“Art Ambassador Adventure Guatemala City, Sumpango, San Martín Chiquito, Lake Atitlán with Grand Tikal and Flores Island Option” - October 30 – November 8/11, 2023

Theme: “Art Ambassadors Timeless Guatemala: Guatemala City, Sumpango, San Martín Chiquito, Lake Atitlán with Grand Tikal Option”

Note: See Trip Leaders, Orientation Date, Trip Costs and a broad introduction on our top-level page at LocalHope.org>Volunteer>Service Trips

Art Ambassador 2023 Trip Detail

October 29, Sunday (Optional) - For your comfort, we suggest arriving this day, a day prior to beginning our adventure together. If you wish we can make your reservation at the Barcelo hotel for this night. Simply select this option on your registration form. This will include breakfast.

October 31, Tuesday  – San Juan Sacatepéquez, “Mixco Viejo”

We will meet for an early morning breakfast, then at 8 am, board our private bus to make our way to colorful town of San Juan Sacatepéquez and its ruins, called,  “Mixco Viejo,” several hours away. The ruin is the top attraction in the region, a “stunning introduction to what daily life must have been like for the ancient Maya,” notes one recent visitor. Once at the ruins we will tour, photograph and paint for the balance or part of the day, depending on weather conditions. Depending on weather conditions we will enjoy a sack or sit-down hosted lunch, and will return to Barcelo in the afternoon. Join in an optional happy hour and group dinner or dine on your own, then join us for a fun and enlightening Critique/Mentoring Session.

Hosted - Breakfast, Lunch, San Juan Ruin, Critique/Mentoring Session #2

November 2, 3, 4, Thursday-Saturday - Explore, Landscapes, Portraits and Art with Children

At the Village of San Martín Chiquito nestled at 8500 amidst rolling hills and cornfields. During our three full days in the highland village of San Martín, early risers can take advantage of morning walks through this beautiful agricultural village, or capture the morning light to photograph or paint from the forth floor Art Ambassador Plein Air Open Air Studio or another location.

In this village where the local language is Mám-Maya, we will enjoy the comforts of the headquarters of our partner Local Hope, a human development organization in operation 30 Years this year. We will combine painting and service projects, working side by side with the Mám people who will also serve models during painting sessions, and sharing art with enthusiastic Mayan children. Participants will meet local artists sponsored by Art Ambassador who, with their intimate knowledge of the area, will lead photo and painting tours to places off the beaten path. Each day we’ll enjoy a homemade, hosted, authentic Mayan meal prepared and served by women who’ve completed chef training.

Participants will also receive a back-strap weaving demonstration, and will have the opportunity to take lessons in the ancient art, as well as participate in a Mayan cooking class that includes a trip to a local market (weaving and cooking lesson carry a nominal additional cost). Participants in the weaving class will keep their authentic backstrap loom. (See these options on your registration form). Says a recent Art Ambassador participant about her time in the village, “Transformative, precious to me—unforgettable!”

Hosted – All Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, In-Home Visits for newcomers and an evening around a Campfire with Refreshments(weather permitting), Critique Sessions #3-#5

November 8, Wednesday – Atitlán to Guatemala City

Breath in the peace and tranquility of Lake Atitlán or do some last-minute early morning photography, sketching or shopping in Panajachel before we check out and head to Guatemala City. For those returning home, you’ll take back reference photos for years to come, and memories and friendships to last a lifetime!

Hosted: Breakfast

For those traveling on: The Grand Tikal Option (all inclusive)

November 9, Thursday – Photograph, Sketch, Paint, Explore Tikal

On our first morning we’ll get an early start to explore the Park’s most interesting landscapes amidst the iconic ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. Later that afternoon, visiting a local museum will add depth to our sense of place as it highlights the wondrous achievements of the ancient Maya who created Tikal. Breakfasts and dinners are included throughout our stay, with snacks and lunchboxes available for those who wish to spend all day in the Park. Don’t be surprised to hear howler monkeys, or catch glimpses of other spectacular local wildlife, including colorful birds, playful white-nosed coati, paca, crocodile and if we are fortunate—jaguar.

Hosted: Early Morning Scouting Tour, Park Entrance, Breakfast, Dinner, Museum Entrance, Critique/Mentoring  

November 11, Saturday  – Return to Guatemala City

After breakfast, we'll board our private bus at 7:45 to travel to Flores where we'll have plenty of time to explore and paint. Various transfers will be available with the last flight back to Guatemala City at 3 PM (recommended). 

Note: If you need to catch a connecting flight out of Guatemala City this day, we will coordinate your return flight from Tikal with the flight information you provide us.

Hosted: Breakfast, Ground Transportation, Return Flight to Guatemala City

FLIGHTS – IMPORTANT 

Note: Because our trip participants join us from around the world and options are endless, we no longer recommend flights. We do ask, however, that for this trip you:

1. ARRIVE NO LATER THAN 7 AM, MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, and due to the logistics of distances
2. BOOK YOUR RETURN FLIGHT NO EARLIER THAN THE FOLLOWING:

• Guatemala City, Sumpango, San Martín Chiquito, Lake Atitlán Participants – 1:30, NOVEMBER 8th
• Grand Tikal Participants – Suggested: 8 PM, NOVEMBER 11th (earlier return flights can be accommodated)

PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to comply due to air carrier schedules, we understand! Please note that a differing schedule will require added transportation at an additional cost. Thank you for your understanding.

Please don’t hesitate to contact your trip leaders with questions about this trip.