Community Trip

Guatemala

February 16-19, 2025

Guatemala Investor Trip
We invite you to join us!

Below is the tentative itinerary of our trip. Each participant is expected to make their own flight and hotel bookings.

We will continue to update this page as details are finalized. Feel free to reach out to Marta Julia Ixtuc Cuc (marta@ beneficialreturns.com) or Maria Luisa Chavez (marialuisa@beneficialreturns.com) for questions.  

AIR TRAVEL
A visa is not required for Americans to visit Guatemala. Flights are in and out of Guatemala City (GUA), which is a 50-minute drive from Antigua, where our program begins.
 
Please share your flight details with Marta Julia Ixtuc Cuc and Maria Luisa Chavez so we can arrange carpools to Antigua, if possible.
 
HOTELS

We encourage you to book your room soon, as this is a popular time in Antigua. We recommend the following hotels, which are all close to one another:

COSTS

Participants are responsible for arranging their own flights and hotel rooms in Antigua. Beneficial Returns will pay for all meals, transportation, expenses for social entrepreneurs joining us, incidentals, and lodging at Lake Atitlan. These costs will be divided among all participants and should total under $1,100 per person single occupancy.

WEATHER AND ATTIRE

Guatemala is known as “the land of eternal spring.” Expect daytime temperatures in the 70s, dropping to the high 50s at night.

We will visit farms, factories, and cooperatives, walking on dirt paths and traveling by boat. Please bring:

  • Comfortable shoes that can get dirty
  • Sun protection (e.g., hats, sunscreen)
  • A flashlight or headlamp

Outlets in Guatemala are similar to those in the US, but three-pronged outlets can be difficult to find. Consider bringing a simple adapter for your devices.

TENTATIVE ITINERARY
Day Description

OPTIONAL

Saturday, Feb 15

Optional afternoon tour of Antigua

Day 0

Sunday, Feb 16

Optional morning tour of Antigua

Arrival to Antigua
*Reminder: Check-in at hotels starts at 3 PM.

  • 5:30 PM – Group meets at the BR team Airbnb Casa La Bendición for drinks.
    Address: Calle Finca La Bendición Lote 3A, Antigua Guatemala
  • 7:00 PM – Dinner
  • Overnight Accommodation in Antigua

Day 1

Monday, Feb 17

Antigua → Ciudad Vieja → Patzún → Lake Atitlán

  • 8:30 AM – Visit Ecofiltro in Ciudad Vieja. Tour the factory to see how water filters are made.
  • 10:00 AM – Visit Estufas Chispa, a social enterprise producing improved wood stoves to reduce firewood consumption and improve family health.  Tortilla-making class and lunch on site.
  • 2:00 PM – Visit Aliar, a federation of smallholder farmers producing snow peas, sweet peas, avocados, and blackberries. Farm visit.
  • 6:00 PM – Dinner at Isla Verde on the Lake
  • Overnight Accommodation at Lake Atitlán

Day 2

Tuesday, Feb 18

Lake Atitlán → Quetzaltenango (Xela) → Lake Atitlán

  • 10:00 AM – Visit  FECCEG , a second-level cooperative and coffee mill representing 1,550 families producing coffee, honey, and panela.
  • 12:00 PM – Tour Asociación de Emprendedoras Mayas, a women’s association processing cacao.  Traditional lunch at the Association
  • 6:30 PM – Dinner at the Airbnb Casa Serenidad in Santa Cruz La Laguna.
  • Overnight Accommodation at Lake Atitlán.

Day 3

Wednesday, Feb 19

Lake Atitlán → Iximché → Antigua

  • 10:30 AM – Walking tour of Iximché, a Pre-Columbian Mesoamerican archaeological site and the former Kaqchikel Maya capital.
  • 12:00 PM – Lunch at Restaurante Katok.
  • 2:00 PM – Visit a Flor de Mora producer. The cooperative works with indigenous Kaqchikel communities producing blackberries.
  • 4:30 PM – Arrive in Antigua. Free afternoon.
  • 6:30 PM – Closing dinner at Hector’s Bistro.
  • Overnight Accommodation in Antigua or return to airport

Discover Antigua

Nestled in the central highlands of Guatemala, Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and colorful facades. Once the capital of Guatemala, Antigua boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Visitors can explore the ruins of historic churches, wander through vibrant markets, and enjoy the city’s lively cultural scene. Antigua’s iconic landmarks, such as the Santa Catalina Arch and the towering Volcán de Agua, provide a picturesque backdrop for your journey.

Antigua is also a hub for artisanal crafts, including jade jewelry, woven textiles, and hand-carved wooden goods. Food enthusiasts will delight in its thriving culinary scene, with restaurants offering everything from traditional Guatemalan dishes like pepián to international fare.

Explore Lake Atitlán

Widely considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Atitlán is a shimmering jewel nestled in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. Surrounded by three majestic volcanoes and a patchwork of traditional Mayan villages, the lake is a serene escape steeped in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Each village along the shoreline has its own distinct charm—San Juan is known for its cooperatives and art, while Santiago offers insight into Indigenous Tz’utujil culture.

Visitors to Lake Atitlán can explore its wonders by boat, hike trails that offer breathtaking panoramic views, or simply relax by its crystal-clear waters. The lake also provides the perfect setting to experience Guatemala’s Indigenous traditions, from colorful markets to ancient weaving techniques passed down through generations.

 

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