This year we visit the Giant Kite Festival on November 1, 2026

Bring your camera and explore the depth of Mayan culture with me
Antigua • Lake Atitlán • Mayan Villages • and the Striking Giant Kite Festival

October 27 – November 4, 2026
9 Days • Small Group (3–10 Travelers)
Investment: $3,200 per person (Double Occupancy)

Traveling alone? Single rooms are only slightly more because I refuse to gouge solo travelers. If you want to avoid the extra cost entirely, matching up with another solo traveler is always an option.

Join me for an unforgettable photography and cultural journey through Guatemala during one of the country's most meaningful celebrations—the All Saints' Day Giant Kite Festival. Having spent over a decade documenting the remote villages and vibrant cultures of Latin America as a photojournalist, I design these small-group trips to focus on genuine human connection and purposeful exploration.

Whether you are an experienced photographer or simply love capturing the world around you, you are welcome. Solo travelers—including many women traveling on their own—couples, and curious explorers are encouraged to join. Your camera captures moments; your photographs tell stories.

Earn Creative & Community Travel Credits
I believe in purposeful travel and being a helpful guest. You can lower the cost of your journey by participating in our community initiatives:

• Suitcase of Kindness (-$150 Credit): Bring a suitcase filled with requested supplies from our community support list. These items are shared directly with local families and trusted community partners, turning a simple suitcase into a meaningful connection. In Guatemala only you may turn that suitcase into buying everything locally and giving to one of the groups we help.

• First Aid Readiness (-$45 Credit): Complete a basic first aid class before our departure date to earn an additional credit, ensuring a safe and prepared team environment for everyone.

The 9-Day Photography Itinerary

Day 1 — October 27: Arrival in Guatemala City & Transfer to Antigua
I will meet you directly at the airport (or your nearby airport hotel if you arrive early). We will take a group transfer to beautiful colonial Antigua. Settle into our locally owned hotel and begin getting to know the group. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome dinner and a photography orientation where we will explore our camera settings together.

• Meals: Dinner Included

• Overnight: Antigua

Day 2 — October 28: Antigua — History, Streets & Storytelling
We will spend the day exploring Antigua’s colorful streets, colonial architecture, bustling local markets, and dramatic volcano backdrops. Focus your lens on daily life, rich textures, and the vibrant details that make this historic city unforgettable. We will take a short chicken bus experience to a nearby village.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included

• Overnight: Antigua

Day 3 — October 29: Journey to Lake Atitlán
In the morning, we transfer by air-conditioned vehicle to Lake Atitlán, one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Guatemala. We will cross the gorgeous lake by boat to reach our lakeside accommodations, which are surrounded by towering volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages. Enjoy an afternoon initial village exploration.

• Meals: Breakfast Included

• Overnight: Lake Atitlán

Day 4 — October 30: Lake Atitlán Villages & Mayan Culture
We travel by boat across the water to a nearby Mayan town.We visit a local organic coffee farm then learn from local weavers, painters, and Mayan herbalists as we document everyday life and engage in genuine cultural exchange.

• Optional Activities: Spend your free afternoon canoeing, relaxing in a hammock by the lake, or taking an optional early-morning volcano hike.

• Meals: Breakfast Included

• Overnight: Lake Atitlán

Day 5 — October 31: Lake Atitlán — Deeper Exploration
A slower, more intentional photography day to absorb our surroundings. We continue exploring lakeside villages, expansive landscapes, and community life. In the afternoon, we will gather for a relaxed group image review and photography discussion to look at what we've captured so far.

We may even visit a local curdandero (healer) and observe a sacred Mayan ritual

• Optional Activities: Time to enjoy the lake, canoe, swim, or simply rest.

• Meals: Breakfast Included

• Overnight: Lake Atitlán

Day 6 — November 1: The Giant Kite Festival (All Saints’ Day)
We depart Lake Atitlán early to travel to a Mayan village located an hour outside of Antigua for the awe-inspiring Giant Kite Festival. Photograph the enormous, hand-crafted tissue-paper kites, families gathering in remembrance, and the incredible explosion of color. This is one of Guatemala’s most powerful spiritual celebrations—a day filled with deep history and unforgettable documentary photography opportunities.There will be lots of food celebrations.

• Meals: Breakfast Included

• Overnight: Antigua

Day 7 — November 2: Antigua & Surrounding Communities
Explore Antigua at a relaxed, comfortable pace. We will visit local artisans, open-air markets, and ancient cultural sites.

• Optional Activities: Take an authentic "chicken bus" ride to a nearby Mayan village to experience local transportation and simpler village life.

• Meals: Breakfast Included

• Overnight: Antigua

Day 8 — November 3: Final Photography Day
A highly flexible day based entirely on the light, local weather conditions, and group interests. We will spend our final full day continuing to explore and photograph the hidden corners of Guatemala.

• Optional Excursions: Climb Pacaya Volcano very early in the morning (by horse or on foot), or attend a local "How to make chocolate from cocoa" workshop.

• Meals: Breakfast Included

• Overnight: Antigua

Day 9 — November 4: Departure
We will enjoy breakfast together if your flight leaves later in the day, followed by a group transfer back to the Guatemala City airport for your journey home. If you have a late flight and you choose to stay longer I will help with private transportation on your ticket. There are also places to experience in Guatemala city.

• Meals: Breakfast Included

Trip Details & Logistics

What is Included:

• Hand-picked, locally owned hotels and accommodations, we support locals not corporate.

• Guatemala City airport pickup and all group ground transportation

• Daily breakfasts, one group lunch, and two dinners

• All group cultural activities, visits, and Lake Atitlán boat transport

• On-the-ground photography mentoring and group storytelling sharing.

What is Not Included:

• International airfare to/from Guatemala City

• Daily lunches and dinners not listed above (Please note: Local meals in Guatemala are very inexpensive, allowing you to explore authentic regional flavors affordably on your own or with the group)

• Personal daily expenses and drinks at meals

• Private excursions outside the group itinerary

• Required travel insurance

• Optional independent activities (volcano hikes, chocolate workshops, etc.)