Discovering the Rich History of Markets and Textiles in Guatemala

Meet and greet at La Aurora International Airport, then transfer to your hotel.

Join us for a guided exploration of the Anthropology and Ethnology Museum in Guatemala City, where we will focus on the impressive Textile Collection.

This comprehensive collection features traditional textiles from various indigenous communities across Guatemala, including woven and embroidered garments, blankets, and accessories such as hats and bags.

The collection highlights the Mayan people’s intricate weaving techniques and lively designs, who have been creating textiles for thousands of years.

These textiles are beautiful and decorative and hold immense cultural and historical significance, reflecting the social, religious, and economic practices of the indigenous communities of Guatemala.

After the museum tour, you’ll have time for lunch. Additionally, you can visit Guatemala City’s Historical Center and the Central Market before being transferred to La Antigua Guatemala.

A full-day experience in Antigua, Guatemala, including a walking tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site’s hidden treasures.

Visit the vibrant market and significant colonial landmarks that make this destination unique. Later in the day, you will spend around four hours with a group of Cakchiquel Mayan ladies from the San Antonio Aguas Calientes community.

These women will teach you about the traditional methods of backstrap loom weaving passed down through generations.
You will also receive a small loom to practice your skills and an English manual to guide you through the process.

Indigo Project in Antigua, Guatemala is an eco-fashion business committed to producing stylish and environmentally responsible clothing while supporting local artisans.

The project takes excellent care to ensure eco-friendliness and sustainability at every stage of its supply chain, from sourcing materials to production and distribution.

One of the project’s unique features is using natural dyes derived from plants and other natural sources to color its clothing.

This workshop comprehensively introduces indigo dyeing, including starting an indigo Vat from scratch, discussing Indigo as a dye, and exploring Indigo’s role in Guatemalan culture.

During the 5-hour class, participants will learn the shibori technique and dye a shawl, putting their newfound knowledge into practice.

Lunch will be served at a restaurant in San Juan El Obispo village, and the afternoon will be free for participants to explore the local area.

The journey will begin towards Lake Atitlan, briefly stopping to explore the Solola Market.

This bustling marketplace offers an insight into the traditional clothing of both men and women, with various designs.

Nestled in the heart of the Solola region, the native market presents an exceptional opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in Guatemala’s indigenous communities’ culture, cuisine, and commerce.

With an assortment of local treasures, including handcrafted textiles, pottery, fresh produce, and traditional delicacies, the Solola Market is a must-visit destination.

Although open daily, Tuesdays and Fridays are the most significant days as neighboring villages come to sell their goods.

Upon concluding the market tour, the journey will continue to Hotel Atitlan, situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Atitlan.

Your tour guide will take you to San Juan La Laguna, a town on Lake Atitlan’s shores in Guatemala.

During your visit, you can explore a family orchard where Cochinila, a type of beetle that lives on cacti, is cultivated.

You will also participate in a workshop on the traditional textiles of the Tzutujil people and learn about the use of natural dyes.

San Juan La Laguna is known for its rich culture and traditions, and in recent years, the town has gained recognition for its weaving project.

This project has become a crucial source of income for local women’s associations, which use ancient weaving techniques and tools to create stunning textiles.

Over a decade ago, a group of women in San Juan La Laguna came together to preserve their traditional weaving techniques, realizing that the art of weaving was at risk of disappearing without the passing down of knowledge to younger generations.

Take a tour of Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopo.

Situated on the banks of Lake Atitlan in Guatemala, Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopo are two villages renowned for their traditional handicrafts and textiles passed down from one generation to the next for centuries.

In Santa Catarina, the conventional attire for women comprises a long-sleeved cotton or woolen blouse known as a huipil, and a woven skirt called a Corte.

The huipil textiles are elaborately woven and embroidered with vivid designs that signify the community’s cultural identity. Men in the town also wear traditional clothing consisting of woven shirts and trousers.

San Antonio Palopo, on the other hand, is famous for its pottery production that dates back to the pre-Columbian era.

The village is on a hillside rich in clay, providing the raw material for making pottery.
Artisans manually shape the clay into various objects, such as pots, plates, and vases, and then fire them in wood-burning kilns.
The pottery is adorned with intricate designs and vibrant colors, making it a popular souvenir for tourists.

Head to Chichicastenango Market and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this ancient commercial event.

Explore the vibrant world of textiles and handicrafts from neighboring regions and witness the fusion of Spanish conquest with the roots of the Mayan culture.

Next, you’ll visit the Morerias, workshops where costumes for various folkloric dances are made.

Dancers can purchase or rent masks, clothing, and accessories unique to these sites.
Following the visit to the Morerias, you’ll continue toward the city of Quetzaltenango.

Embark on a guided tour to the Zunil Market and glimpse the cultural richness of a small town in Guatemala’s western highlands.

The market is a lively and bustling hub, attracting visitors from all over the world. However, one of the main highlights of the market is its vibrant textiles handwoven by skilled local artisans.

These artisans have inherited their craft from their ancestors and continue to use traditional techniques passed down through generations. As a result, intricate designs, vivid colors, and unparalleled quality characterize the textiles on display.

After an enriching experience at the Zunil Market, head back to the city for a visit to a textile weaving project.

Here, you will have the opportunity to witness the intricate process of backstrap and foot loom work, which is used to create the beautiful textiles that are a hallmark of the region.

You can learn about the history and cultural significance of the craft, as well as see firsthand the dedication and expertise required to create each textile. This visit will undoubtedly leave you with a deep appreciation for the skill and artistry of the local artisans.

Embark on an exciting journey starting at the bustling Totonicapan market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and lively atmosphere of Guatemalan culture.

From there, transfer to La Aurora Airport, and prepare for a short flight to Flores, where the wonders of the ancient Maya civilization await you.

Tikal Tour is an adventure into the heart of ancient Mayan civilization. Located deep in the jungles of Guatemala, Tikal is one of the world’s largest and most important Mayan archaeological sites.

With the help of expert guides, visitors will explore towering pyramids, sprawling plazas, and intricate carvings that offer insight into the lives of the Mayan people.

The tour also includes opportunities to observe exotic wildlife. Tikal Tour is an unforgettable journey through history and nature.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Mundo Maya Airport for a flight back to Guatemala City.

Transfer on time to take your flight back home.

Overall, the Guatemala Markets & Textiles Tour offers an unforgettable experience that will allow you to discover the rich cultural heritage of Guatemala through its vibrant markets and textiles.

With knowledgeable guides, hands-on workshops, and visits to traditional weaving villages, you will surely come away with a deeper appreciation of the country’s fascinating history and traditions.