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In 2013, we launched two social enterprises to support our three schools in Antigua Guatemala: NDG Tours, a unique tour operator, and a Spanish school.

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Our tours explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, enriching both travelers and local communities. 100% of the profits from these ventures go towards educating over 500 children from low-income families at Niños de Guatemala schools.

Worry Doll Tour

Chicken Bus Tour

Antigua Walking Tour

Lake Atitlan Getaway

Pacaya Volcano Hike

Acatenango Volcano Trek

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Lake Atitlan Getaway

Come with us on our Lake Atitlán Tour and discover beautiful nature and the history of the ancient Mayan community. You will visit the remainders of the last capital of the Kaqchikel kingdom, the Iximche ruins; relax alongside Lake Atitlán; and take in the overwhelming sights, and experience Mayan culture by visiting four very distinct Mayan Villages found on the banks of the lake. Many visitors regard Lake Atitlán as the most beautiful lake they have ever seen, or possibly even the most beautiful site all together.

After a 3 hour’s drive, you will arrive at Lake Atitlán called “the closest thing to Eden on earth” by Lonely Planet. Lake Atitlán, a crater lake formed around two million years ago, is nestled between three majestic volcanoes, mountains, and twelve different Mayan villages.

In addition to beautiful nature, the surroundings of Lake Atitlán offer many possibilities for cultural activities. The Mayan community found at the lake has many unique indigenous villages that are all worth exploring individually. Each village differs in size and traditions. On this tour, we will show the variety by visiting four: Panajachel, San Antonio Palopó, San Juan La Laguna, and Santiago Atitlán.

Panajachel, also known as Pana, the most popular and accessible of the villages, is where the night’s accommodation is located. Pana offers natural beauty, easy travel connections, and a great base for exploring the surrounding Mayan villages. You will enjoy lunch with a view here and have plenty of time to explore the town and shop for some nice souvenirs that are much cheaper here than in Antigua.

On the first day, you will visit the village of San Antonio Palopó where you can discover an authentic Mayan community. Almost all locals wear the traditional ‘trajes’ and speak the local Mayan languages. We’ll travel by bus to this Mayan village for a ceramic workshop where you will meet local Mayan artisans, learn about ceramic production and participate by painting your own ceramic!

On day two, the tour continues by visiting two additional Mayan villages: San Juan La Laguna and Santiago Atitlán, traveling by lancha, the local boat system. San Juan La Laguna is considered one of the more traditional villages around the lake and is off-the-beaten track from most tourist destinations. Thanks to the friendly locals and colorful buildings you’ll get a glimpse of the real Mayan community. You will first visit a local women weavers’ textile cooperative to learn about and participate in the process of ancestral weaving and see how different plants are used to die the fabric with natural colors. Here you will enjoy a traditional local lunch. Following your meal, you will visit an art gallery, where you’ll see the beautiful artworks and learn about the techniques that were used to create them. The final stop in San Juan is another community cooperative producing medicinal plants and herbal products. Here you will learn about traditional Maya healing and how to make organic shampoo, creams, and tea.

The final Mayan village and destination of the Lake Atitlán Tour is Santiago Atitlán, another traditional village that every visitor should see during their stay. Santiago is the capital of the Tz’utujil Maya and the largest of the lake communities. The tour will start with a search for the house where the Maya God Maximon is living, as his location changes every year when a new cofradía or brotherhood has the privilege of taking care of him. Once we find Maximon, you may see local shaman performing rituals for the Mayans. You will then visit the town center and church where you will learn more about the history of this traditional town. We will finish our trip by visiting Santiago’s market and the large arts and crafts scene it offers, then returning to Antigua.

Interested in bringing a group on this Lake Atitlan getaway? Please send us a message to tour@ninosdeguatemala.org we’d love to tailor your trip to your needs and wishes.

Acatenango Volcano Trek

PUBLIC HIKE

In our group tour, guides are generally Spanish speaking, some speak basic English. The group size is between 4 to 20 people, who have different nationalities and individual physical conditions. The guide will try to keep the group together. Please adjust to the group pace and stay in the group to not get lost. There are several paths so it’s important to wait for the guides instructions. If you prefer walking at your own pace, you can request a private guide (see “private hike” below) The guide will give his recommendations at his moment. There are 6 strategical resting points. They are only to regain energy and then continue (about 10 to 15 min). You will be accompanied by professional guides that have all the necessary information, a positive attitude at all times and all the support you need.

PRIVATE HIKE

On this private tour you have the option of a bilingual guide who accompanies you at all times, hiking at your own pace. The guide will give you his recommendations throughout the tour. There are 6 strategical resting points, but you can rest more if you wish. From experience, it is better to do short breaks, only to regain energy and then continue. Your guide has all the necessary information, a positive attitude at all times and all the support you need. This tour is only for those who want to walk alone or prefer walking in a small group with their friends to go at their own pace.

This overnight hike starts at 7:00 AM and you return to Antigua around 2:00 pm the next day.

San Lorenzo el Cubo does not provide many opportunities for education. There are only three primary schools – including Niños de Guatemala’s (NDG) primary school “El Porvenir”. You will visit the school and learn more about the work NDG does.

After this, you’ll walk through San Lorenzo el Cubo towards the home of Doña Rosa. Her three children attend the Niños de Guatemala schools. A common occupation for women in San Lorenzo el Cubo is making worry dolls. Worry dolls or quitapenas are traditional Mayan dolls which Guatemalans put under their pillow when they sleep to get rid of their worries.

On this trip, our guide and Doña Rosa will tell you more about the worry dolls’ legend and history while showing you how to make your own, using local materials. After these fun and educational visits, you will return to Antigua by chicken bus, with your own handmade worry doll!

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