Local partnerships to showcase the best

We work with local artists, entrepeneurs and teachers to provide the most authentic experience posible. Workshops organized are colaborations that bring the benefits of tourism to the doorsteps of our neighbours. With every member of a community having something so unique to offer, strong friendships have led to supporting partnerships that now allow them to share their gifts with you!

TEXTILE AND BRACELET WEAVING

A class in traditional weaving with Concepcion

Concepcion has a beautiful technique and her many years of experience are taught through patience and slow motion speaking. Join her for an hour or two per lesson, in her home, at her kitchen table. She will make you feel like a grandchild, serving you coffee and sweetbread and encouraging you as you learn. A big trip highlight for those that sign up, we encourage this experience and interaction! Bracelet weaving classes usually take 2-4 hours. The best part is that you take home a handmade Guatemalan bracelet that YOU made with your new wonderful Abuela Concepcion!

SPANISH LESSONS WHEREVER YOU WANT THEM

Meet your teacher, Dorly

A gem of a woman, Dorly is the perfect Spanish teacher. Her calm nature and work ethic are very contagious! Dorly will be happy to meet you at the guesthouse at one of the common area tables for written lessons or go for coffee or walks or invite you out with the family to work on conversational lessons! We highly recommend giving a lesson or two a go if you would like to improve tu Español.

“TRADITIONALIZE” YOUR OWN CLOTHES

Custom tailoring by Don Pablo

Want something unique to take home with you? Hear me out! You know that amazing pair of pants or t-shirt that you love and fit you so well? Pablo is a gifted tailor from our neighborhood that can replicate your favorite clothes. If you are around the lake for more than just a few days, here is an idea… Go to a traditional fabric store and buy a yard or two of Guatemalan material and bring your clothing item and the fabric to Don Pablo. He will make you a Guatemalan double of your favorite pants, dress or T-shirt. This also works great with little girls’ dresses and would make an incredible gift for your daughter or niece, (or somebody else’s daughter or niece!)

CACAO TOURS

Get yo yum yums.

What could be more Guatemalan than coffee and CHOCOLATE? Take a tour and learn about the process of making chocolate and finish the tour by eating, or drinking some not too sweet, very delicious beverages. Licor Marron offers a beautiful environment to learn about the queen of beans, cacao.

LOCAL EXCURSIONS

Horseback tours through the narrow streets of San Juan

Step back in time as you're guided through the dirt walkways and stone alleys of San Juan. A fun afternoon activity guided by Don Pascual and his trusty fleet of beautiful horses.

Recommended for families and individuals looking to experience the nostalgia that comes from trusting an animal to take you from point A to B!

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

Art classes with renown artists

Get creative and take some time to learn some new techniques with oil paints or acrylics. San Juan is known particularly for its vast network of very talented artists. Take a walk beforehand through the colourful streets to get inspired! The streets of San Juan are notoriously beautiful as a result of being hub for artistic individuals.

COFFEE TIME

Coffee at Las Marias

Las Marias cafe is a two-table, ramshackle of a restaurant located up a tiny walkway through a side road. Once you're up there it's like stting in a tree fort with your besties for a tea-party. Except, its a coffee party and you're now an adult. Locally grown, harvested and roasted. delicious Guatemalan coffee... AND her breakfasts are great!

COOKING CLASS

Let's put or hands together for... Tortillas!

What happens when you get home and want to cook a Guatemalan meal for your family after your travels and can’t make a Guatemalan tortilla? Well, you hang your head and cry. But let's face it, no amount of tears are going to bring tortillas back into your life. This is a skill worth learning the basics of so you can recreate the nostalgic taste of Guatemalan breakfasts, lunches and dinners, wherever you may be. Once this skill is learned it also translates to Papusas and Dobladas!

SUNRISE BREAKFAST TOUR

Rostro Maya Hike

Not for the faint of heart, starting in San Juan, this hike up the mountain starts at 3:30am and is 2.5 hours long. Once you arrive at the top, sit and enjoy some coffee and one of the most breathtaking views in the world. While you take it in, we prepare a fire and cook you a campfire breakfast of delicious pancakes and fruit topped with whipped cream and syrup!

PS. There is an easy version of this tour as well. :)

GET ACTIVE

Kayaking

Our San Pedro neighbors, Ninette and Juan, run a kayak rental business and we love to support them and send guests their way. Take a morning to get some exercise in and enjoy the sun while you drift over the water. Guided tours hosted by Simon are available to the “jumping rocks” or Cristalinas beach across the lake, please ask for rates.

LOCAL EXPEDITIONS

Tuk tuk tours!

A perfect way to settle in and get a feel for the area and all the little spots off the beaten path. We have a list of Tuk-tuk drivers that we have gotten to know well and have done the rounds with them discovering the gems of the town. Sit down, relax and enjoy the ride! These gentlemen will show you a good time and give you great local recommendations.

GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Village pickup truck tour

If you are the kind of tourist that likes to see and experience what many other travelers don’t, this one's for you. These pickup rides involve a guided 3-5 hour tour through the back roads with stops in the area’s surrounding aldeas, a picnic and a 20 minute hike or two through some special trails! Please book 2 days in advance to allow adequate planning.