She Dares To Wander will sponsor a scholarship for a high school student through the Dreams and Hopes Foundation.  We will also be donating school supply kits to the younger students, which we will deliver in person.

Dreams and Hope Foundation has asked that we bring a donation of school and teacher supplies for their program.  We will also have the opportunity to build vented stoves for local families.  A portion of the tour will sponsor these projects.

Guatemala has one of the lowest school completion rates in Latin America. Some of the most frequently cited reasons Guatemalan children do not continue their education include poverty, relocation, household labor expectations, illness, teen pregnancy, and teen marriage.

The problem is even more prominent in indigenous communities, where almost 80% of the population lives in poverty. When Mayan children reach 16 or 17 years of age, they often have children that they are not yet equipped to support.

Poverty is a cyclical trap. Without education, proper health care, access to clean water and sanitation, or viable job opportunities, people cannot escape their financial situation.

This foundation believes that education is the key to breaking this cycle and ensuring the survival of the Mayan community. Education can help young people gain the courage to find their voices and keep the Mayan culture alive.

Each student accepted into the Scholarship Program receives tuition for a school year (10 months) paid directly to the school to ensure the student is enrolled and able to attend. The student must show outstanding test scores, a capacity for learning, and a desire to finish their education.

Marjon has been chasing adventures around the world for over 25 years—visiting more than 50 countries and collecting stories, friendships, and unforgettable memories along the way. Travel has always been her happy place, and she’s especially passionate about making it more accessible and meaningful for women.

Today, Marjon leads small groups of women on soulful, purpose-driven journeys. Her trips go beyond sightseeing—they’re about forging deep connections with local communities, embracing cultural immersion, and giving back in meaningful ways. Marjon creates experiences that go way beyond just checking off a bucket list. It’s about discovering the world—and yourself—in the process. 

The second you land, it’s on! Your private driver will be there to scoop you up and get you to the hotel, easy and stress-free.

Once you’re checked in, you’ve got time to relax—unpack a little, freshen up, maybe hit the pool or grab a drink. You’ve officially arrived, and the good vibes are already rolling.

Throughout the day, the rest of our Dare to Wander crew will be landing, each one adding her own spark to the adventure we’re about to dive into.

The hotel’s got some great spots to grab a snack, sip something cold, or just kick back while we wait for everyone to come together.

Tonight, we’ll meet up for our first dinner - just a fun, easy night to get to know each other, swap a few stories, and set the tone for the magic ahead.

Just half a mile from Guatemala City Airport (GUA), this hotel is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience—ideal for unwinding after your flight.

Step outside, and you’ll find yourself right in the heart of the city, ready to dive into all the vibrant energy around you.

For those in the mood to shop or explore the local culture, head just a mile to the bustling markets and unique shops. You’ll find everything from handmade crafts to fresh local produce, offering a true taste of Guatemala’s rich heritage. 

If you’d rather relax and recharge, hang by the hotel’s pool.

Tonight, the magic begins! It’s our very first evening together, and we’re keeping it simple with dinner right at the hotel—no schedules, no stress, just a chance to ease in and start building the beautiful connections this trip is all about.

We’ll raise a glass to bold beginnings, new friendships, and the adventures we’re about to dive into—together.

We’ll start the day early to make sure we beat the traffic on our way to Lake Atitlan. Holy Week traffic can get pretty intense, and we’re here to make the most of every moment by the lake! Along the way, we’ll stop to enjoy breakfast, giving us a chance to take in the beautiful surroundings. Then, we’ll settle in for a peaceful, scenic drive through the highlands of Guatemala in our private van. The journey will take about four hours, but it’s a route filled with breathtaking views—rolling hills, lush greenery, and glimpses of traditional villages nestled in the mountains.

As we approach Lake Atitlan, we’ll be treated to panoramic views of the volcanoes that surround the lake, their peaks rising majestically against the sky. It’s a sight you won’t forget, and the perfect introduction to this stunning destination.

Lucky for us, we’ll be arriving just in time to experience the vibrant festivities of Palm Sunday!

Newly opened in 2025, Hotel Mercy is a charming, family-run boutique hotel nestled in the heart of San Juan La Laguna. With just 15 rooms, it offers an intimate and welcoming stay—perfect for our small group to feel right at home.

Staying here directly supports the local community and puts us just steps away from the town’s vibrant art scene, weaving cooperatives, and scenic lake views. 

Nestled in the rolling highlands of Tecpán, Guatemala, Restaurante Chichoy offers more than just a meal—it provides an experience. This charming eatery is perched atop a hill, surrounded by lush meadows and vibrant cultivated fields, offering stunning panoramic views of the picturesque Guatemalan countryside.

