Spring Tour Highlighted by Moving, Colorful “Semana Santa” Processions and Celebrations

(Los Angeles, CA) – Providing an unsurpassed view of one of the world's most awe-inspiring Holy Week pageants, Bella Guatemala Travel truly submerges travelers into both the present and the ancient cultures of Guatemala and the Maya.  Through a wide variety of celebrations and activities, travelers will discover the beautiful people and rich heritage of this fascinating country with Bella Guatemala Travel's 10 day spring tour package.

The cornerstone of Bella Guatemala Travel's spring tour package is guided access to the ceremonies at the annual Easter Week Processions, a one-of-a-kind reflection of the religious fervor imported from Spain 500 years ago. The Easter celebration in Antigua, Guatemala is the largest in the world, bringing together the entire city along with thousands of travelers annually. This extraordinary homage to Jesus and the Passion of Christ is reflected in a series of dramatic processions with elaborate hand-carried floats, traditional music, religious iconography and dazzling flower, plant and colored sawdust 'carpets' (alfombras) created by local residents. 

To help travelers truly appreciate the Land of the Mayas, Bella Guatemala Travel has carefully crafted an itinerary that is balanced with both stimulating activities and free discovery time. The itinerary includes hiking through Tikal National Park, one of the most renowned archaeological sites in Central America; a boat excursion on magnificent Lake Atitlán and visits to the renowned Maya women weaving collectives of the region; outings to museums such as the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology; a coffee plantation tour, showcasing over 130 years of traditional Guatemalan coffee growing; and exploration of nature preserves and an opportunity to zipline through the treetops.

During the tour's free time, travelers are encouraged to discover Guatemala's many other compelling attractions at their own pace. Popular activities include shopping at the Chichicastenango market, the largest and most popular market in Central America, for crafts and wares such as handmade jewelry, textiles, art, pottery, woodcarvings and more; and viewing the ruins of seventeenth century Spanish Baroque colonial churches of Antigua while exploring its charming cobblestone streets, where travelers can find an abundance of restaurants, boutiques.

The tour is guided by top Guatemala and Latin American expedition travel leaders Jose Antonio Gonzalez, archaeologist and explorer, and naturalist/environmentalist Emilio Faillace, ensuring that the tour will be an enriching experience for all ages. 

A video of the 2016 spring Holy Week Tour with Bella Guatemala Travel is available on the Bella Guatemala Travel YouTube Channel.  Follow @bellaguatemalatravel via Instagram/Facebook and @travelbellaguat via Twitter for the latest updates.

Bella Guatemala Travel tour packages include luxury accommodations, three meals daily, internal flights and transportation, entrance fees, bilingual tour guides, and taxes and gratuities, as all-inclusive tours.  All Bella Guatemala Travel tours are comprised of small groups, with no more than 16 guests. All hotels have been carefully inspected and selected because of their connection to Guatemala's heritage and culture as well as their premium services and luxury standards.  The cost of the Easter Processional Tour is $5095 per person, based upon double occupancy.  International airfare is not included.  For more information visit www.bellaguatemalatravel.com or call 818-669-8435.

Bella Guatemala Travel's next traditional festival tour is the 2016 Dia de los Muertos Giant Kite Festival Tour in Guatemala from October 25 to November 4. The All Saints Day Giant Kite Festival in celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a 3,000-year-old tradition. Guatemala is the only country in the world to celebrate Dia de los Muertos by flying these colorful, massive kites, which are believed to both communicate with and honor lost loved ones.

About Bella Guatemala Travel

Since 2005, CEO and Travel Consultant Elsie YiDonoy, a Guatemalan native, raised and based in Los Angeles, California, has been sharing her passion for her country's culture, heritage, and people with travelers from around the world through Bella Guatemala Travel.  With the goal of creating extraordinary travel experiences that exceed expectations, Bella Guatemala is able to provide its premium services as a result of strong partnerships with luxury hotels and local businesses. A truly exclusive travel experience with a sustainable approach, every detail in the adventure to discover the Land of the Maya has been thoughtfully and carefully organized, ensuring safety and comfort as well as access to unique opportunities that make for lifelong memories.