{"product_id":"guatemala-craft-culture-retreat-2027","title":"Guatemala Craft \u0026 Culture Retreat — November 3–9, 2027","description":"\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlease don't book through the cart.\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eTo reserve, email \u003ca href=\"mailto:Jess@casadestela.com\"\u003eJess@casadestela.com\u003c\/a\u003e and we'll send you an invoice.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch1 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eGuatemala: Craft + Culture\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch4 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNovember 3–9, 2027 · 7 days, 6 nights · Antigua \u0026amp; Lake Atitlán\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ch5 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWith Jess Bercovici \u0026amp; Josephine Pulitano\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom $3,250 per person\u003c\/strong\u003e · Limited to 16 travelers\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e[Reserve your space →]\u003c\/strong\u003e Jess@casadestela.com \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eStela Tours was born from a desire to travel differently: to connect communities, create meaningful spaces for women, and experience a place through the people who call it home. Guatemala is where much of that story began.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eJess and Jo both lived in Guatemala for many years. This week is an invitation into the places, relationships and traditions that made it home. Rather than simply showing you Guatemala, we get to introduce you to \u003cem\u003eour\u003c\/em\u003e Guatemala.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eOver seven days we'll travel between Antigua and Lake Atitlán, two extraordinary places ringed by volcanoes and deeply rooted in Maya history and culture. We'll cross the lake by boat to visit artisan villages, work alongside local makers, dig through piles of antique textiles, gather around the tables of our favorite restaurants, practice yoga, swim, shop, wander, and leave plenty of room for the unexpected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eSome of the people we'll spend time with have been our friends and collaborators for years. Those relationships are what make this trip so special, and so hard to replicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis trip is for women who\u003c\/strong\u003e are curious about how things are made and where traditions come from. It's for women who value a long lunch, a beautiful object with a story, jumping off a boat into the lake, getting a little lost in a market, and making friends along the way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is not Guatemala from a checklist. It's Guatemala as we know and love it.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003ePricing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eRoom\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003ePrice per person\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrivate room\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$4,850\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShared room\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$3,250\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eShared rooms are best booked with a friend or family member, and roommate matching is available. Shared rooms with two beds are limited, so you may share a queen bed. If you're traveling solo, we recommend a private room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eHow to Book\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eAll bookings are handled directly with us. Tours can't be purchased through the website.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGet in touch.\u003c\/strong\u003e Email us at Jess@casadestela.com. We'll confirm availability and answer any questions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePay your deposit.\u003c\/strong\u003e We'll send you an invoice for the $750 non-refundable deposit. Your spot is confirmed once it's received.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSign your agreement.\u003c\/strong\u003e We'll send your traveler agreement, to be signed within 48 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePay your balance.\u003c\/strong\u003e The remaining balance is due 90 days before departure and is non-refundable.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWays to pay\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVenmo, Zelle, check or bank transfer\u003c\/strong\u003e: no fee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCredit card\u003c\/strong\u003e: 3.9% processing fee\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonthly payments\u003c\/strong\u003e: split your balance into monthly payments, subject to approval. Just let us know when you book and we'll include it on your invoice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDiscount codes do not apply to stela tours\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eThe Week\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWednesday | Arrival in Antigua + Welcome Dinner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFly into La Aurora International Airport, and try for a window seat; you won't want to miss your first glimpse of the volcanoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAirport pickup and private transportation to Antigua\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSettle into our hotel in the heart of Antigua\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime to relax and explore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWelcome dinner at one of our favorite restaurants\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeals: Dinner\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThursday | Antigua → Lake Atitlán\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ancient Maya considered the number three sacred. You'll understand why when you first see Lake Atitlán and its three volcanoes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreakfast in Antigua\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate transportation to Lake Atitlán\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSettle into our lakeside accommodations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree afternoon to swim, relax or explore\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDinner overlooking the lake\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFriday | Ceramics + Artisan Villages\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional morning yoga and breakfast on the lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate boat across Lake Atitlán\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA day in Santa Catarina Palopó and San Antonio Palopó\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCeramics experience with local artisans\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLunch together, then a relaxed evening and dinner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSaturday | San Marcos + Traditional Temazcal\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional morning yoga and breakfast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate boat to San Marcos La Laguna\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree time to swim, wander and shop (lunch on your own)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTraditional Maya temazcal with our longtime friend and Maya spiritual guide, T'zules. This is optional; you're welcome to take extra free time instead.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDinner together\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSunday | Lake Atitlán → Antigua\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional morning yoga and breakfast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA slow final morning at the lake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate transportation back to Antigua\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSettle into our private home; free afternoon to explore, shop or relax by the pool\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDinner at a favorite Antigua restaurant\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMonday | Natural Dyeing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional morning yoga and breakfast at home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural dye workshop with our friends\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLunch together\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFree afternoon for last-minute shopping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA very special farewell dinner\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTuesday | Departures\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreakfast at home\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate transportation to La Aurora International Airport\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLots of hugs and promises to do this again\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eItinerary subject to change.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhat's Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 nights' accommodation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeals as noted (dietary needs always accommodated)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional daily yoga\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll workshops and artisan experiences listed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrivate transportation, boat transfers and airport transfers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePhotography documenting the trip\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDigital travel guide for Antigua\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eNot Included\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAirfare\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel insurance (required)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlcohol, except where noted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eAbout Your Hosts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJess Bercovici\u003c\/strong\u003e is the founder of Casa de Stela, which she has owned and run for 16 years. She first traveled to Latin America in 2007 as an archaeologist and fell in love with Guatemala's textiles and ancient crafts. In 2015 she opened her first bed-and-breakfast in Antigua, where she began hosting craft courses and weeklong retreats for artists. Her programs have since grown to include Mexico City, Oaxaca, New Mexico, Puglia and Mallorca.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJosephine Pulitano\u003c\/strong\u003e is an entrepreneur, hotelier and healer. After selling her three restaurants in Melbourne, Australia, she moved to Guatemala, where she has spent years leading yoga and spiritual retreats and working as a life and health coach. She teaches Kundalini and Hatha yoga, breathwork and trauma release, drawing on trainings in Bali, India, Peru, Mexico, Thailand and beyond, and travels to more than 70 countries. She recently opened a new hotel and restaurant in Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eWhat Past Travelers Say\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cblockquote dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"I travel a lot and typically I despise tours... I can say wholeheartedly that I chose the right one.\" — Vanessa G., USA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cblockquote dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\"It was worth the 24-hour flight from Australia... a week of my life which I will cherish forever.\" — Sky C., Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003eGood to Know\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003eGuatemala is a developing nation, and itineraries and accommodations may shift. We'll always do our very best to give you an incredible experience, and we ask for patience and cultural understanding in return.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stela 9","offers":[{"title":"Shared","offer_id":48829731569955,"sku":null,"price":4731.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Private","offer_id":55715100131619,"sku":null,"price":7060.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0952\/9984\/files\/Tezza-1336.jpg?v=1708122781","url":"https:\/\/casadestela.com\/en-au\/products\/guatemala-craft-culture-retreat-2027","provider":"Casa de Stela","version":"1.0","type":"link"}