FTJ’s Inaugural Trip to Guatemala Jan. 25 – Feb. 3 2013
Come join Fair Trade Judaica’s Inaugural Trip to Guatemala. This is a unique opportunity to meet the local Jewish community in Guatemala City, visit with the Fair Trade artisans who make beautifully unique Judaica products, and visit major cultural and historical sites. You’ll come away with a deep appreciation and understanding of Mayan life in Guatemala today, and how Fair Trade provides an opportunity for artisan and farmer communities to pull themselves out of a cycle of poverty.
The trip is being coordinated with MayaWorks and Mayan Hands, two longstanding Fair Trade groups who work with Mayan artisans, and organize their own tours. FOR MORE INFO, contact Ilana at ilana@fairtradejudaica.org.
Trip highlights include
Shabbat evening meal and services with the Jewish community in Guatemala City
Visit with six different artisan communities, providing an opportunity to meet with them personally and watch them engage in their traditional arts. Judaica products made by these artisans include
- Beaded mezzuzahs
- Handwoven tallises and tallit bags, challah and matzah covers
- Crocheted kippahs
Visit the famous Chichicastenango Market and Iximche archeological site
Spend a full day at beautiful Lake Atitlan and surroundings
Spend time in the cloud forest, exploring Guatemala’s beautiful flora and fauna
Why You Should Join Us!
A unique opportunity to spend Shabbat with the Jewish community in Guatemala City; sing Shabbat prayers with their melodies, taste local delicacies, hear about Jewish life in Guatemala
Experience firsthand fair trade’s positive impact on the artisans and their communities
Learn how to use a backstrap loom and other craft skills
You will be able to buy beautifully handcrafted products directly from the artisans, knowing that your purchases are making a real difference in their lives
Enjoy the natural and cultural beauty of Guatemala
Logistics
The cost of the tour (double occupancy) is $1,850 per person. Pricing includes:
- All meals
- Full time bilingual tour guide with the group plus at least one Mayan Hands and one MayaWorks staffer at all times
- Admissions to Guatemala City, Antigua and Iximché visits
- All ground and boat transfers
- All hotel accommodations (double occupancy)
- $300 tax deductible donation to support the artisans
Pricing does not include airfare, personal expenses, and alcoholic beverages. Single room supplement is $350.
Itinerary
Friday, January 25
Arrivals. Welcome to Guatemala City! Erev Shabbat with the Jewish community.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza – Guatemala City – www.crowneplaza.com/guatemalacity
Saturday, January 26
Guided tour of Guatemala City including a visit to the Ixchel Textile Museum. Afternoon transfer to Antigua. Antigua City Tour and Coffee Plantation.
Overnight: La Posada de Don Rodrigo – Antigua – - www.posadadedonrodrigo.com
Sunday, January 27
Transfer to Lake Atitlan. Visit Chichicastenango Market en route. Free time in afternoon for exploring Panajachel on your own.
Overnight: Posada de Don Rodrigo – Panajachel
Monday, January 28
Full day in Lake Atitlan and surroundings. Visit Santiago and San Marcos artisans groups.
Overnight: Posada de Don Rodrigo – Panajachel
Tuesday, January 29
Transfer to Quetzaltenango. Visit Totonicapan Market en route. Afternoon visit to Chirijquiac Artisans Group near Cantel.
Overnight: Hotel Modelo – www.hotelmodelo1892.com
Wednesday, January 30
Transfer to Comalapa. Rest of the day in Comalapa and surroundings. Visit Agua Caliente and Tzanjuyu artisans groups.
Overnight: Albergues de Tecpan – Tecpan –– www.alberguesdetecpan.net
Thursday, January 31
Visit Iximché Archeological Site. Afternoon transfer to Guatemala City.
Overnight: Crowne Plaze – Guatemala City
Friday, February 1
Transfer to Rabinal. Visit San Rafael Artisans Group. Visit nearby Cahyup Archaeological Site a sacred place for the local community. Overnight: Rio Escondido Lodge – www.rioescondido.net
Saturday, February 2
AM Enjoy the cloud forest and visit nearby community. PM transfer to Guatemala City.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza – Guatemala City
Sunday, February 3
Farewell breakfast. Shuttles from hotel to Guatemala City International Airport. Departures.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER, please contact:
Ilana Schatz, Fair Trade Judaica at ilana@fairtradejudaica.org; 510-525-1567
