THREADS OF TRADITION:
A TEXTILE COLLECTOR’S JOURNEY IN GUATEMALA
February 8–17, 2026 Limited to 6–8 Guests
Join an intimate group of textile enthusiasts for an extraordinary journey into the heart of Guatemala’s world-famous weaving traditions. This carefully curated trip is designed especially for collectors and serious enthusiasts, offering private access to artisans, workshops, and curated buying opportunities—all while traveling in comfort and security.
Day 1 -Arrive in Guatemala City and settle into a modern four-star hotel in the safe upscale Zone 10 district. After a good night’s rest, we begin our journey into the heart of Guatemala’s textile culture.
Day 2 – Before leaving for Antigua, our first visit is to the Ixchel Museum in Guatemala City, one of the world’s greatest repositories of handwoven Guatemalan textiles. The original watercolors by Carmen Pettersen, author of Maya of Guatemala – Life and Dress, are on display here alongside the textiles they depict. Nearby, the Archaeological Museum reveals the deep roots of Mayan culture in this region. By afternoon, we transfer to Antigua, an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site. B, L Welcome Dinner
Day 3, 4 – Antigua’s cobblestone streets and colonial facades form a striking backdrop to the treasures you’ll find. Collectors will enjoy specialty vendors offering rare huipiles and jaspé/ikat skirts, Olga Reiche’s famous indigo workshop, and amazing antique shops filled with iconic pieces. We’ll also explore local markets and the impressive ruins of colonial churches and ancient universities. B, L,
Day 5, 6, 7 – From Antigua, we travel by comfortable van to Panajachel and gorgeous Lake Atitlán, where 12 villages surround the famous deep crater lake at an altitude of 5,000 feet. Historically, each lakeside village has its own weaving style, colors, and motifs. Traveling by boat, we’ll visit the villages of San Juan de la Laguna, San Pedro, Santiago Atitlán, and Santa Catarina Palopó, meeting with weavers and exploring ethical women’s cooperatives. We’ll take a magnificent natural dyes and weaving workshop, and on Friday, we’ll attend a renowned open-air textile flea market. B, L
Day 8,9 – We return to Antigua by the scenic, less-trafficked coastal route. Your final time is open for relaxed exploration or last-minute textile purchases. In the afternoon of the 16th, we will meet with designer/author/photographer Ana Livingston Paddock, author of Estilo Palmer, for a riveting look at her grandmother’s leadership in architectural restoration in Antigua. On our last evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at one of Antigua’s most beautiful restaurants. B, D
Day 10 – On February 17, travelers return to Guatemala City for flights home. Assistance will be provided for arranging your transfer to the airport.
Group size is limited to six to eight participants. Accommodations are in four-star hotels with modern amenities. The physical level is moderate, but please note that the route involves walking on cobblestones, navigating boat landings with steps, and encountering some uneven terrain. Keeping up with the group is essential. Mornings and evenings in the highlands are cool (bring something warm!), while days at Lake Atitlán are temperate. Guatemala is known as The Land of Eternal Spring after all!
Throughout the journey, you’ll have support in recognizing authentic weavings, understanding price ranges, and learning about provenance. Included in the trip are nine nights in four-star accommodations, daily breakfasts, most lunches, and select group meals including the welcome and farewell dinners, all private ground and boat transportation, entrance fees to museums, workshops, markets, guided artisan visits, the weaving workshop, and cultural discussions.
Not included are international airfare, some lunches and dinners, personal purchases and possible shipping, tips for drivers and guides, and required travel insurance.
This is a rare opportunity to experience Guatemala’s rich textile traditions with direct collector support. Spaces are very limited. Hold your spot with a non-refundable deposit of $500 today. TRIP COST: $4250.00
REVIEWS
Judith Haden’s Guatemala textile trip was a delight. She is skilled at arranging schedules, accommodations, and meals so that travelers are comfortable and happy. She is flexible and can adapt a schedule if a group has a special interest or if an unexpected opportunity arises. She knows artists and resources so that her group has access to artisans and textiles that they would not be able to find on their own. I have traveled with her multiple times and would do so again if the opportunity arises
~ Ruth G., Philadelphia
It has been a great trip with Judy, who cares that her fellow travelers are passionate and educated about textiles. The trip was super well organized around the markets and artisans; I especially appreciated starting at the Ixchel Museum because it deepened my understanding and appreciation of certain textiles. I was clueless, for instance, about how jaspe/ikat was made. Our Lake Atitlan trip was truly memorable, visiting Santiago Atitlan and San Juan la Laguna, and that visual surprise, Santa Catarina! Can’t wait to return!
~ Bette R., Santa Fe
Traveling in Guatemala is quite different than traveling in Mexico. I couldn’t have done it without you! Your hotel bookings were spectacular. And I so appreciate your concern for cleanliness and safety when visiting weavers and artisans. Those visits are an important connection to my understanding of the culture. I did so enjoy learning about the food on the tour. Wonderful country! The special restaurants showed that truly great Guatemalan cuisine is possible. Another successful tour with Judith (my fourth!)
~ Charlene M., Portland, OR
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