Dec 21, 2012. It is not the end of the world it is the begining! Add on time to this trip to see for yourself.

ANTIGUA / CHICHICASTENANGO / ZUNIL– WAJXAQIB’ B’AT’Z / HOT WATER BATHS / PANAJACHEL / WOMAN WEAVING COOPERATIVE / TRADITONAL MEDICINES

The Maya New Year - Wajxaqib’ B’atz’

7 days / 6nights.

Wajxaqib’ B’at’z is the celebration of the Maya New Year of the 260 Day Sacred Calendar. Maya Shamans or Aki jab perform the ceremony. They wish to share their knowledge with other cultures as this is now a phase of cooperation and not of obscurity as it was during the Spanish conquest and following years. Roberto Poz is a well-known highly respected Aki jab of the community of Zunil who has traveled to reunions with Native Americans in both the USA and South America. He opens his ceremony to us. Please respect their culture. Pictures are sometimes allowed discreetly. We will verify this upon arrival.

Day 1 ARRIVAL / ANTIGUA
On your arrival to the "La Aurora" airport in Guatemala City, you will be met and taken to the colonial old capitol of Antigua. You will stay the next two nights in the Posada de Don Rodrigo (or equivalent), an historic hotel brimming with colonial atmosphere.
After settling in, you will enjoy your welcome dinner--a great start to a great trip!

Day 2 ANTIGUA OPTION: PACAYA
Full day tour of Antigua, a UNESCO World heritage site and the surrounding areas. You will visit the Cappuccino Convent, San Francisco church and the Casa Kojom, a museum of Mayan Music and a working coffee plantation.
Take time to visit the local markets and shops to get your first glimpse (but not your last!) at the great quality and variety of native handicraft available in Guatemala.
Optional activity: Climbing Pacaya Volcano--an active volcano and a great day hike!

Day 3 ANTIGUA / CHICHICASTENANGO / ZUNIL
Transfer from Antigua to the town of Chichicastenango, home of one of the most vibrant open-air markets in Latin America. Witness the abundant local wares and the festivities/dances of the native peoples. In addition, you can also visit Maya ritual sites and religious ceremonies. It is a bit of a walk out of town. After Lunch we will go to Zunil where we meet the Maya Shaman (Aki jab) Roberto Pop. The afternoon is spent in the market of Zunil buying the offerings we will give for the wajxaqib’ b’atz’ ceremony.

Day 4 ZUNIL / WAJXAQIB’ B’AT’Z / BALENARIOS AGUAS AMARGAS
The ceremony begins at 9AM. We will take the morning to drive to the path leading to the ceremony site and then walk to the site, which is picked depending on the weather. Usually Maya Ceremonies are either on tops of small hills or at the entrances to caves or overhangs. All give thanks to the earth, wind, sky, fire and breath.
After the ceremony we will partake of the local traditionally tamale and atole.
Later drive to the Balenarios de Aguas Amargas to soak in the healing waters of 17 different minerals. The water is so hot one must add cold water to bath in the individual baths.
Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight. Relaxed by the healing waters.

Day 5 SANTIAGO ATITLAN / MAXIMON
Early departure for Lake Atitlan where we will enjoy a boat ride to the native village of Santiago de Atitlan. Witness the time-honored rituals of the saint Maximon. Spend the day marveling at the local handicrafts and religious ceremonies.

Following lunch you will visit San Juan, an unspoiled Maya village on the lake where a new woman's weaving cooperative is positively changing the lives and ideas of all who it touches. You will see this, and also have the chance to purchase their quality products before returning to Panajachel. Time allowing you can visit their Medicinal Plant farm where they are growing plants for personal use and for sale. Overnight at the Posada de Don Rodrigo o similar.

Day 6 SAN ANTONIO PALOPO / WEAVING
Morning free before stopping at a local weaver home to witness the traditional weaving on a treadle loom (Optional morning activity: lake kayaking). In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Guatemala City.
Overnight in Guatemala City at the Hotel Santa Clara.

Day 7 DEPART FOR HOME
Depart for home from Guatemala City Airport, where you will be assisted in checking in.

Thanks for joining us!

Trip price includes:
All lodging,
All meals,
All excursions (including the full day history and cultural tour of Antigua, visits to markets at both Chichicastenango and Zunil, the cultural tour of Santiago de Atitlan, the woman's weaving cooperative at San Juan, the treadle-loom workshop in Palopo,
All entrance fees,
All transfers and transportation (land and water),
A detailed trip information package with maps and supporting documentation, and
The services of a bilingual guide throughout the trip.