//Please first email us at hello@kakawdesigns.com to inquire about exact date availability.//
Our friend and artisan partner at Lake Atitlán, Doña Marta, has together with her family constructed a new floor above their home in San Juan la Laguna with the goal of hosting visitors. There are two rooms, one with two double beds and another with one double bed. The rooms share a common space, a bathroom and shower, a traditional "pila" sink, and a large terrace above. All beds and other furniture are brand new as of 2026, and the family is ready to host guests.
Together with Doña Marta, we've developed a week full of activities that highlight the master artisan's skills. Come spend a week with Doña Marta and family, learning the local way of life and practicing traditional textile processes!
This week-long Homestay + Workshop experience is ideal for one to three creatives who want to slow down and immerse themselves in a grassroots indigenous community.
Pricing:
$495/person in single room
$415/person in shared double room (two full beds)
A great fit for those who:
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Have at least beginner-level Spanish and feel comfortable having simple conversations with the host family
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Are excited to learn hands-on traditional fiber arts with a true master artisan
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Want their visit to directly support a local family
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Are curious about daily life in a small indigenous community
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Are willing to make a few linguistic or cultural mistakes—and laugh about them
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Enjoy independent travel and exploring on their own
This experience is not a good fit for:
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Those looking for a luxury retreat
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Travelers who are very sensitive to noise (San Juan la Laguna is lively and active)
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Individuals with little or no experience traveling in developing countries
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Those who cannot communicate basic needs in Spanish
Don't speak Spanish? Consider spending a week in Antigua Guatemala first to take one-on-one Spanish lessons. You can come stay at our studio, take some weaving classes, and practice your Spanish in preparation for the homestay experience. Note that the family speaks Tzutujil and Spanish (not English).
What's included?
- 5 nights' stay in a private room in Doña Marta's home, in a separate second floor area. The homestay area is above the family's home -- same entrance but separate space. The area is equipped with two separate bedrooms which share a common living room as well as a bathroom and shower. There is a spacious terrace above.
- 5 home-cooked "típico" breakfasts traditionally with eggs, beans, tortillas, and coffee.
- 4 mornings of workshops (approximately 3 hours each): cotton spinning, seasonal dye stuff harvesting, natural dyeing, and traditional cooking. Ingredients and materials included including a spinning kit (malacate spindle, white and ixcaco cotton fibers, handmade bowl) and a handwoven white cotton shawl for dyeing.
- A 30-minute Zoom call with Kakaw staff in preparation for the visit
- Kakaw pre-trip support via email
- Continued Kakaw support throughout the week via WhatsApp
Schedule:
Monday: Arrival to San Juan la Laguna. Check-in to be coordinated with Doña Marta directly.
Tuesday: Breakfast with Doña Marta and family. Morning workshop from 9am-12noon: cotton spinning. A malacate spindle kit is included.
Wednesday: Breakfast with Doña Marta and family. Morning workshop from 9am-12noon: seasonal harvesting of dye stuffs. This exploration could take you to see cotton, indigo, local seasonal flowers, wood, and more.
Thursday: Breakfast with Doña Marta and family. Morning workshop from 9am-12noon: naturally-dyeing with the gathered materials from the previous day. Included to dye: a handwoven white cotton shawl.
Friday: Breakfast with Doña Marta and family. Morning workshop from 9am-12noon: traditional cooking. Choose a dish together with Doña Marta, go to the market to purchase the necessary ingredients, and learn how to prepare the meal at home. And enjoy lunch together!
Saturday: Breakfast with Doña Marta and family. Muchas gracias! Check-out before noon.
Transport to and from San Juan la Laguna is not included. If you would like further assistance with recommendations around Guatemala, please book a call with us.
Want to spend a week in Antigua? Stay at the Kakaw studio for a weaving week.
Please note: Discount codes are not applicable for this experience. If a discount code is used, we will need to adjust your invoice accordingly. This is a non-refundable reservation.
Questions? Ask us at hello@kakawdesigns.com
