travel photography with purpose

Guatemala

Nine Days

$3500.

Solo Travelers Encouraged

‘Day 1: Arrival in Antigua

• Arrival: Land at Guatemala Airport before 1 p.m. We’ll greet you and wait for you to clear customs. If your arrival doesn’t align with our schedule, we recommend arriving a day early; we can assist with hotel bookings nearby.

• Check-in: Settle into our hotel in Antigua.

• Evening: We’ll introduce ourselves in the hotel lobby before heading out to a local restaurant for dinner. Afterward, we’ll stroll around the main plaza, capturing photos and soaking in the lively night market.

Day 2: Exploring Antigua

• Breakfast: We’ll enjoy breakfast together at the hotel restaurant.

• Photo Challenge: Discover your secret photo challenge. We go in a group and divide into pairs. (just like scuba divers).

• Street Photography: Capture the charm of Antigua’s cobblestone streets together.

• Casa Santo Domingo: Explore the historic Casa Santo Domingo Monastery, an architectural marvel from 1538.

• Scenic Overlook: Enjoy breathtaking views of a nearby active volcano from a stunning vista point.

• Lunch: We’ll savor homemade cuisine prepared by a welcoming Guatemalan family, dining together in their home.

• Afternoon: Spend free time exploring or relaxing.

• Evening: Join us for our first photo share session at the hotel, where we will discuss our favorite shots from the day.

Day 3: Local Culture

• Pre-Sunrise Photography: Capture stunning early morning shots around La Merced Arch with the group.

• Breakfast: We’ll enjoy breakfast together at the hotel.

• Chicken Bus Ride: Experience local life together on a vibrant "chicken bus" to a nearby village.

• Village Exploration: Discover local lifestyles and photograph a bustling food market.

• Afternoon: Enjoy some free time wandering and connecting.

• Dinner: Come together for a group dinner followed by a short photo share and editing session.

Day 4: Journey to Lake Atitlán

• Breakfast: Start the day with breakfast together at the hotel.

• Travel to Lake Atitlán: Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to this breathtaking lake, often called the most beautiful in the world.

• Sacred Mayan Sites: Explore sacred sites together and learn about rich Mayan history.

Day 5: Chichicastenango Market

• Market Visit: Experience one of Latin America's oldest and most vibrant Mayan markets in Chichicastenango, immersing ourselves in the sights and scents together.

• Return to Lake Atitlán: We’ll enjoy lunch together and have some free time to explore.

Day 6: Santa Catarina and Leisure

• Visit Santa Catarina: Discover the stunning blue and purple Mayan clothing with the group.

• Boat Ride: Cross the lake to San Pedro and San Juan, sharing incredible photo opportunities.

• Accommodation: Stay at a charming Mayan-owned hotel and connect with the friendly local family.

• Lunch: We’ll dine together at an outdoor café known for its delicious coconut soup.

• Free Time: Relax or explore at your leisure, and join in activities like canoeing or shopping.

• Evening: Let’s share our favorite photos at a roundtable overlooking the lake.

Day 7: Artisan Village

• Breakfast: Enjoy an early breakfast together before a boat ride to San Juan de Laguna.

• Mayan Coffee Farm: Learn about coffee production and enjoy organic Guatemalan coffee as a group.

• Mayan Weaving: Watch demonstrations of traditional backstrap loom weaving.

• Lunch: Savor lunch in the village together.

• Evening Ritual: Witness a special private ritual led by a Mayan priest or priestess, sharing this unique experience.

• Dinner: Gather for dinner at one of the fine outdoor restaurants.

Day 8: Optional Volcano Hike

• Early Option: Join a 4 a.m. hike for breathtaking views (5 hours), or choose to relax, canoe, or explore the charming streets with others.

• Afternoon: Enjoy free time before our boat trip to meet our driver in Panajachel.

• Evening: We’ll gather for dinner in Antigua, capturing artistic moments along the streets and sharing our favorite images from the trip.

Day 9: Departure

• Breakfast: Enjoy a final breakfast together at the hotel.

• Transfer: We’ll escort you to the airport for your departure. If your flight time is unusual, we can help you arrange a private ride.

Trip Details

• Cost: $3,500 for 9 days in Guatemala, including all ground transportation and accommodations (double occupancy). Single occupancy is available at a slightly higher price.

• Group Size: Minimum of 5, maximum of 10 participants.

• Activity Level: Moderate—walking on cobblestone streets (about a mile per day), standing for long periods, and some altitude (up to 5,200 feet).

Inclusions:

• 8 breakfasts

• All on-ground transportation

• Boat transportation

• Double occupancy hotel accommodations

• Professional photographer leading the group

Exclusions:

• Airfare (we can assist with arrangements)

• Lunches and dinners (freedom to choose your meals)

• Any personal transportation outside the group plan

Join us at Laughing Planet Journeys to explore the stunning Mayan highlands of Guatemala, forge new friendships, and create unforgettable memories together!

VISAS and PICKUP

Discover Guatemala A 9-Day Travel Photography Expedition with Purpose We will guide you through Passport and Visa requirements. We will meet you at the airport or a nearby hotel. Immerse yourself in Guatemala's culture and create genuine connections with its warm-hearted locals and fellow travelers.

Group Photo Review: Enhance your skills through collective learning. Join our nightly gatherings to review and discuss your photos, gaining valuable insights from fellow travelers and leader’s experience

Photography with Purpose: Go beyond photography – participate in sustainable tourism and support the communities you visit. Contribute to local well-being with purposeful photography.

Create Deep Friendships: This adventure offers not just incredible photos but also heartwarming stories, enduring friendships, and a deep connection to Guatemala. Secure your spot today and prepare for the purposeful journey of a lifetime! Join us in 2025 to make photographs, build bonds, and explore Guatemala