GUATEMALA

Join a very small group in exploring the Mayan world of Guatemala, a land where the indigenous people live as they have for centuries. The beautiful colonial town of La Antigua will be our home base and introduction to outdoor markets, crafts, food, and culture. We will stay at the exquisite and luxurious Meson Panza Verde Hotel with lush courtyard gardens, stunning rooftop access and unobstructed volcano views. And a world-class restaurant! Our hotel is not far from Parke Central, the town center where you’ll find abundant street life and many small shops and lots of dining choices.

Our workshop begins with a walking tour of the beautiful colonial town of Antigua, a UNESCO Word Heritage Site. From there we will make day trips to visit new friends in small villages nestled in the surrounding volcanic mountains. We will spend a day making portraits with a local indigenous family in traditional dress, with kids, aunts, uncles, and grandparents all joining in. Other days will be spent exploring local villages, Mayan temples, Catholic church ruins, or the many cultural sites in and around Antigua.

We’ll then spend a couple days exploring around the majestic Lake Atitlan, which is considered sacred by the Mayans and is completely surrounded by towering volcanoes. Lonely Planet guidebooks calls Lake Atitlan “the most beautiful lake in the world,” and Doug wholeheartedly agrees! On the way to the lake, we stop to visit the very active Mayan shrine for Maximon, known as the indigenous “patron saint of vices,” where he is worshiped with many candles, rum, and hand-rolled cigar smoke. We are often able to witness and photograph ritual cleansings and fire rituals in the courtyard. The exclusive Villas B’Alam Ya dramatically situated right on the lake, will be our home base while at Lake Atitlan.

You can expect much fun, light-heartedness, and serendipity while learning from Doug how to better respond photographically to the world around you and how to make more personal travel images with feeling, meaning, and depth rather than anonymous pretty postcard pictures. Doug has taught photo workshops in Guatemala for 20+ years, and we will benefit from his numerous local connections and from the fabulous local guides and drivers that make our trip even richer.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:  We invite all those searching to expand their artistic and creative horizons and explore new cultures. Emphasis is less on technique and more on increasing visual awareness of our surroundings and how to better interpret and express that photographically. The itinerary reflects Doug’s deep respect and passionate interest in indigenous peoples and the timeless quality of sacredness in their lives. He has made this trip over 13 times now and it is one of his very favorite places in the world to visit and photograph. This workshop is appropriate for all levels but students must have a working knowledge of their cameras. Non-photographer spouses and partners are also welcome to join us on this one. They will not be disappointed!

CLASS LIMIT: 9 students

DATES: November 13-22, 2025
Arrival Date: Thursday, November 13
Departure Date: Saturday, November 22

ACCOMMODATIONS: the exquisite boutique hotel Meson Panza Verde and at Villas B’Alam Ya (Mayan for ‘Jaguar’).
 **Note Regarding Accommodations: While private rooms in Antigua are plentiful, private rooms at the Villas at Lake Atitlan are limited, so registering early will ensure you have your first choice of room in both locations. Please note, you may get your private room in Antigua, but will be asked to share at the Villas at Lake Atitlan if you wait to register. 

COST: PRIVATE ROOM + Workshop & All Breakfasts: $3,980
SHARED ROOM + Workshop & All Breakfasts: $2,980
NON-WORKSHOP PARTICIPANT Room + All Breakfasts: $2,180
Price includes tuition, lodging in a luxurious colonial style boutique B&B, hearty breakfast and all ground transportation including shuttle to and from the airport. Airfare not included.

REGISTER: via Open Air Places

WHAT’S INCLUDED: 

9 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION Private or Shared Rooms available at the gorgeous Meson Panza Verde Hotel + Villas B’Alam Ya on Lake Atitlan + free WiFi and free unlimited filtered water & herbal teas

ALL BREAKFASTS at Meson Panza Verde Hotel & Villas B’Alam Ya and one group dinner at Frida’s in Antigua – one of Doug’s favorite places!

10 DAYS TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN PHOTOGRAPHY in the heart of colonial Antigua, and at Lake Atitlan which Aldous Huxley famously called “One of the most magnificent lakes in the world”

SITES & SOUNDS of GUATEMALA visiting local artists and enjoying all Antigua & Lake Atitlan have to offer

TRANSPORTATION to-and-from the Guatemala City Airport and to Villas B’Alam Ya + lancha ferry to local Artisan Villages on Lake Atitlan

LUXURIOUS DETAILS in ANTIGUA art and ambiance at Meson Panza Verde abound! Courtyard gardens, yoga studio, art gallery, pool, cocktail lounge and live music along with a Rooftop Terrace & bar perfect for sunset cocktails.

UNOBSTRUCTED VOLCANO VIEWS at LAKE ATITLAN plus complimentary use of kayaks, canoes, sculling shells, and lounge chairs. Each of our Villas is self-catering and well equipped with cooking and dinning appliances

Guatemala: Spirit of the Maya Retreat

Follow along with this video and experience the sights and sounds of Guatemala while on Retreat with Open Air Places and internationally recognized photographer, Douglas Beasley.