Mayan Cultural Immersion Itinerary

Location: San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Hosted By: Lema Association
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Mayan Culture

Morning: Arrival and Welcome

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Activity: Arrival in San Juan La Laguna at the homestay location, Lema Association. Warm welcome by host families and cultural orientation.
- Details: Guests will meet their homestay families, settle into accommodations, and receive an introduction to the village. The hosts will explain the customs, traditions, and expectations during the stay.
Highlight: Guests will receive a brief overview of the history of the Lema Association, which was founded in 2008 to promote sustainable tourism and preserve traditional Mayan practices.

Afternoon: Walking Tour of San Juan La Laguna

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Activity: Guided walking tour of the village.
- Details: Explore the colorful murals, the art galleries, and the beautiful views of Lake Atitlán. Learn about the community’s initiatives in ecological sustainability and local artisanal crafts.
- Highlight: Visit the Women’s Weaving Cooperative and learn about the backstrap loom technique used in textile production.

Evening: Group Welcome Dinner Mayan Cultural Immersion Itinerary

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Activity: Traditional Mayan dinner at the Lema Association.
- Details: A communal meal will be served, featuring traditional Mayan dishes such as tamales, fresh tortillas, and pepián, a Guatemalan stew made with local herbs and spices.

Day 2: Immersive Mayan Cooking and Weaving Workshops

Morning: Traditional Mayan Cooking Class

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Activity: Hands-on cooking class at Lema Association.
- Details: Participants will learn how to prepare traditional Mayan dishes using local ingredients. Guided by local women, guests will grind corn to make tortillas, create salsas using native herbs, and cook hearty dishes such as tamales and pulque (a Mayan vegetable stew).
- Highlight: Learn the significance of corn in Mayan culture and its use in both food and rituals.

Lunch: Enjoy the meal prepared during the cooking class.

Afternoon: Textile Weaving Workshop

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Activity: Traditional backstrap loom weaving workshop at Lema Association.
- Details: Participants will work with local artisans to learn the intricate art of backstrap loom weaving, which is deeply rooted in Mayan tradition. Each guest will have the opportunity to create their own small textile piece.
- Highlight: Discover how the vibrant colors of the textiles are created using natural dyes extracted from plants, fruits, and minerals.

Evening: Free Time and Dinner with Host Families

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Activity: Dinner with your host family.
- Details: Spend quality time with your homestay family, enjoying a homemade meal. This is an opportunity to practice any Spanish or Kaqchikel phrases you’ve learned and deepen your connection with the family.

Day 3: Mayan Chocolate Workshop and Herbal Medicine Session

Morning: Mayan Handmade Chocolate Workshop

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Activity: Chocolate-making workshop.
- Details: Experience the ancient process of making chocolate from cacao beans. Participants will roast, peel, and grind cacao beans to create rich Mayan chocolate, which has been a part of the culture for thousands of years.
- Highlight: Learn about the cultural and historical significance of cacao in Mayan rituals and ceremonies, and taste your handmade chocolate.

Lunch: Light lunch featuring local produce.

Afternoon: Herbal Medicine Workshop

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Activity: Herbal medicine and healing plants session.
- Details: Explore the rich tradition of Mayan herbal medicine. Participants will learn about the uses of native plants for healing and wellness. A local healer will guide the group through common herbs used for ailments such as stomach issues, headaches, and stress.
- Highlight: Learn how to prepare herbal remedies and teas, as well as the spiritual connection between plants and Mayan healing practices.

Evening: Mayan Fire Ceremony

Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Activity: Traditional Mayan Fire Ceremony led by a local shaman.
- Details: The evening will conclude with a Mayan fire ceremony, a deeply spiritual ritual that honors the elements of fire, earth, water, and air. The ceremony is a form of prayer and connection to the ancestors.
- Highlight: Participants will be invited to make offerings to the fire, and the shaman will explain the symbolism behind the ceremony and its role in Mayan culture.

Day 4: Departure and Farewell

Morning: Farewell Breakfast

Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Activity: Farewell breakfast with the host families.
- Details: Enjoy a final meal with your host family and share reflections on your experience.

Midday: Final Goodbyes and Departure

Time: 10:00 AM
Activity: Departure from San Juan La Laguna.

Additional Notes:

Accommodation: Guests will stay with local families, providing an immersive experience into daily Mayan life.
Dietary Restrictions: Please inform the hosts of any dietary restrictions or allergies beforehand.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, sun protection, sturdy shoes for walking, a notebook for workshop notes, and a camera to capture memories.

Summary:

Day 1: Arrival, walking tour, welcome dinner
Day 2: Cooking class, a weaving workshop, dinner with a host family
Day 3: Chocolate workshop, herbal medicine session, fire ceremony
Day 4: Farewell breakfast, departure

Mayan Cultural Immersion Itinerary This multi-day immersion is designed to provide a deep connection with the Mayan culture, allowing participants to engage in the community, learn ancestral skills, and partake in traditional ceremonies.