ABOUT THE JOURNEY

Explore ancient Mayan temples, sacred caves, lush jungles, colorful villages, behold breathtaking beauty, and possibly glimpse the elusive Quetzal. Accommodations include an organic sustainable agricultural macadamia finca (farm), an eco-resort on Lake Peten Itza, Don Jeronimo’s garden sanctuary, and an organic coffee finca on Lake Attitlan. Travelers will have the opportunity to participate in rituals & ancient ceremonies. If you choose to, you can receive a Mayan astrological reading, or learn to channel nature spirits. Energy healings and an all- natural facial will also be available to the traveler at no extra cost.

Upon arrival in Guatemala, our adventure begins as we board another airplane and fly approximately one hour to Santa Elena in the Peten region. We will spend 3 nights at the magical La Mansion Del Pajaro Serpiente, a beautifully lush eco-resort on Lake Peten Itza, offering tropical gardens, colorful tropical birds, private lake view cottages, open air dining, swimming pool, and breathtaking sunsets.

From La Mansion, we will take a day trip to Tikal, one of the major worshiping centers of the Mayas, during the peak of their culture. We will first participate in a ceremony invoking the Nine Mayan Gods, asking for their protection and blessings on our journey. We will then be free to explore the awesome ancient temples, amidst the tropical jungle, inhabited by monkeys and other indigenous wild life.

A wonderful and distinctive highlight of the journey is to visit and bring donated supplies to a Mayan community, known as the Oxlajujb (Thirteen Holy Mountains). The Oxlajujb is an association of the Maya Q’eqchi communities working to address the needs of hundreds of families in the Peten region of Guatemala. We will then visit the Oxlajujb community and deliver our supplies to them. This is a time to be open to unexpected invitations, as we have the privilege to learn about the Mayan culture and to share with indigenous people of Guatemala on a deeper level.

See our HUMANITARIAN AID page.

On the morning of our 4th day, we will travel onward to Coban and San Juan Chamelco in our private van. We will get there just in time for Guatemala’s most impressive festival of Indian traditions, the folkloric festival of Rabin Ajau where we can watch and possibly participate in traditional dances. We will venture into the rainforest to Don Jeronimo’s Garden Sanctuary where we will spend the next 3days. A veritable feast of fresh vegetables from his ample gardens will be provided, with time to hike, play in the nearby river (Rio Sotzil), or indulge yourself as you wish. You will be free to enjoy the peace & beauty of the exotic surroundings. Take time to share in Don Jeronimo’s wisdom in astrological counseling, instruction in channeling nature spirits and other spiritual and psychic wisdom. Using Don Jeronimo’s sanctuary as a base, we will take day trips to sacred Mayan sites, such as the mystical Chicoy cave, grotto, the sacred Temple of Chiajxucub and/or Semuc Champey. Semuc Champey, known as the country’s natural jewel, has caves and crystal clear pools, which are truly magnificent. We will also join in the culture and color of Coban, enjoying and participating in the local customs and food.

After resting at Don Jeronimo’s we will continue our travels to the charming city of Antigua, one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas as well as one of the oldest. Historic buildings surround the picturesque cobblestone streets. This marvelous culture center is nestled among three active volcanoes. Antigua is also known for its great restaurants and shopping, which we will have ample time for. We will stay in Antigua 1 day and overnight. While in Antigua, we will visit the Valhalla Experimental Agricultural Station, an organic macadamia farm, where you will be treated to an organic facial while sampling incredibly delicious gourmet chocolate macadamia nuts and nut butters. An overview of organic agriculture and eco systems will be presented to help us understand, survive and sustain our mother earth.

Our next destination is to majestic Lake Atitlan. Lake Atitlan is known as being the most beautiful in the world, also surrounded by 3 volcanoes. We will be staying in the peaceful and diverse village of San Marcos La Laguna on a coffee plantation. The lakeshore at San Marcos is beautiful and has several docks to swim from. From San Marcos we will rent a boat taxi to explore the lake and go to nearby, colorful, Panajachel or other nearby villages, where you can be free to relax, shop, mingle with the towns people and take in the beauty of the surroundings. After a 2 night stay in San Marcos we will head out to Chichicastenango our last leg of the journey.

Chichicastenango is one of the most colorful towns of all Guatemala with narrow cobbled streets and red tiled roofs. The town looks magical with the mist surrounding the village. The best time to go there is on Sunday for the famous market, and we will be there just in time! The citizens of Chichi are also famous for their pre-Christian beliefs and ceremonies. We will witness many rituals while there especially in and around the church of Santo Tomas.


The cost for this awesome 12 day journey is US$1,850.00. Travel arrangements, airfare, lodging and meals are included, as well as all transportation, boat rentals, fees & tariffs.

Couples will have private rooms and singles may need to share.

We are interested in knowing a little about you so please fill out the Application Form if you are interested in traveling on this journey with us.

Send your completed application and your check or money order payable to:

Francesca & Edwin Lemus
PO Box 271
Topanga, CA 90290

A valid passport is required to enter Guatemala and to re-enter the United States. Guatemala imposes a $30.00 departure tax for which you will be required to pay when leaving the country.