Semana Santa: Easter in Guatemala

Arrive at the Guatemala City airport and transfer to your hotel in Antigua. There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and enjoy this charming city.

Jaibalito is a small village on the shore of Lake Atitlán, known for its tranquility. It is accessible only by boat and foot trail and offers stunning views of the three volcanoes and lake. The area is also ideal for outdoor pursuits like swimming, fishing, windsurfing, hiking, bird watching, kayaking, and horseback riding.

Volcanoes and small indigenous villages surround this pristine lake, truly one of the most beautiful spots in Central America. Twelve traditional Maya villages, blue-grey mountains and three volcanoes line the shores of this lake resulting in a wonderful combination of unusual natural beauty and indigenous culture. Visit some of the villages of Lake Atitlán on an included boat tour. The towns will be be abuzz preparing for Holy Week processionals and activities, so our timing is just right to get a sense of the colour, costumes, and age-old customs that surround this holiday time.

A trip to Guatemala would not be complete without a visit to the famous market of Chichicastenango. Renowned for its colourful handicrafts, wood carvings, and hand-woven textiles, “Chichi” is also an important trading place for the local residents, and provides close-up views of daily life of today's Maya.

Return to Antigua to explore the city, shop, and of course, to enjoy the Semana Santa (or Holy Week) celebrations. When we arrive, Semana Santa will be in full swing, and there will be plenty to see and experience. As home to the world's largest Holy Week celebration, the spectacular Easter festival here is beyond comparison. In between observing these ceremonies, you may choose to climb a nearby volcano, mountain bike through the countryside or just relax in a pleasant street side café.

Today, get your bearings and explore Antigua on a guided cultural walking tour with a local expert, including the museums at Paseo de los Museos. Along the way, continue to watch as the city prepares for Easter celebrations.

On Good Friday, residents begin laying down painstakingly detailed street "carpets" of flowers, pine needles and and dyed sawdust. Each design is unique and fleeting, as the carpet disappears as soon as a procession passes through. Join in and help create one of these elaborate carpets. Early in the morning, elaborate processions begin, slowly moving the heavy, palm-decorated "Anda" (special float) of Christ along the streets in a sombre re-enactment of his crucifixion. An honour passed down from generation to generation, the men involved in the processions, known as "Cucuruchas," wear purple cloaks (symbolizing mourning) and hold burning incense as they walk. Marvel as they take turns bearing the weight of the solid wood carved platforms, weighing up to 3,630kg (8,000 lb)!