Culture, Holistic and Creative Tour hosted by Josephine Pulitano + Jess Bercovici
7 days, 6 nights
LIMITED TO 12 spaces
Shared Room - $1950
Private - $2650
Stela Tours was born out of a desire to connect communities, foster safe spaces for women, and mend a gap in the travel market.
The Craft + Culture Trip covers two main destinations – Antigua + Lake Atitlan. The Ancient Maya believed the number 3 to be sacred, and each of these locations is nestled within three impressive volcanoes.
This week-long experience is curated by Jess Bercovici, who has lived and worked in Guatemala for over a decade. Together, we travel in water taxis to her favorite artisan villages around the glistening, dine at her friends' restaurants in the cobblestone streets of Antigua, and navigate through heaps of antique textiles in Chichicastenango.
This trip is for the adventurous traveler who no longer sees themselves as just a tourist and individuals who care more about the people and communities than just ticking off a list of locations or posing in front of all the "insta-worthy" spots. It's best for those who seek to connect with a like-minded group of women who value making not only experiences but also friendships that will last a lifetime.
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Wednesday , February 7th | Arrival, Welcome Dinner Under the Stars
Fly into La Aurora International Airport
Do your best to get a window seat. You won't want to miss the topography and magical volcanoes.
- Airport transfer to Antigua by our trusted driver, Raul
- Greetings at The Good Hotel in Antigua
- Curated welcome dinner
*Meals included - Dinner
Thursday, February 8th | Lake Atitlan
The ancient Maya believed that things that came in the number three were sacred. You'll see exactly why Lake Atitlan was such a significant place to them when you arrive and see it nestled between three magical volcanoes. .
- A relaxing breakfast at the Good Hotel
- Arrive to Panajachel and get settled in our new home
- Free time for market shopping and lunch
- Home cooked meal
*Meals included - Breakfast & Dinner
Friday, February 9th | Explore the Pueblos of Lake Atitlan
- Optional morning yoga
- Coffee and breakfast available
- Spend the day in Santa Catarina and San Antonio Palopo
- Home cooked meal
*Meals included - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Saturday, February 10th | Swimming in San Marcos and Temazcal with T'zules
- Optional morning yoga
- Coffee and breakfast
- Free time in San Marcos to swim and shop
- Our dear friend and Mayan Priestess, T'zules will be traveling to the lake to perform a traditional Mayan Temazcal for us. This is a once in a lifetime experience but is optional for those who would like to have more free time.
- Home Cooked Meal
*Meals included - Breakfast & Dinner
Sunday, February 11th | Antigua
- Optional morning yoga
- Coffee and breakfast available
- Leave for Antigua before 11am
- Arrive at our beautiful home in Antigua
- Free time to explore town
- Dinner at one of our favorite restaurants
*Meals included - Breakfast & Dinner
Monday, February 12th | Plant Dyes with Luna Zorro - Antigua
- Breakfast at home
- Plant dye class and lunch at the beautiful Luna Zorro Studio in Antigua
- Good-bye Dinner in Antigua
*Meals included - Breakfast & Dinner
Tuesday, February 13th | Departures
Itinerary subject to change***
Included:
-
Accommodation for 6 nights
-
Airport pickup and transfers
-
All transportation
-
Delicious meals throughout the entirety of the experience (dietary requirements are always available)
- 2-3 days of yoga
Not included:
TRAVEL INSURANCE IS REQUIRED
There is a non-refundable $750 deposit to sign up to secure your spot. Payment installments are ALWAYS available, please enquire!
Included:
-
Accommodation for 6 nights
-
Airport pickup and transfers
-
All transportation
-
Delicious meals throughout the experience (dietary requirements are always available)
- Optional yoga
There is a non-refundable $750 deposit to sign up to secure your spot. Payment installments are ALWAYS available, please enquire!
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Josephine Pulitano is a successful entrepreneur, hotelier and healer. After selling her three restaurants in Melbourne, Australia (and having a tendency to be curious by nature and a drive to experience all life has to offer), she moved to Guatemala. She currently lives there full time pursuing a life in the wellness world. For the past 6 years she has dedicated her time to teaching and facilitating yoga and spiritual retreats throughout Guatemala and working as a life + health coach. She specializes in Kundalini yoga, Hatha yoga, breath work, tantric therapies, trans-mediation, trauma release work, Taoist and many other complimentary practices. Her knowledge and style was gathered through trainings in Bali, India, Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, Thailand, Denmark, Australia and Romania. She gains inspiration on her vast travels through 70 countries, immersing in the local cultures and diving into her passions of food, hospitality, design, art, music, travel and all things ancient wisdom. Josephine recently revamped and opened a new hotel and restaurant in Australia returning to her love of hospitality and experience.
Jess Bercovici is the founder of Casa de Stela and has owned and operated the business for the last 12 years. She first traveled to Latin America in 2007 as an archaeologist and immediately fell in love with the textiles and ancient crafts in Guatemala. Her introduction to tourism happened by chance in Guatemala in 2015 when her first of two bnb's were opened. It was in this space that she hosted craft courses and weeklong retreats for artists wanting to immerse themselves in stunning Guatemala. In the last 7 years, these programs have grown to include experiences in Mexico City, Oaxaca and New Mexico.
Flexible Booking - A non-refundable deposit is required at checkout, but trips can be changed with a minimum 75 day notice. The remaining balance is due 60 days before departure and is non-refundable.
*Shared rooms with 2 beds are LIMITED. We recommend booking a private room if you are traveling solo. Please only book a shared room if you are traveling with a friend or relative (there is a possibility that you will share a queen size bed).
Payment plans available and a 3% processing fee will be charged on cc's or bank transfers are available
Please keep in mind that Guatemala is a developing nation. All itineraries and accommodations are subject to change. While we do our very best to bring you an incredible experience within budget, there can be shifts in the itinerary and accommodation. Patience and cultural understanding are expected from all guests and in turn, your hosts will do their very best to accommodate you (within reason).