This is the perfect halfway spot for us to stretch our legs and fill up on the way to Lake Atitlan. 

Nestled among the stunning volcanoes and lush mountains of Guatemala, Lake Atitlán offers a perfect mix of natural beauty and vibrant culture. Its calm, crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a scene that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

The villages around the lake are filled with charm and personality, each offering something unique. Whether it's exploring the colorful streets of San Juan La Laguna, enjoying the relaxed vibe in San Marcos, or shopping at local markets in Panajachel, there’s always something to discover.

Atitlán is a place that invites you to unwind, connect with the local community, and experience the beauty of Guatemala in a way that feels both peaceful and exhilarating. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, the magic of Lake Atitlán is waiting to be explored.

In the scenic village of San Juan La Laguna, Palm Sunday is a vibrant mix of Catholic rituals and indigenous traditions. The day begins with a lively procession through the streets, where locals carry palm branches, sing hymns, and celebrate together.

As the procession moves, colorful "alfombras" (sawdust carpets) line the streets, crafted by families in devotion. Once at the church, the palms are blessed, symbolizing peace and triumph.

For the Tz'utujil Maya community, Palm Sunday is not just a religious observance but a rich cultural celebration, blending faith, music, dance, and local traditions. It’s a beautiful, unforgettable experience for anyone lucky enough to join.

We'll find a cozy spot to recharge and indulge in a delicious meal as we soak in the lively Palm Sunday celebrations. 

The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace—whether it’s discovering charming spots or simply enjoying the local vibes. With the hotel conveniently located just off the main boulevard, you can always pop back for a quick rest and recharge before heading back out to soak in more of the experience.

Get ready for a full day of women supporting women!

After an early breakfast we will head to neighboring San Pedro Laguna.  Here we will meet Anita, the founder and instructor of our Mayan cooking class.  She will escort us through the local market to shop for our ingredients and teach us how to cook traditional Mayan cuisine.  

Lunch will be our delicious creations!  

In the afternoon, we’ll visit a women’s weaving cooperative, where we’ll get an up-close look at the beautiful art of traditional weaving. It’s an inspiring way to support local artisans and learn about the skills passed down through generations.

Mayan Kitchen – A Taste of Culture in San Pedro La Laguna
Just steps from the central docks of San Pedro, Mayan Kitchen has been welcoming travelers into its cozy, lakeside kitchen since 2014. But this is more than just a cooking class—it's a heartwarming cultural exchange and a celebration of community.

Founded by Anita, whose story begins with a simple day in her kitchen and an unexpected visitor, Mayan Kitchen has grown into a beloved experience where locals and travelers come together to cook, connect, and share traditions. Anita herself leads each class with warmth and passion, offering a glimpse into the fusion of Mayan and Spanish colonial influences that define Guatemalan cuisine.

Your day begins with a guided tour of the local market, where you’ll shop for fresh, organic ingredients while supporting small local producers. Then, back at the kitchen patio—with sweeping views of Lake Atitlán—you’ll roll up your sleeves and learn to prepare three authentic Guatemalan dishes from scratch.

Expect hands-on fun, meaningful stories, and plenty of laughter. By the end of this experience, you won’t just have new recipes—you’ll have a deeper understanding of the culture, community, and spirit behind the food. 

Because sometimes the best souvenirs are the ones you can taste and share.

Women’s Weaving Cooperative – San Pedro La Laguna

Just below Mayan Kitchen, take a guided tour through a vibrant women’s weaving cooperative where tradition and empowerment intertwine. Learn the full process—from harvesting cotton to spinning, dyeing, and weaving it into traje típico (traditional dress) and other beautiful textiles using time-honored Guatemalan techniques.

What began with just five women now supports over 25 around Lake Atitlán. Each artisan earns 75% of the profits from her work, creating sustainable income and providing extra meals through Mayan Kitchen’s support. Your visit helps keep these cultural traditions alive—while opening doors for more women and their families.

We'll spend time exploring the charming town of San Pedro La Laguna, visiting the iconic church before heading to Sababa Restaurante, famous for its stunning lake views for an early dinner. 

San Pedro La Laguna has a relaxed bohemian feel. The village revolves around the Catholic Church and the marketplace, with narrow cobbled streets leading up the hill, away from the ferry docks. Coffee plantations surround San Pedro La Laguna, and picturesque paths lead to the lake, where boulders and small stretches of beach provide peaceful sunbathing and swimming spots. There are also thermal pools in the village offering superb views of the nearby volcanoes.

We will start our day off with a visit to the Dreams and Hopes Foundation to drop off our donations and meet some of the children!  It's time for you to see how your tour is making a positive impact on this Mayan community. Together we can give hope to and empower families affected by poverty and lack of opportunity.

