Widows in the Wild: Guatemala with kids, 2026 Trip!
Join us for a beautiful time of adventure, culture, connection, and sharing our stories. Easter in San Juan, La Laguna is truly something special. You'll never see anything like it!
ARPIL 2-8, 2026
San Juan's Easter (Semana Santa) traditions involve families and businesses from around town making sawdust, dying it and using it to decorate the street with intricate stencils, flowers, fruits and vegetables. (See pictures above on the scroller and video towards bottom of page).
The community gathers for this incredible art collaboration that is then walked over during the Good Friday evening procession.
People of all backgrounds and religion are brought together to observe as the entire town reflects on the past year and what could be done better to live a more righteous life.
The Full Itinerary
Day 1
THURSDAY
April 2, 2026
11:00am
Shuttle pick up in Guatemala City.
Arrivals and settling in at San Juan La Laguna on Lake Atitlan.
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6:00pm
Welcome dinner spread, orientation, intentions and vision for the trip discussed.
Day 2
FRIDAY
April 3, 2026
MORNING
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Breakfast in small groups throughout the accommodations.
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Walk to the the San Juan mirador and hosts will review the schedule, explain the cultural activities, their meanings and talk about the local community as we overlook the town and lake from above.
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Lunch at accommodations
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Venture into town with local staff as hosts that will show you and your kids around and take part in the local traditions of decorating the streets for Good Friday. An authentic once in a lifetime opportunity!
Dinner out, restaurant recommendation list given. ​​​
Day 3
SATURDAY
April 4, 2026
MORNING
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Rotating group activities:
​Group 1
Tuk-tuk tour
Group 2
Interactive Spanish Class and Market tour
Group 3
Kayaking
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Lunch (included) Lunch (included) Tortilla making happening in the kitchen for those that want a class/participate in helping make them, starting at noon!
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AFTERNOON - Optional
Group 1
​Art class with local Artist and instructor
Group 2
Bracelet Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Group 3
Free time
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EVENING
Live local music at hotel / instrument demonstration / dance
Day 4
SUNDAY
April 5, 2026
MORNING
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Rotating group activities:
​Group 3
Tuk-tuk tour
Group 1
Interactive Spanish Class and Market tour
Group 2
Kayaking
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Lunch (included)
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EASTER EGG HUNT!
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AFTERNOON - Optional
Group 3
​Art class with local Artist and instructor
Group 1
Bracelet Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Group 2
Free time
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EVENING
Bon fires in pits around hotel
Day 5
MONDAY
April 6, 2026
MORNING
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Rotating group activities:
​Group 2
Tuk-tuk tour
Group 3
Interactive Spanish Class and Market tour
Group 1
Kayaking
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Lunch (included)
​
AFTERNOON - Optional
Group 2
​Art class with local Artist and instructor
Group 3
Bracelet Weaving with Abuela Concepcion
Group 1
Free time
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EVENING
Bon fire and games night
Day 6
TUESDAY
April 7, 2026
MORNING
Sunrise 30 minute hike and breakfast at view point
Shuttles leave at 5:00am
Back at hotel for resting by 8:30
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11:00am
Boat tours around the Lake
Visit San Pedro and San Marcos
Picnic Lunch included at San Marcos Nature Reserve. (Amazing swimming!)
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EVENING
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A special dinner at Deleite Ancestral.
Day 7
WEDNESDAY
April 8, 2026
MORNING
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Farewell breakfast at accommodations, final goodbyes.
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​​Shuttles to Guatemala City
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2-4 day extension packages with additional activities and meals available for those that want to extend their trip. Just ask!
A TRIP YOU CAN FEEL GREAT ABOUT!
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In 2024 over 50% of Culture Chalk's revenues went straight back into supporting their community initiatives: renovating local's properties, housing for single mothers, providing purposeful jobs for local widows and groceries for families in need. This trip will not only nourish your soul, but will be helping local single-mother homes.
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SPACE AVAILABLE FOR JUST 9 FAMILIES!
A bit about the host family:
Check out this video made by a guest during Semana Santa, 2025. It will give you a great picture of what's in store for 2026!
TOTAL TRIP COST FOR MOTHER AND (UP TO) 3 KIDS
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ROOM WITH PRIVATE BATHROOM
(6 ROOMS AVAILABLE)
2950.00
FOR ROOM WITH SHARED BATHROOM
(3 ROOMS AVAILABLE THAT SHARE 2 BATHROOMS)
2700.00
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Price includes:
Shuttle pick up and drop off service from and to the airport.
Most meals: Delicious and nutritious, fresh GOOD food. A proud strength of the Culture Chalk programs.
All activities in itinerary
All accommodations
24 hour support by English-speaking host family that has lived in the area for years.
Group chat leading up to trip to ask questions, share ideas.
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Not included:
Flights
Some dinners out
Gratuities for hotel staff and hike guides
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Lake Atitlan remains extremely traditional and conservative in nature. Please remember that we are guests and as such we should dress and behave respectfully towards the hosts. Please dress modestly during your time here.
Bringing a small gift is optional but recommended to give to some of the families we support in our community. (Quality socks, a no-longer used smartphone, children's toys or a quality kitchen utensil/gadget.)
We hope you love Guatemala for what it is and don't hate it for what it is not: Come with an attitude of adventure and expect some things to NOT go smoothly at all times. Guatemala is a developing country and amenities and infrastructure are developing. While the accommodations we book and offer during your visit are considered luxury to the local population, they are not immune to occasional water cuts, internet cuts, power outages, etc. Guatemala is a vibrant place and roosters cawking, dogs barking, music playing and fireworks being set off at all times of the day is considered normal. Please bring earplugs if you are a light sleeper.
Our goal as your hosts is for you to leave our place BETTER, in so many ways.
Cultural Immersion Retreats