"Art and Photography with Artists Kevin Macpherson and Lori Putnam" - November 1-11, 2022

November 1, 2022 – After arriving in Guatemala City, we will travel together to the magnificent Colonial City of Antigua, founded in the 16^th century. We will stop for a hosted brunch at an interesting eatery on the road to Antigua. We will stay at a comfortable hotel conveniently located near Parque Central, and on our first night together, an optional group dinner will be planned at one of Antigua’s most notable eateries.

Nov. 2, 3 – For the next several days, we will explore this multifaceted city, photographing and painting in its many colorful and diverse corners. Artists will take advantage of morning light and the exquisite scenery of Antigua to photograph and paint. As part of the celebration of Dios de los Muertos, kites are flown in many areas of Guatemala in honor of relatives who have passed into the other world. Nowhere is this tradition more spectacularly executed than the village of Sumpango where magnificently decorated kites up to two-stories-tall fly! Participants wishing to take in the bustling Kite Festival at Sumpango may join the group to do so. There will also be opportunities to learn about jade, enjoy traditional chocolate at a local “Choco-Museo,” or shop at any one of a selection of fine stores. As an option, take a top-rated walking tour of the city’s architecture and history, or a photo tour to best photo spots where you’ll also learn how to get the most out of your camera or phone-camera. On our last night at this location, we’ll enjoy a delicious hosted dinner.

Nov. 4 – We will take advantage of the morning light, and at approximately 11 AM, we will leave for the Guatemalan highlands. We will stop for lunch at a well-known traditional eatery, and take stops along the way as needed before arriving in the late afternoon and checking into our accommodations in the Quetzaltenango province. During our stay in the region, breakfasts and lunches are included.

Nov. 5, 6, 7 – Explore the village of San Martín Chiquito nestled at 8500 amidst rolling hills and cornfields. During our three days in this village where the local language is Mám-Maya, we will enjoy the comforts of the headquarters of our partner Xela AID, a human development organization in operation since 1993. We will combine painting and service projects, working side by side with the Mám people who will also serve models during painting sessions! 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.

At Lake Atitlan, delicious, homemade breakfasts and lunches are available daily, no-host, while your multi-course dinners are included each evening.

Nov 8, 9, 10 – We will leave especially early on the morning of November 6th to get to Panajachel, the renowned marketplace at Lake Atitlán, to tour and photograph. We will take private launches to our stunning accommodation, chalets perched on the edge of an ancient volcano caldera nestled amidst tropical gardens! During our stay at the Lake, artists will paint to their heart’s delight while all may choose to Kayak, or take a hike to the 16^th Century church at Santa Cruz, including stunning vistas perfect to photograph and paint! Those who wish may take an optional excursion to meet Mariano Chabajay, one of Guatemala’s most famous artists, at his studio-home in San Pedro de Laguna (dependent on artist’s schedule). One evening, join us to soak in a fire-heated hot tub with views of the Lake against a backdrop of stars. On our last night, we will enjoy a farewell dinner and celebration.

Nov 11 – Enjoy a leisurely morning of painting, or simply breath in the peace and tranquility before checking out. We’ll head for Guatemala City in time to catch flights (scheduled no earlier than 6PM) or to our suggested hotel for those leaving the following day. (See more about flights and times below.) You’ll take with you memories and new friendships sure to last a lifetime!

FLIGHT BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS

After Registration Confirmation: Please reserve your flight once your registration is confirmed and you have received an email copy of your application. If you believe you have registered but have not received this, please contact us: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Note: These suggested flights are from Los Angeles. If you are not traveling from Los Angeles, or you are but choose a different outbound option, MAKE SURE to arrive at the Guatemala City airport no later than 7 AM November 1st to join the group. To use group transportation, please make your return flight out no sooner than 6 PM November 11th.

OUTBOUND OVERNIGHT FLIGHT – If you are flying from LAX, we recommend this flight: Avianca AV641, arriving Guatemala between 5:30 and 7 AM on November 1. Please note: This flight sometimes leaves prior to midnight. If so, you will purchase your ticket for October 31^st. If the flight leaves after midnight, make sure and purchase your ticket for November 1.

ALTERNATE OUTBOUND DAYTIME FLIGHT – If you prefer to avoid overnight flights you can choose to fly earlier. If you arrive a day prior to the group and need accommodations, we suggest you stay at Radisson Hotel and Suites 1 Avenida 12-46 Zona 10 Guatemala City, 01010, Guatemala Phone: +502 2421 5151 (You will need to book this, as it is not included in your trip). The Radisson will provide a free shuttle for you to meet us at the airport.

RETURN EVENING FLIGHT: If you wish to use group transportation, please do NOT book a return flight that leaves prior to 6 PM on November 11th. If it is unavoidable, we are happy to arrange transportation for you but understand that an extra cost will be involved. We suggest this flight to LAX: Avianca AV640 leaving GC on November 11th at between 6 and 8 pm (time varies) arriving LAX near 11:40 PM. If flying into other U.S. cities, you may need to make arrangements to stay one night in GC. (See suggestions for the Radisson Hotel and Suites above.)

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