ANTIGUA

Former capital of central america, then of Guatemala, was founded in 1542 under the name of Santiago de los caballeros. Many time destroyed by strong earthquake Antigua lost its satus of capital in 1773. After this, the town stayed almost abandoned which helped it to conserved its colonial style that you'll be able to apreciate walking throughout its paved streets. Antigua has a peculiar atmosphere and you will discover it if you stay for a few days. In 1979 Antigua was declared a cultural heritage site by UNESCO and start a new "life". It is the most visited town in all central america, for the simple reason that it is full of charm. Surrounded by three volcanoes . The legend pretends that it is here that Antoine de Saint exupery wrote the book "The little Prince". Filled with beautiful private residence, churches, convents, ruins, craftsman shop, superb hotels and excellent restaurants, this town really deserves a stop over for a few days. The coffee of Antigua is the 1st one of Guatemala and is classified among the best of the world.
Market days Monday, thursday and saturday July 14th patronal day

CHICHICASTENAGO

It was built on the site of a 15th century Kakchikel city, this village is the "headquater" of the biggest and the most colorful market of mesoamerica, besides the traditional market you will find all the carftsmanship produced in Guatemala. In the church of Santo Tomas, religious ceremony are held by catholic priest as well as mayan chamans.
Patronal festivities from december 17th to the 21st.

TODOS SANTOS

This is one of the most authentic place in Guatemala, located in the mountains of the Cuchumatanes; the road to get there sometimes takes you over 3,000m high through sumptuous landscape.
The market of the saturday takes you back one century ago.

SAN FRANCISCO EL ALTO

From its 2630m high you'll be able to witness a magnificient panorama. The market on friday is one of the most important of the country and is a very picturesque attraction.

SAN ANTONIO AGUAS CALIENTES.

Kakchiquel village situated at 10 minutes from Antigua. Well known for its good quality textile. Here we can organize a lunch in a house of a Kaqchikel family where Gloria, the host talk about the customs of her ethnic group and their sisters teach how to make tortillas. The house is very simple but the welcome is very warm and authentic.

QUETZALTENANGO

Second most important town in Guatemala, better known as Xela, attributes itself a cultural vocation.
Excellent stop to visit the area: the Santa Maria and Santiaguito volcanos and the villages of Zunil, Almolonga, San Andres Xecul, Fuentes Georgina.

MAXIMON or SAN SIMON

"infidel" saint of the Mayan, he is mostly worshiped in Santiago Atitlan, San Andres Itzapa and Zunil.

SANTIAGO ATITLAN

This is the biggest village on the lakeshore of Atitlan famous for its embroidery and naive paiting.

SANTA CATARINA PALOPO

Small Kakchiquel village on the lakeshore of Atitlan.Remarkable for its textile and the costume of its inhabitant.

SAN ANTONIO PALOPO

Small kakchiquel village on the lakshore of Atitlan, essentially agricultural. Its terraced onion cultivated fields overhanging the lake are quite impressive

SOLOLA

it's the capital city of the department of the same name. This city is well known for its market which is held on tuesday and friday, the traditional costume is pretty unusual.

COMALAPA

Indigenous village at less than one hour from Antigua , it is the cradle of the naïve art in Guatemala. Andres Curuchich (1891-1969) had the idea to represent on canvas the scenes drawn from the everyday life of the Indians of Comalapa. There are many "Picture galleries" in town, one of them, held by the grand daugther of Andres Curuchich which continues the tradition of the family.

LIVINGSTON

Garifuna village ( original population afro caribbean) situated at the river mounth of Rio Dulce and the Caribbean sea. Caribbean atmosphere