For those of you that are interested in more than an afternoon with the children, we will have the opportunity to help build vented cement stoves for local families.  Each stove takes 3-5 volunteers to participate and a few hours to build.  We will be hosted by the family receiving the stove for the day before meeting with the kids in the afternoon.

The remainder of the day will be free time to explore our home base, and all San Juan has to offer just outside your hotel door!

Let’s gather together on our final night at Lake Atitlán and share all the fun we’ve had! Tomorrow, we’re up bright and early to head to Antigua.

Today we bid farewell to the beautiful lake and journey to Antigua.  Holy week is in full swing, and I cannot wait for you to feel the energy in the streets!  

Be packed and ready for breakfast early!  We have a three-hour drive ahead of us and want to make sure we have time to stop for a snack along the way.  

After a quick stop to drop our bags at the hotel we will meet our guide to guide us through the beautiful highlights of the city.

Tonight, we feast at a local hot spot for our group dinner!  

Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is one of the most important and cherished religious celebrations in Guatemala. While it’s observed in cities and towns across the country, Semana Santa in Antigua Guatemala stands out as the most elaborate, emotional, and visually stunning version of the tradition. It’s a week where faith, culture, and artistry come together in unforgettable ways—and it’s not just one of the top events in Guatemala, it’s often considered one of the most fascinating Easter celebrations in the world.

Nestled in a valley surrounded by three towering volcanoes, Antigua is a colonial treasure that feels like stepping back in time. With its pastel buildings, cobblestone streets, and stunning ruins, the city beautifully blends history, culture, and nature.

Once Guatemala's capital, Antigua was a thriving colonial center until the 18th-century earthquakes led to the capital moving to Guatemala City. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfectly preserving its past.

Explore its car-free streets, passing churches like Iglesia de San Francisco, the ruins of Las Capuchinas, and peaceful courtyards. During Semana Santa, the city transforms with vibrant processions, making it one of the most spectacular Easter celebrations in Latin America.

A charming 4-star boutique hotel just two blocks from Central Park, Hotel Mesón del Valle is nestled along the iconic Arch Street in the heart of Antigua. With only 10 rooms, we’ll have this entire gem all to ourselves. 

The best part? We can step right out the door and find ourselves in the heart of the vibrant Semana Santa processions and stunning aljambras (sawdust carpets) that line the streets. It's the perfect spot to experience the energy and beauty of Antigua’s Holy Week celebrations!

4 Singles with queen bed

4 Doubles with one twin and one full bed (can be used as a single room)

Antigua is reminiscent of an old colonial city in Latin America, with the Spanish-Baroque buildings set in a valley between three volcanoes. Plazas, inner courtyards and fountains are well-preserved remnants of the Spanish legacy in the Americas, and the town is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Landmarks include the Iglesia de San Francisco, La Merced, and the Las Capuchinas ruins. 

Dinner will be close to the hotel tonight.  We have an early start tomorrow for our big ATV adventure!

We’ll start our morning with an early breakfast before heading out on foot to our meeting point. Today’s adventure takes us to the charming town of San Miguel Escobar, where we’ll experience the coffee-growing process from bean to brew. We’ll walk through the plantation alongside local farmers, learning firsthand how some of the world’s finest coffee is nurtured. After our tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious homemade lunch prepared by the grower’s family — a true farm-to-table experience.

The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore! Holy Thursday fills the streets of Antigua with celebrations, processions, and the beginning stages of the famous alfombras. Soak it all in — but be sure to rest up if you can! Later tonight, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the powerful reenactment of Christ’s sentencing and watch as families and neighbors begin creating the breathtaking carpets that make this night so unforgettable.

Bean to Brew: The Authentic Coffee Experience in Antigua, Guatemala
Step into the heart of Guatemala’s coffee culture with this immersive, women-led coffee tour in the hills of San Miguel Escobar, just outside of Antigua. Guided by small-scale coffee growers, you’ll trace the journey from bean to brew, learning each step of the process—planting, harvesting, roasting, and grinding—right from the people who live it every day.

This tour is powered by De La Gente and the Caficultora Network—a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2023 to uplift women in Guatemala’s coffee industry. While women have long been essential to coffee production, they’ve often been excluded from decision-making roles and recognition. This project changes that.

The network now includes six passionate women from the Antigua region who are not only growing and producing coffee—but also leading the way in exporting it. 2024 marks their first year shipping as a group, with a proud total of 3,000 pounds of coffee headed into the world.

This is more than just a tour—it’s a chance to connect. Along the way, you’ll have candid conversations with the producers about their challenges, passions, and dreams in a male-dominated industry.

