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 GUATEMALA SEMANA SANTA

Antigua, Chimaltenango, and Monterrico

Experience the colors, beauty, and excitement of Antigua’s 500 year old festival.

Our 8-Day Semana Santa Photo Tour includes unique opportunities including preferred access to many of Antigua’s most important religious processions. Our focus will also include environmental portraits of local Mayans, landscapes and more.

The Spanish tradition of Semana Santa (Holy Week) arrived with the Spaniards to Guatemala in 1524. Almost 500 years later, Antigua, Guatemala holds one of the most elaborate and colorful Semana Santa celebrations in the world. Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday, commemorating the passion, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.​

Our festival adventure brings us to Antigua, Chimaltenango, and Monterrico. Antigua is the former capital and a city that boasts an impressive catalog of colonial relics in a magnificent setting. Streetscapes of pastel facades unfold beneath three volcanoes. Many old ecclesiastical and civic structures are beautifully renovated, while others retain tumbledown charm, with fragments strewn about parklike grounds. Chimaltenango is a small nearby Mayan village with Mayan locals, and Monterrico is on the pacific coast, giving us access to locals living along the coast.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. What better place to express your creativity than the Semana Santa festivities in Antigua, Guatemala.

Our festival adventure brings us to Antigua, Chimaltenango, and Monterrico. Antigua is the former capital and a city that boasts an impressive catalog of colonial relics in a magnificent setting. Streetscapes of pastel facades unfold beneath three volcanoes. Many old ecclesiastical and civic structures are beautifully renovated, while others retain tumbledown charm, with fragments strewn about parklike grounds. Chimaltenango is a small nearby Mayan village with Mayan locals, and Monterrico is on the pacific coast, giving us access to locals living along the coast.

This adventure is designed not only to guide you to the most photogenic locations carefully planned for the best light but to aid you in mentally visualizing a scene before capturing the decisive moment. Our aim is to raise your awareness and spark your creativity so that you not only go home with images to be proud of but use your new found skills to improve and expand your photographic technique in general. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera settings and capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.

In addition, you will become knowledgeable on how to survey the landscape, utilize and approach your environment, photograph people indigenous to the region and the cultural considerations and challenges of photographing in a foreign country. Our time together will include individual and group discussions, inspiring ideas, and great fun. What better place to express your creativity than the Semana Santa festivities in Antigua, Guatemala.

​​

TOUR OVERVIEW

Group Size

4-8 Guests

Experience | Difficulty

  • Beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers
  • Moderate schedule
  • Travel by car or minibus
  • Minimal elevation changes and lots of walking

Weather | Sun

March – Temps 85/69 F  28/19 C  Sunrise 6:13 | Sunset 6:12 (18:12) | Low Rainfall

Includes

  • Travel, Street, Portrait and Landscape photography
  • Professional photographer | guide
  • Local guides
  • Preferred access to processions
  • Photo walks & discussions
  • Small group size (4-8 guests)
  • 4 or 5-star hotel
  • Breakfasts plus 5 meals
  • Airport transfers
  • Local transportation
  • Entry Fees

Travel Information

Arrival and Departure Airport: La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala City (GUA) – Transfer time to hotel 1hr
Our adventure begins at 11 AM on the first day and ends at noon on the last day.
Travel Visa: A visa may be required depending on your nationality. Go to Visa Map to find out.

Accommodations

Antigua – Casa Santo Domingo Hotel or similar

Helpful Links

Casa Palopó, Guatemala – by Ian Robert Knight
10 Trees Worth Traveling For – by Erika Suban

Guatemala Semana Santa Prices & Dates


AdventurePriceREGISTER
From: $9,995
Photographer Leader

Photographer Leader

Edgar Monzon

April 13-20, 2025

*All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in upscale boutique hotels in the 4 and 5-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels that offer cultural, historic, and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. In Cuba, we stay in upscale family-owned Casas (bread & breakfasts). On all of our tours, breakfast is almost always included, but not guaranteed. Meal categories listed include (B) for breakfast, (L) for lunch, and (D) for dinner.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

GUATEMALA SEMANA SANTA 8 DAY PHOTO TOUR

Day 1 | Antigua

We meet at our hotel in the late morning, where we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique. During lunch we will have informal discussions on what our guests are trying to achieve in their photography, subject matters, styles and techniques. After lunch we set out to photograph our magnificent hotel and the grounds that surround it.

