The Full Itinerary
Lingual Learners, September 2027 Family Hub
Lake Atitlán Cultural Immersion Program
September 2 - September 12, 2027
Come join us and other families with active kids looking to find a program packed with adventure, culture and tradition.
Day 1
September 2, 2027
Arrival and welcome!
Morning
Arrival in Guatemala City and shuttle transfer to San Juan La Laguna.
Check into Lake View Accommodations
Welcome charcuterie spread with fresh fruit, bread, cheeses, veggies, smoothies and juices.
Orientation, review of guidelines and safety information.
Evening:
Dinner/Ice-breaker: paired local "host" families come to accommodation to welcome you to get to know one another.
Day 2
September 3, 2027
Exploring our surroundings
Morning
Breakfast at lodging.
Break into teams (2 families per team) and take part in the San Juan Scavenger Hunt. Families will be given 100 Quetzales and a list of pictures they need to find and replicate, items to buy, places to go and tasks to complete. Teams with the highest point count win a traditional San Juan prize!
Lunch
Afternoon
Spanish Immersion Classes: focus on conversational skills over a guided walk with locals.
Community Dinner (potluck) at Hotel. One local family will be invited.
Free time to enjoy the town
Day 3
September 4, 2027
Morning
Breakfast at lodging.
Rotating small group activities:
Guided market tours and shopping for fresh produce
Tuk-tuk tours around town
Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Lunch
Afternoon 1:00-3:30
Kids: Supervised craft time in art room
Adults: Spanish Immersion Classes: focus on conversational skills
Community Dinner at Hotel
Mayan History and Folklore told by Brigita Matzar
Day 4
September 5, 2027
Morning
Breakfast at lodging.
Rotating small group activities:
Guided market tours and shopping for fresh produce
Tuk-tuk tours around town
Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Lunch
Afternoon 1:00-3:30
Kids: Supervised craft time in art room
3:30 Traditional Guatemalan Chocolate making demonstration. A HANDS ON activity!
Community Dinner at Hotel
A special live music presentation
Day 5
September 6, 2027
Morning
Breakfast at lodging.
Final day of rotating small group activities:
Guided market tours and shopping for fresh produce
Tuk-tuk tours around town
Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Lunch
Afternoon 2:00 - 4:30
Time to have coffee with your locally paired
Community Dinner at Hotel
Day 6
September 7, 2027
Day of rest and relaxation
Morning
Breakfast at lodging
Day completely open for individual families to explore and rest.
Families are encouraged to get in touch with their host families to organize outings to local gems.
Optional lunch served at hotel. Please let us know if you will be out for the day to ensure no food is wasted. We encourage families to reach out to their host families to take them out to dinner! (Budget $30-$40)
Free evening
Day 7
September 8, 2027
Outdoor Adventure
Morning
4:00am wake up for pickup ride to Indian Nose lookout point that overlooks all of lake Atitlan. Pancake breakfast and coffee served at summit.
Return - Morning of rest.
Lunch
Afternoon
Community Service Electives:
Pick up trash on the beach and give back to our host community OR
Help paint a home of a local family in need of a little renovation!
Day 8
September 9, 2027
Morning
Breakfast served in kitchen
Paired local families arrive to take guests around town to their favourite spots, introduce them to friends, family, etc. Guest families will be invited into local "host" family's homes for coffee and sweetbread to experience how local Guatemalans live. Toy share activity: guests present gifts they brought to share with their host families in return for their tremendous hospitality.
Meet and have lunch back at accommodations
Bonfire
Opportunity to share highlights.
Day 9
September 10, 2027
Early Breakfast
Boat tour around the lake, swimming at San Marcos blue water nature reserve, visit ceramics factory in San Antonio, shop traditional textiles in Santiago Atitlan.
Packed picnic lunch.
Boat ride back to San Juan
Final dinner at "Ancestral Delight"/Staff appreciation.
Phrases learned in Spanish recited by participating children expressing their gratitude towards the staff or something they learned about the Country.
Day 10
Jan 14, 2027
Morning
Early Breakfast served in kitchen
Final goodbyes
Shuttles leaving at 9:00am and 10:00am back to Guatemala City
Total Price:
Packages starting at
$2600 per family of 2 adults, up to 2 children.
+$300 per extra person
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH MEALS, ACTIVITIES, ACCOMMODATIONS AND SHUTTLES ALL INCLUDED
(Suppers are left open for families to explore local restaurants or to organize potlucks/community meals with guest families at the hotel.)
Apply today to reserve your family's spot. Just 30% deposit payment to reserve.
COME EARLY AND RECEIVE A SPECIAL PRICE OF $60 PER NIGHT, UP TO 5 DAYS PRIOR.
PAYMENTS IN FULL SAVE 7%
Curious about what your hosts' lives look like???
Click here!
CLOTHES PACK LIST
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7-8 Pairs socks and underwear
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4 Pants
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Comfortable hiking pants
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3 pairs of shorts
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8 shirts/tops
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Toiletries, brush, hair ellastics
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Swimwear
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Sandals -hiking type recommended for versatility
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Sport Bras
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Base layer of thermo-wear
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Jacket AND sweater
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Walking shoes
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Earplugs and headphones
Check out our promo video showcasing our area, activities and accommodations!
GENERAL INFORMATION
Join us for an incredible 10 days of adventure, connection, and fun! We are proud to offer this unique experience.
Once you register, you'll be invited to our Registered Families WhatsApp group, where guests share ideas, preparation hike photos, travel tips, and questions for the hosts. It's a great way to connect with fellow participants before the trip begins.
A Few Important Notes
Respecting Local Culture
Lake Atitlán remains a deeply traditional and conservative region. As guests in the community, we ask that you dress and behave respectfully toward our hosts and neighbours. Please plan to wear modest clothing throughout your stay.
Optional Gifts for Local Families
Bringing a small gift is entirely optional but always appreciated. Many guests choose to bring items for families in the community we support. Suggestions include quality socks, a gently used smartphone, children's toys, or useful kitchen utensils and gadgets.
Embrace the Adventure
We hope you'll love Guatemala for what it is, rather than judge it for what it is not. Come with a spirit of adventure and flexibility, and expect that not everything will go perfectly according to plan.
Guatemala is a developing country, and while tourism infrastructure continues to grow, occasional water interruptions, internet outages, or power cuts can occur. The accommodations we provide are considered luxurious by local standards, but they are not immune to these realities.
Life here is vibrant and full of energy. Roosters crow, dogs bark, music plays, and fireworks may be heard at any hour of the day or night. If you're a light sleeper, we strongly recommend bringing earplugs.
Our Promise
As your hosts, our goal is simple: that you leave this experience better than when you arrived; in ways both expected and unexpected.
Cultural Immersion Retreats