ENJOY A UNIQUE VACATION IN THIS EXOTIC DESTINATION ON A FULLY KOSHER TOUR!
Trip Date:
December 23 - 30, 2024 (Chanukah)
Guatemala boasts a rich Mayan culture. There are gorgeous colonial towns full of charm and lush rainforests full of life. ancient ruins, lovely lakes, and rumbling volcanoes. We will spend Shabbat with the local Jewish community – a little less then 1000 Jews live in Guatemala currently, most living in Guatemala City. Jewish immigrants arrived at the beginning of the 20th century from Germany and Middle East countries, followed in the 1920s by Eastern European Jews. Many came via Cuba and considered Guatemala only a stop until they could obtain visas to the United States.
Guatemala was not favorably disposed to Jewish immigration, and it attempted to limit their arrival. In 1932, the government ordered the expulsion of all peddlers, the primary work of most Jewish immigrants to Central Americas, They went door to door & sold necessities on credit In 1936, under the influence of the substantial German community in Guatemala, legislation was enacted to curb immigration of all people of “Asian origin” – which included Jews! We will have local historians explain the complex relationship between the Jews of Guatemala & Central America and the host countries in the region.
Please check out our PDF brochure for further trip information.
Please feel free to contact us for questions or more information.
A Costa Rica Kosher Adventures tour includes much more than a hotel and food. We take care of every aspect of your vacation including all Glatt Kosher meals under strict supervision of local Kashrut authorities, daily Minyanim, airport transfers, 7-days of guided touring. What better way to experience fascinating Guatemala. Just sit back and relax and let us take care of all of the details.
At the top of Central America, Guatemala is one of the most exciting countries in the region. Some of the things we will do in Guatemala:
- Visit the Mayan Ruins of Tikal
- Walk & bike the UNESCO listed city of Antigua
- Hike Active Volcanoes
- Relax in Lake Atilan
- Enjoy Waterfalls & Lush Rainforest Jungle
- Shop in Colorful Chichicastenango Market
Monday (December 23): Arrival day
Check in & orientation. Your tour starts with dinner. Overnight at Barcelo Hotel.
Tuesday (December 24): Tour Antigua
Walk the picturesque cobblestone streets and see some of Guatemala’s vibrant cultural street scenes. The city was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish conquistadors and was the capital of Guatemala until the late 18th century. Visit one of the largest chabad houses in South America and hear about Jewish culture of the city. We will practice our Spanish skills in a shopping market, then ride bikes in the town outskirts. Head to a kosher brewery that overlooks the active Fuego volcano and watch it erupt as the sun goes down. Overnight in Antigua.
Wednesday (December 25): Pacaya Volcano Tour
Pacaya Volcano is a complex volcano, consisting of an older stratovolcano, domes & flows. Pacaya has erupted at least 23 times since 1565. We will take a 3-mile hike in the volcano area & enjoy its otherworldly scenery. Visit Hobbitenango, a Hobbit themed interactive fantasy-filled attraction with fantastic views and world famous photo opportunities. Overnight in Antigua.
Thursday (December 26): Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is a massive volcanic crater filled with water and ringed by steep, verdant hills and eleven charming traditional Mayan villages situated around the lakeside. Each village offers a unique perspective on Mayan culture.Start off in Panajachel and board a boat to visit a few more towns surrounding the lake. Visit a butterfly farm, go paddle boarding, kayaking, cliff jumping or swimming in the lake. Explore the culture, see the villagers in traditional outfits and visit the Chabad of San Pedro.
Overnight in Casa Blanca.
Friday (December 27): Guatemala City Tour
Optional Indian Nose hike at sunrise. The trek is less than 30 minutes with spectacular views of surrounding volcanoes and small villages dotting the lakeshore. It’s a short but steep walk through local farmland and coffee plantations to reach the summit as the sun rises. Head to Guatemala city and tour the local area before Shabbat.
Saturday (December 28): Shabbat with community
Spend Shabbat in Guatemala City with the local Jewish community. Lecture by local scholar on the history of Jews in the region, relations with the local governments & connection to Israel (flag of Guatemala & Israel intertwined)
Sunday (December 29): Transfer to Flores, Tikal Jungle Monuments Parks
Tour Tikal - the largest excavated site in the American continent which contains some of the most fascinating archaeological remains of the ancient Maya civilization. It is Guatemala’s most famous cultural and natural reseve and was declared a national park in 1955 and a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979.
Tikal is 220 square miles of lush jungle surrounding the Maya Monuments. We will see the highlights of this amazing site. Box lunch at the location & return to Guatemala for a late dinner banquet in Guatemala City.
Monday (December 30): Departure
Departure day. For those with later flights, optional cultural & museums tours can be booked. Tour ends with breakfast.
*Itinerary subject to change.