Deposit for Handcrafted Highlands, February 21 - 26, 2026

//This is a non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot for the trip in February 2026. If you have any questions, please contact Mari at mari@kakawdesigns.com. Deadline to sign up is October 15th, 2025.//

Discover Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlán on this 5-day, 5-night cultural and textile-focused trip. Spend two nights in Chichicastenango to experience the true town atmosphere before market day and through the vibrant and energetic outdoor market. We will have plenty of time for an introduction to the rich culture and history of this highland Quiché town.

At Lake Atitlán, learn about traditional textile processes, including cotton spinning and natural dyeing, and visit a local family that cultivates cochineal. Enjoy two nights at our favorite lakeside hotel in San Juan la Laguna. This itinerary begins and ends in our hometown of Antigua. 

Participants need to be in Antigua for departure on February 21st morning. We will return to Antigua on February 25th, with a night included at our central hotel. The itinerary officially ends on February 26th after breakfast.

What’s included?

• 2 nights in Chichicastenango at a historic hotel that feels like a museum
• 2 nights in San Juan la Laguna with beautiful lake-front views
• 1 night in Antigua inside the city center, just two blocks from the Kakaw studio
• Most meals (13 meals)
• All workshops (cotton spinning, naturally-dyeing, cochineal family visit, ikat studio visit)
• A cotton spinning kit with both white and heirloom brown cotton varieties and a traditional handmade "malacate" spindle.
• All private transport beginning and ending in Antigua, including a boat ride at Lake Atitlán
• 1-2 bilingual Kakaw facilitators who can translate presentations and questions
• Pre-trip prep and assistance including a Zoom call, recommended packing list, and in-country information

$1100 in single room

Take $150 off per person when signing up together and sharing a room.

Min 6 pax / Max 12 pax

NOTES:

• COVID-19 vaccination required to participate.
• This itinerary includes home-cooked meals in a rural community. We cannot guarantee changes to the menu to meet dietary restrictions. We will do our best, but those with special dietary needs should be prepared with snacks in case an alternative cannot be provided during home visits.
• The hotels we use for this trip have plenty of steps, and the village visits require some walking. We ask that individuals with mobility challenges seriously consider these factors. When in doubt, please reach out and ask!
• The rest of the payment for this itinerary will be invoiced after the sign-up deadline. Instructions will follow. We are happy to work out a flexible payment schedule.

Trip Cancellation Policy

If the trip is canceled by the participant:

• Up to two months to the start date of the itinerary: full amount in credit form for future travel with Kakaw Designs to be used within 365 days of the original trip dates, minus the non-refundable deposit.
• Less than two months to the start of the itinerary: 50% trip cost in credit form for future travel with Kakaw Designs to be used within 365 days of the original trip dates, minus the deposit.
• Less than one month to the start of the itinerary: no refund or credit.
• Delay in joining the group for any reason: no refund or credit for missed time in Guatemala.
• Early return home or disruption of travel with the group for any reason, including missed meals or group activities: no refund or credit and traveler is responsible for any extra expenses incurred (transportation, etc.).