We will take advantage of the days before Semana Santa by visiting some towns near Antigua. Chimaltenango is an unassuming Mayan village known for pottery production as well as adobe, a traditional construction material made from clay and other organic matter. We will observe these processes and take portraits of artisans and their families in their humble work environments. In Monterrico, on the Pacific coast, we will roam volcanic black sand beaches on foot and thick mangrove forests by canoe. Monterrico’s community is deeply connected to the sea and we will capture the daily life of fishermen, coastal children, and local families. 

Back in Antigua, we will witness the exciting lead-up to the festivities. We will be invited into the homes of families that create alfombras, colorful street carpets, that line the streets like flower beds during the processions. We watch how the locals intricately weave these vibrant works of art out of sawdust, flowers, pine needles, and wood shavings. We will also have a portrait session in the homes of Cucuruchos, catholic elders dressed in purple tunics and cone hats, who form an important part of the processions. We capture them in preparation mode as they engage in contemplative prayer. We will also attend intimate candlelit vigils where participants gather in places of worship, photographing the shadowy faces of worshippers deep in devotion and reflection. 

When the festivities kick off, Antigua’s streets transform into stages for these elaborate processions. Andas, ornate floats, are carried through the colonial city by Cucuruchos, depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. Participants dressed as Roman soldiers accompany the procession as a form of historical reenactment of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Semana Santa provides a fascinating visual juxtaposition of moments of solemnity and mourning against the backdrop of vibrant designs and decorations. We will shoot panoramic views of the processions in all their glory as well as intimate close-ups of participants and observers to create a comprehensive visual narrative. Once the main festivities begin to wind down, we will capture the afterglow of Semana Santa echoing through Antigua’s cobblestone streets. 

This 8-day Semana Santa Guatemala photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Antigua’s Semana Santa offers photographers a unique opportunity to document the blend of profound religious devotion, centuries-old traditions, and a dramatic visual spectacle that is storytelling at its best. Your visual odyssey starts here! 

We will take advantage of the days before Semana Santa by visiting some towns near Antigua. Chimaltenango is an unassuming Mayan village known for pottery production as well as adobe, a traditional construction material made from clay and other organic matter. We will observe these processes and take portraits of artisans and their families in their humble work environments. In Monterrico, on the Pacific coast, we will roam volcanic black sand beaches on foot and thick mangrove forests by canoe. Monterrico’s community is deeply connected to the sea and we will capture the daily life of fishermen, coastal children, and local families. 

Back in Antigua, we will witness the exciting lead-up to the festivities. We will be invited into the homes of families that create alfombras, colorful street carpets, that line the streets like flower beds during the processions. We watch how the locals intricately weave these vibrant works of art out of sawdust, flowers, pine needles, and wood shavings. We will also have a portrait session in the homes of Cucuruchos, catholic elders dressed in purple tunics and cone hats, who form an important part of the processions. We capture them in preparation mode as they engage in contemplative prayer. We will also attend intimate candlelit vigils where participants gather in places of worship, photographing the shadowy faces of worshippers deep in devotion and reflection. 

When the festivities kick off, Antigua’s streets transform into stages for these elaborate processions. Andas, ornate floats, are carried through the colonial city by Cucuruchos, depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ. Participants dressed as Roman soldiers accompany the procession as a form of historical reenactment of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion. Semana Santa provides a fascinating visual juxtaposition of moments of solemnity and mourning against the backdrop of vibrant designs and decorations. We will shoot panoramic views of the processions in all their glory as well as intimate close-ups of participants and observers to create a comprehensive visual narrative. Once the main festivities begin to wind down, we will capture the afterglow of Semana Santa echoing through Antigua’s cobblestone streets. 

This 8-day Semana Santa Guatemala photography tour is more than just a quest to capture exceptional images; it’s an invitation to elevate your craft and see the world through a new lens. Our expert photographer guides will not only lead you to the most photogenic locations under the best light but also help you master the art of visual storytelling. Along the way, you’ll refine your camera techniques and discover how to navigate the challenges of photographing in a foreign land. You’ll also learn to anticipate a scene before capturing the decisive moment, elevating ordinary photos into extraordinary works of art. 

Join us for spirited discussions, enriching camaraderie, and moments of unforgettable inspiration. Antigua’s Semana Santa offers photographers a unique opportunity to document the blend of profound religious devotion, centuries-old traditions, and a dramatic visual spectacle that is storytelling at its best. Your visual odyssey starts here! 

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TOUR OVERVIEW

*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.