• Lunch with the local farmers

• Guided walk through the coffee fields

• Traditional roasting & grinding demonstration

• Coffee tasting at the grower’s home

• A 12 oz. bag of freshly roasted coffee to take home

Fitness Details:

• Walking distance 3.2 miles

• Terrain: Uneven paths, dirt trails, and a few steep sections

Starting around 11 p.m. from La Merced Church, men on horseback, dressed as Roman soldiers, announce their arrival with trumpets as they pause at each corner to read the sentencing of Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, before crowds of hundreds. This solemn ceremony ends with their return to La Merced around midnight.

Our hotel is just a short ten-minute walk from La Merced, making it easy for you to wander freely through the city streets and catch one of these powerful readings along the route.

After the ceremony, the true magic of the night begins. In a centuries-old tradition, artisans, families, and entire neighborhoods come together to create the alfombras — intricate, colorful carpets made from dyed sawdust, flowers, pine needles, fruits, and other natural elements. Each design is a masterpiece, often depicting religious scenes, Mayan motifs, or symbolic patterns passed down through generations.

The alfombra-makers start setting up around 9:00 p.m.  Around midnight, the carpets really begin to take shape. There will be people out all night and the streets are safe to wander.

After an exciting all-nighter, we’ll enjoy a laid-back morning with no plans—sleep in as much as you need! 

Later, we’ll gather for dinner, sharing stories from the night before and fueling up for another night of festivities. The streets will once again come alive with more processions and celebrations. Let’s make the most of the magic of Antigua’s Semana Santa!

Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime experience? Whether you're religious or not, Antigua's Semana Santa will blow you away. Picture this: processions winding through the streets, the air thick with incense, and the stunning alfombras—elaborate street carpets made from sawdust, flowers, fruits, and even chocolate. These masterpieces are created overnight by families, only to be trampled by the processions hours later, making them a fleeting burst of beauty that captures the heart of the celebration.

But here’s where it gets even better: the real magic happens after midnight on Holy Thursday. That’s when the streets are quiet, and the neighbors come together under the moonlight, working tirelessly to craft these colorful carpets. It's a peaceful, raw, and utterly mesmerizing moment that most tourists miss. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this behind-the-scenes glimpse of one of the most incredible traditions on Earth!

Good Friday processions begin early — around 3 a.m. — so make sure to head out between 5 and 7 a.m. if you want to see the alfombras at their finished, most stunning state. The procession route ends at La Merced church steps from our hotel door!

We'll pick a spot at the end of our walking tour for dinner at one of Antigua's charming restaurants.

Get ready for an adrenaline-packed day as we conquer the Pacaya Volcano on ATVs!  Let's make the most out of our last day together.

We’ll kick things off with an early breakfast, then make our way over to the ATV office. Once there, we’ll get suited up with helmets and receive the lowdown on how to ride. First-timers? Don't worry! My first ride was through the streets of Antigua, and I was instantly hooked—you're going to love it!

After we’ve had our fill of thrilling trails, we’ll head back to the hotel to clean up and get dolled up for a cozy dinner. By the end of the day, we’ll be exhausted, exhilarated, and ready for a super chill night—because tomorrow is another adventure!

Today, we kick it into high gear! We’re heading straight into the wild beauty of Pacaya Volcano, one of Guatemala’s most active giants, rising 2,500 meters above sea level. Think lush forests, rocky trails, volcanic sand, and jaw-dropping views of Agua, Fuego, and Acatenango volcanoes.

We’ll gear up in San Vicente Pacaya, rev up our ATVs, and tear across rugged trails, lava fields, and hidden villages tucked into the volcano’s base. Expect epic rides through black volcanic sand, steep climbs over hardened lava flows, and a hike where you can literally feel the heat beneath your feet. (Oh—and yes, we’re roasting lunch and marshmallows over the hot lava cracks. No big deal.)

This adventure lasts about 4–5 hours, with plenty of stops to soak it all in. It’s dirty, it’s dusty, and it’s pure magic.

It's time for one last dinner together as we reflect on the incredible adventure we have had together!

Join us for one last breakfast and pack your bags for your flight home.  Depending on your departure time you may be able to squeeze in some last-minute shopping or wander around and feel the spirit of Easter Sunday on the streets. 

Hug your new friends goodbye and prepare for your trip back home!

Thank you for trusting me to take you on what I hope was a trip of a lifetime. 

Travel has a way of changing us, completing us, and showing us new parts of ourselves. I have no doubt that we will all leave here a little different than when we arrived, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.

Until the next adventure... keep that wanderlust alive and continue embracing the world with open hearts.

With love and gratitude,
Marjon 💛
She Dares to Wander