a-lifetime moments.
What do you need to Travel with Us?
We require a spontaneous and cooperative attitude from our travelers. You will be part of a group journey that requires teamwork and support. We are casual and evenly paced. There are almost always workarounds for slower travelers. It is a moderately paced trip and we have 3 days at an altitude of 3500 ‘ altitude around Lake Atitlan.
More Reviews
“Traveling with Sherrlyn to Guatemala was a unique and fun experience. It’s about as close to being with the culture as possible without living in it. We participated in Mayan rituals, ate with locals, and were able to share with those in need through this incredible Guatemala Journey. I Recommend this trip. ” #GuatemalaTravel_Photography, #Cuba Travel Raelynn H. 2022
“I went to Cuba with Sherrlyn and discovered places and people I could not have met on my own. We traveled in an old woody station wagon, and even in a carraige pulled by well-fed horses. We learned from Cuban experts and Cuban locals. We visited a boxing club and a salsa dance. It felt like traveling back in time and gave me an understanding of Cuba and its people that I had never imagined. Everyone should visit at least once and take Sherrlyn as a guide ” Ray Clarke
There were some people with serious cameras and some had iPhones. It didn’t matter everyone got the same attention for learning. The philosophy is if you want to learn “Ask”. Sherrlyn knows the culture probably better than many Guatemalans. I enjoyed canoeing across Lake Atitlan and also liked the very early morning volcano climb. The climb is hard and it’s very early in the morning so think twice if you aren’t a morning person or not in great shape. Had a wonderful time and I’m planning on a future CUBA trip with Sherrlyn and pals.” #GuatemalaTravel#Cuba tours Sevenille 2023
Below: Guatemala Kite Festival is a celebration of the Day of the Dead or in Guatemala more commonly called “All Saints’ Day”. It’s a happy fun day with lots of marimba music and food.
Have Questions?
sherrlyn@gmail.com
Interested in our Cuba trip?
Our journey offers a private room with breakfast, with a reduced price for a shared room.
You’ll eat with and enjoy the many Cuban English speakers. From riding in old 1950’s vehicles to visiting tobacco farms it is still like going back in time. The opportunity to photograph is intense.
We align ourselves with lovely Cuban Bed and Breakfasts hosted by the local people to support the environment and communities we visit. Our itinerary includes ground transportation, visits to the tobacco and coffee farms, guest speakers, and comfortable lodging at local guest houses.