Lake Atitlán is one of those places that changes people. I’ve watched travelers arrive planning to stay two nights and end up rearranging their whole trip to stay a week. Lake Atitlán boat services are a big part of what makes that possible: understanding how the lanchas work is essential to experiencing the lake fully, … Read more
La Quema del Diablo in Antigua Guatemala is one of the most unique Guatemalan traditions and one of the most unforgettable festivals you can experience in December. If you are traveling to Guatemala in December and want to see a cultural event that blends community, history, fire, humor, and deep symbolism, this is it. Even … Read more
La Quema del Diablo is one of the first Guatemalan Christmas traditions that truly marks the beginning of the season, and it is also one of the most fascinating. When people ask me what La Quema del Diablo is, why Guatemalans burn the devil, or what the meaning of La Quema del Diablo really is, … Read more
Street food in Antigua Guatemala is the everyday food sold from carts, market stalls, and sidewalk grills, usually for a few dollars a plate. This local’s guide covers what to try and where to find it: shucos near the park, late-night tostadas outside La Merced, and atol de elote on a cold night. Written by a Guatemalan who grew up eating it, not a visitor passing through.
The Festival de la Luz in Antigua Guatemala 2026 is one of the most magical events I look forward to every year, and this edition already looks like one of the most ambitious so far. For its third year running, the festival transforms Antigua’s historic streets, churches, and parks into glowing works of art for … Read more
Every July, the streets of Antigua come alive with music, flowers, fireworks, and faith during the Fiestas Patronales de Antigua Guatemala. If you happen to be in town around July 25th, you’re in for a special treat, this is one of the most heartfelt patron saint celebrations in Antigua Guatemala, honoring Santiago Apóstol, the city’s … Read more
When it comes to experiencing a true cultural treasure, there’s nothing quite like attending the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala. Every year on November 1st, two small towns — Sumpango Guatemala and Santiago Sacatepéquez — become the heart of one of the most colorful and meaningful celebrations in the country. But if you’re planning a … Read more
Every year on November 1st, the skies above Santiago Sacatepéquez fill with color, spirit, and tradition during the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala. While many travelers know about Sumpango’s barriletes giganates, the Santiago Sacatepéquez Kite Festival offers a more intimate and deeply emotional experience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to … Read more
Every year on November 1st, the small town of Sumpango, Guatemala becomes the stage for one of the most breathtaking cultural events in Central America: the Giant Kite Festival in Guatemala, known locally as the Festival de Barriletes Gigantes. If you’ve seen photos of the vibrant, towering kites online or featured in news coverage, you … Read more
Updated for 2026. Guatemala’s giant kite festivals take place every year on November 1st, during All Saints Day and Day of the Dead traditions. In 2026, the barriletes gigantes festivals in Sumpango and Santiago Sacatepéquez will fall on Sunday, November 1, 2026. When you think about Guatemala’s Day of the Dead celebrations, there is nothing … Read more
