June 12-18, 2027
60th Anniversary Tour

ALDEA offers a unique, eye-opening, 6-day/6-night tour of the western highlands of Guatemala, the “Land of Eternal Spring.”

ALDEA and its partner organization, Asociación BPD (ABPD), work with Indigenous and rural communities in Guatemala to improve the health and well-being of families through integrated initiatives. Together, we work toward a vision where communities fully exercise their universal rights to health and well-being through sustainable, inclusive, and culturally rooted approaches that elevate local leadership and participation.

This immersive experience provides the rare opportunity to be welcomed into Mayan villages and witness this work firsthand. As ALDEA celebrates its 60th anniversary, you will see the lasting impact of six decades of partnership in action. You will gain a deeper understanding of the realities facing rural families and discover how you can be part of creating meaningful, lasting change. Along the way, you will be inspired by Guatemala’s breathtaking landscapes around Antigua and Lake Atitlán, its vibrant culture, and the warmth and gracious hospitality of its people. Participants form lasting bonds and leave with a shared commitment to improving the lives of rural Guatemalan families.

tour highlights

  • Join ALDEA to celebrate 60 years of partnership with Guatemalan communities at our anniversary gala.
  • Learn about ALDEA’s community development projects in partnership with Mayan villages.
  • Discover daily activities of rural Mayans in their homes, learn their stories first-hand, and meet community leaders.
  • Experience Guatemala’s thriving Mayan heritage and amazing legacy.
  • Explore Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn about its rich history.
  • Relax surrounded by the mesmerizing beauty of volcano-ringed Lake Atitlán.
  • See Lake Atitlán’s rich and fertile hills, fishermen, artists, traditional weaving, and the daily life of its residents.
  • Walk the Mayan ruins of Iximché and possibly witness a Mayan ritual.
  • Enjoy delicious Guatemalan food and some of the best coffee in the world.
  • Take advantage of shopping opportunities for artisanal products.

what’s included

  • Extensive pre-tour information, trip coordination assistance, welcome packet, souvenir gifts.
  • Pick-up and shuttle to/from La Aurora Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City.
  • Four nights at Hotel Aurora in Antigua, one night at Hotel de Montaña in Tecpán, and one night at Hotel Bambú at Lake Atitlán.
  • Six breakfasts, five lunches and six dinners (including the anniversary gala dinner and a special farewell dinner).
  • Air-conditioned, chauffeured coaster bus for in-country trips; water and some snacks.
  • Bilingual guides, all excursions and entrance fees during group activities.
  • Gratuities for meals, chauffeurs, local on-site guides, and hotel service.
Price per Person:
$2,500 double occupancy; $2,800 single occupancy

what’s not included

  • Roundtrip air transportation.
  • Items of a personal nature, e.g. souvenirs, laundry, extra snacks and drinks.
  • Cost of optional activities during free time.
  • Travel medical insurance.
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Deposit/Payments/Cancellations:

$500 deposit is due at the time of registration and the remaining balance ($2,000 per person for double occupancy and $2,300 for single occupancy) is due on March 31, 2027. If a participant cancels by March 31, 2027, they will receive a full refund of the amount paid. No refunds will be made for cancellations after March 31, 2027, unless the vacancy can be filled by a participant of equivalent occupancy.

Participation Details: The activity level for this trip is moderately difficult due to walking up to three miles at a time on cobblestones, uneven surfaces, and up and down slopes; standing for periods of time; getting in and out of boats; and riding on bumpy roads. Tour is limited to 16 participants; all must be a minimum of 21 years of age. Participants are required to sign a liability waiver and to have travel medical insurance coverage.

Travel Documents: A current U.S. passport is required. No visa is required for Guatemala visits of fewer than 90 days.

Climate: June weather in the Guatemalan Highlands is often sunny in the morning with rain likely in the afternoon/evening. Daytime temperatures in the 70s F, nights in the 50s.

Brief Day-by-Day Itinerary
(Subject to Change)

Saturday - June 12, 2027
  • Arrive at Guatemala City airport (GUA).
  • Shuttle to colonial Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Check-in at Hotel Aurora.
Sunday - June 13, 2027
  • Antigua walking tour.
  • Lunch and tour orientation, followed by discussion of Guatemala’s social/political/economic context at a historic Antigua home.
  • Attend ALDEA’s 60th anniversary gala in the evening. 
Monday - June 14, 2027
  • Travel to two rural Mayan villages – one where ALDEA-supported development projects have been completed, and one in the early engagement phase before projects are implemented.
  • Overnight stay at Hotel de Montaña in Tecpán – best local accommodations.
Tuesday - June 15, 2027
  • Guided visit of the pre-Columbian ruins of Iximché en-route to Lake Atitlán.
  • Check-in at Hotel Bambú, in Santiago Atitlán.

  • After lunch, tour of Santiago Atitlán, including a visit to the church and rectory where the first U.S.-born priest to be beatified was murdered in 1981, and possibly encounter Mayan deity “Maximón.”

Wednesday - June 16, 2027
  • Morning boat ride to San Juan La Laguna.
  • Witness the natural dye process at local weavers’ cooperative.
  • Learn about coffee production by touring a small local plantation.
  • See a demonstration of San Juan’s unique painting style by a local artist.
  • Travel by boat to Panajachel for lunch.
  • Return to Hotel Aurora in Antigua late afternoon.
Thursday - June 17, 2027
  • Tour of Casa Poponoe.
  • Lunch and weaving demo/product display at local family home in San Antonio Aguas Calientes.
  • Late afternoon guided tour of the historic Casa Santo Domingo monastery followed by special dinner finale at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant.
Friday - June 18, 2027
  • Shuttle to Guatemala City airport for flight departures.

OR plan additional post-tour activity, like:

  • Famous Chichicastenango market.
  • Overnight to Tikal or Copan.
  • Spanish language school.
  • Cooking class.
  • Visit more of Antigua.

“We have been to Guatemala many times and thought we knew it well, but our ALDEA tour showed us aspects of Guatemala that we otherwise could not have experienced. We visited remote villages, witnessing ALDEA’s life-changing work. We experienced both the before (women cooking over open fires in smoky kitchens and spending hours each day carrying water) and the after (vented stoves, running water, and modern latrines). Most striking to us was the contrast between the shy, barely audible women before participating in ALDEA’s program and the confident, articulate, hopeful women after participating in ALDEA’s program. The tour also included some "can't miss" highlights of Guatemala: colorful Lenten processions, beautiful Lake Atitlan nested in a ring of volcanoes, and Antigua with its lovely old churches and fabulous restaurants. The ALDEA tour was perfectly executed, making the travel days easy, informative, and, most importantly, fun. This was one of our favorite trips.”

- Patricia Salber and Dov Michaeli, Recent Tour Participants