Guatemala: Semana Santa Experience 2026
10 5 12
Days Destinations Guests (Max)
March 27 – April 5
OVERVIEW
Experience one of the most breathtaking cultural celebrations in the world as Guatemala comes alive with devotion and color during Semana Santa. From the artistic alfombras that line Antigua’s cobblestone streets on Palm Sunday, to the vibrant Tzutujil processions in the highland villages of Lake Atitlán, and the penitent “crawlers” of Quiché, each day reveals a distinct expression of devotion and syncretism.
This journey offers rare access to moments that unfold only for those who know exactly where to be and when. You’ll witness traditions and ceremonies that most visitors never encounter, creating a deeply immersive experience ideal for cultural travelers, photographers, and filmmakers seeking authentic, once-in-a-lifetime stories.
〉〉 Begin your journey amid Antigua’s vivid Palm Sunday processions and sawdust-carpeted streets, enjoying exclusive access and insight into Guatemala’s most celebrated and spiritual tradition.
〉〉 Discover the timeless charm of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city framed by volcanoes and filled with colonial elegance.
〉〉 Experience the vibrant Tz’utujil festival, an exclusive encounter blending ancient Mayan ritual and Catholic devotion in a vivid lakeside celebration of culture.
〉〉 Explore the legendary Chichicastenango Market, a kaleidoscope of color and culture where highland traditions, textiles, and rituals vividly come alive.
〉〉 Witness the rarely seen penitents of Quiché, men crawling in humble penance, offering profound insight into Guatemala’s most intimate and powerful Semana Santa devotion.
〉〉 Experience Antigua’s breathtaking Good Friday processions, where robed devotees carry vast floats through intricate sawdust carpets.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive Guatemala City
Arrive in Guatemala City and settle into your hotel before gathering for a warm welcome dinner. Meet your fellow travelers and host, beginning your adventure together.
🛏️ Tikal Futura Hotel & Convention Center ➡️
🍴 DINNER
Day 2 | Antigua Guatemala | A Colonial Legacy Revealed
Travel to Antigua, Guatemala’s enchanting colonial gem. Explore ancient ruins, cobblestone streets, and pastel facades framed by volcanic peaks, immersing yourself in centuries of living history.
🛏️ Hotel Ojala Antigua Guatemala ➡️
🍴 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 3 | Antigua Guatemala | Palm Sunday Processions
Experience Antigua’s unique Palm Sunday and children’s processions as sawdust carpets and incense-filled streets set the stage for Guatemala’s most revered and colorful celebration.
🛏️ Hotel Ojala Antigua Guatemala ➡️
🍴 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 4 | Antigua | Artisan Traditions of Antigua’s Villages
Journey to nearby villages to discover chocolate making, Nispero wine, and an Indigenous weaving cooperative preserving ancestral skills and cultural heritage for future generations.
🛏️ Hotel Ojala Antigua Guatemala ➡️
🍴 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 5 | Lake Atitlan
Travel to breathtaking Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and vibrant Mayan villages. Explore San Juan La Laguna and enjoy an ancestral Mayan food experience for lunch.
🛏️ Hotel La Casa Del Mundo ➡️
🍴 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 6 | Lake Atitlan | Mayan T’zutujil Festival
Join locals for a Mayan T’zutujil Festival, celebrating harvest and heritage on the shores of Lake Atitlan.
🛏️ Hotel La Casa Del Mundo ➡️
🍴 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 7 | Chichicastenango | Traditional Textiles Market
Explore Chichicastenango’s legendary market, alive with color, textiles, and ritual. Witness the meeting of ancient Mayan spirituality and Catholic tradition in this highland cultural crossroads.
🛏️ Hotel Museo Mayan Inn ➡️
🍴 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 8 | Quiché & Antigua | Holy Friday
Visit a remote town in Quiché to witness the rarely seen penitents crawling in devotion, before returning to Antigua for the awe-inspiring Good Friday processions.
🛏️ Hotel Casa Madeleine ➡️
🍴 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 9 | Antigua
Enjoy a restorative day in Antigua with time to wander its markets and cafés, and end the day with a group sunset dinner.
🛏️ Hotel Casa Madeleine ➡️
🍴 BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Day 10 | Departure from Antigua
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to Guatemala City Airport for your onward flight, reflecting on the unforgettable beauty and devotion of Semana Santa in Guatemala.
🍴 BREAKFAST
Hotel Casa Madeleine
A serene colonial-style boutique retreat tucked just steps from Antigua’s heart, offering elegant rooms, lush courtyard gardens, a wellness spa with sauna and hot tub, and heartfelt service that invites guests to unwind in tranquil sophistication.
Tikal Futura Hotel & Convention Center
A premier, full-service urban retreat in Guatemala City, offering elegant rooms, a luxe spa, heated indoor pool and vibrant convention spaces, all steps from a bustling mall, fine dining and cultural attractions.
Ojala
Ojalá Hotel Antigua is a beautifully restored oasis that blends modern design with Guatemalan art, from hand-woven textiles to pottery. Set in tranquil gardens with volcano views, it offers stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace and craft coffee from small local farms.
Hotel Museo Mayan Inn
Step back in time at the enchanting Hotel Museo Mayan Inn, a 1930s colonial treasure filled with antique furnishings, hand-carved details, and crackling fireplaces. Located just steps from Chichicastenango’s iconic market, this storied boutique hotel offers an intimate stay that feels like living inside a piece of Guatemalan history.
La Casa del Mundo Hotel
Perched on cliffs above Lake Atitlán, Casa del Mundo offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding volcanoes. Each room is unique, connected by winding paths, stone terraces and Mayan warmth.
What's Included
Bi-Lingual Host (English & Spanish)
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
9 Nights in Boutique Hotels
Private Transport with Air Conditioning and Driver
All Meals as per Itinerary
All Entrance Fees
Access To Experiences That Are Hard To Live On Your Own
What's Not Included
International Flights
Travel Insurance, Visa Fees, Passport
Meals Not Specified in the Itinerary
Personal Expenses such as Beverages & Snacks
Phone Internet Data Fees
Laundry Fees
Terms and Conditions
Dates & Prices
Prices for 2026 are in USD, per person.
Mar 27 – April 5, 2026
Price per person (two people sharing a room) $3,595
Price per person (one person with own room) $4,290
Start Your Journey Today
Feel free to reach out to us by phone (WhatsApp).
+502 3078 7231
Alternatively, please fill out the form below and we will contact you within the next business day.
We’d love to keep you in the loop.
Share your name and email, and we’ll send you updates, itineraries, and booking information for this year’s Semana Santa journey.
Join the Semana Santa Interest List
Meet Your Host
Fernando Ruiz Matamoros is a passionate cultural ambassador dedicated to unveiling the rich tapestry of Guatemala’s heritage. As a cultural guide and content creator, Fernando has crafted The Guatemala List to offer unparalleled access to the country’s most vibrant and authentic cultural events. His deep-rooted knowledge and love for his homeland shine through in every curated experience, making each journey with The Guatemala List a unique exploration of Guatemala’s living culture.
You’ll Love This Journey If You…
Are a photography or videography enthusiast drawn to color and emotion
Love immersing yourself in cultural and sacred traditions
Enjoy going off the beaten track to discover hidden gems most tourists never see
Appreciate history, culture, artistry, and spiritual beauty
Want to witness one of Latin America’s most powerful celebrations
Seek authentic connections beyond surface-level travel
Enjoy immersing yourself in everyday local life, then unwinding in boutique stays chosen for comfort and charm