About our hotel… in its earliest days, Casa Santo Domingo was the bastion of one of the grandest convents of America: a sanctuary that sheltered the followers of the order of Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Today, the hotel stands as an important monument, housing and preserving the treasures from the baroque era of ancestral America. Each corner of this house, each stone, each image and each piece that composes this hotel museum is a chapter in the story of our beautiful hotel. In the evening we enjoy a wonderful “Welcome Dinner” at one of our favorite restaurants in Antigua. (D)

Day 2 | Antigua - Chimaltenango

After breakfast we will travel to the city of Chimaltenango, in the west of the country. Here we will observe the process of adobe elaboration done by the natives. We will take portraits of artisans, and their families in their work environments. In the afternoon we return to our hotel in Antigua. (B, L)

Day 3 | Antigua - Monterrico

Before sunrise we will depart for Monterrico on the Pacific Coast. We begin by exploring the beautiful mangroves using Cayucos (local dugout canoes). This unique opportunity will allow us to take environmental portraits of coastal children, elders and their families. We’ll enjoy a local lunch, and return to Antigua by early evening. (B, L)

Day 4 | Antigua - Semana Santa

Today we begin by immersing ourselves in the preparations for Guatemala’s glorious Semana Santa Festival. After breakfast we will visit the homes of local families that create the rugs for the processions. We’ll get involved in the preparations while taking photographs of the process. 

In the afternoon we will return to Antigua to take portraits of “the romans” in the exit of the procession “Jesús del Milagro” in San Felipe de Jesus Church.

At night we will go to the vigil of “Maria Santísima de la Soledad” at School of Christ. (B)

Day 5 | Antigua - Semana Santa

In the morning we will have a portrait sessions in the homes of penitent elders (Cucuruchos), also taking environmental photos of the preparation atmosphere in their homes prior to carry the procession. 

To capture amazing images, we will be positioned at the “Jesus del Perdón” procession’s exit at San Francisco el Grande Church. 

In the afternoon we will switch to taking photos of the rugs and later visit the main sagrario in Antigua, along with its surroundings. Dinner after sunset in Antigua. (B)

Day 6 | Antigua - Semana Santa

We’re up very early on Good Friday to  take photos of rugs in the main streets to appreciate their splendor. We will take spectacular photos from a privileged spot of the procession of “Jesus Nazareno de la Penitencia” of La Merced Church. 

After lunch, we will continue our explorations of this wonderful and colorful festival. We’ll capture the penitents and incense, and the exit of the procession of “Senior Sepultado” of Christ School. We’ll continue taking countless photos of Semana Santa through the afternoon and into the night. (B) 

Day 7 | Antigua - Semana Santa

After breakfast, we’ll take a more relaxed approach to the day. With the main festivities drawing to a close, we’ll concentrate more on street photography with the locals. We’ll come across many interesting people in Antigua, some of whom participated in the festivities. 

In the evening, we celebrate with a wonderful “Farewell Dinner” at our favorite Antigua restaurant. (B, D)

Day 8 | Antigua (Easter Sunday)

On our last morning, we will enjoy a lovely Easter breakfast, and review our past week’s photos. After we trade contact information and sadly bid you farewell. We encourage you to extend your stay in Guatemala or Central America and make good use of everything you will learn on our photo adventure. (B)

(B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner, (E) Excursion

 

May all who come as guests... leave as friends®

 

OPTIONS AND BENEFITS

Pricing

All prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Please select single occupancy for a private room. For your convenience, we offer optional early arrival and late departure accommodations so you can extend your stay before or after the trip. We typically stay in boutique hotels in the 4-star category. Not all destinations offer these types of properties. We look for unique hotels which offer cultural, historic and/or authentic features. Depending on the size of the group, smaller boutique hotels may have limited room inventory. In some countries or in remote locations, we may be limited to lodges or branded chain hotels. Breakfast is included only if included in our room rates.

Private Guided Adventures

We offer amazing private guided photo adventures, cultural tours and vacations for individuals, couples, families and groups. We can customize any of our published adventures, as well as others, to meet your individual needs, schedule, budget and interests. This may include the finest 5-star accommodations, business-class travel, and private guides and fixers who are able to make the impossible possible. If you are not interested in a photo-centric vacation, but you love our approach to private travel, we will be happy to design and deliver an amazing adventure focused on travel, culture and cuisine. Click here to request a quote. Feel free to call us at 1-888-834-0288 or contact us for more information.

Travel Insurance

We offer travel insurance through the internationally recognized Travelex Travel Insurance Company, as well as evacuation and medical transportation insurance through MedJet, one of the best in the industry.

The cost for travel insurance can be as low as 4% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other factors. Knowing you have trip cancellation coverage can make a big difference should you have to cancel for some unforeseen reason. Travelex Insurance Services is a BBB Accredited business with an A+ rating. Click here to learn more about why you should consider travel insurance.

Rewards Program

Start earning points today and SAVE $200 - $900 off future trips!
Simply register for one of our amazing photo adventures and begin earning points today!

How The Program Works
For every adventure reservation you make with Photo Workshop Adventures, you earn valuable points which you can redeem on your next trip. This is a great way to save up to 8% off future trips. Our Rewards Program is designed with three tiers: Orange, Gold and VIP Members. Points may be applied towards balance payments on your next trip, or you may choose to accumulate points for a free trip in the future.

ORANGE REWARDS
All guests begin with our Orange Rewards Program (Level 1), which earns 4 points for every dollar you spend. You begin earning points immediately after your first trip. A $5,900 spend earns 23,600 points with a value of $236 USD.

GOLD REWARDS
With our Gold Rewards Program (Level 2), you earn 6 points for every dollar you spend. Orange Members who reach 120,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 4-6 trips), automatically move up to Gold Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 35,400 points with a value of $354 USD.

Additional Gold Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers

VIP REWARDS
With our VIP Rewards Program (Level 3), you earn 8 points for every dollar you spend. Gold Members who reach 350,000 accumulated lifetime* points (approx. 8-12 trips) move up to VIP Rewards. A $5,900 spend earns 47,200 points with a value of $472 USD, (8+/-% discount).

Additional VIP Benefits:

  • Earn up to double points during promotional events
  • Advance notifications for upcoming adventures and special offers
  • Ability to Gift or Transfer points to others
  • Receive complimentary airport transfers at the destination location*

Redeeming Your Points
Redeeming your points couldn’t be easier. You can always log in to your account to check your points balance. When you are ready to book your next trip, register and pay your deposit. When you go to pay your balance you will be given the option to apply your points and receive a discount.

THINK ORANGE Magazine

Subscribe to our Think Orange Magazine and eNews. THINK ORANGE is a wonderful mix of stories and tips related to travel, photography, adventure, culture, art, technology, cuisine, lifestyle, people and more. Our objective is to immerse you in a world you may only fantasize about. Raise your awareness and inspire your creativity. Perhaps even help make you a better photographer. We deliver similar experiential experiences that our guests enjoy on our photo adventures. Like all of our adventures, our blog is “photo-centric”, while also allowing you to experience all the nuances and cultural aspects of travel and adventure. Welcome to our world. We hope you enjoy. Our eNews is a great way to receive information about upcoming photo adventures, exciting new destinations, photography tips, special offers and more. Subscribe today!

Gift Cards

Give someone you know a Gift Card, good toward any of our Photo  Adventures, Photo Tours, Private Guided Tours, Online Courses, Prints or Merchandize. Our beautifully personalized eGift Cards and Certificates are delivered to you electronically. They are fully transferable and have a 2 year expiration date. They are available in any amount from $100 to $5000. It makes a great gift for anyone who loves photography, travel or adventure. Order now, or email for more information.

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