Join OLLI at Eckerd College on an unforgettable journey through Guatemala, where living Maya traditions, vibrant communities, and extraordinary landscapes inspire curiosity at every turn. Discover colorful colonial cities, breathtaking volcanoes, and the timeless beauty of Lake Atitlán while connecting with local communities through authentic cultural experiences designed to enrich, inspire, and celebrate lifelong learning.

Community Connections & Lifelong Learning

Connect with educators and students at Niños de Guatemala to discover how education is creating opportunities and transforming lives within the local community.

Step inside the home of a local family in San Lorenzo El Cubo to learn the cherished tradition of crafting Guatemala's famous worry dolls and the stories they represent.

Travel across the sparkling waters of Lake Atitlán to connect with Maya communities through immersive workshops in traditional weaving, medicinal plants, chocolate making, and honey production.

Cultural, Heritage & Discovery

Designed with flexibility in mind, several days include thoughtfully curated choice experiences, allowing you to personalize your journey based on your interests and preferred activity level.

Explore Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its colorful cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, volcano views, and rich cultural heritage.

Experience the spiritual traditions of the Maya during a traditional ceremony at the ancient city of Iximché, one of Guatemala's most important archaeological sites.

Discover Guatemala City's vibrant historic center through its Central Market, local cuisine, lively plazas, cathedral, and cultural landmarks.

Choose your adventure: Hike the active Pacaya Volcano and enjoy pizza cooked using volcanic heat or immerse yourself in Guatemalan cuisine with a hands-on cooking experience.

Choose your perspective: Explore the traditions of Santiago Atitlán or discover the remarkable biodiversity of the Atitlán Nature Reserve on a guided birdwatching experience.

Extend your adventure with an optional visit to Tikal National Park.

For questions relating to this journey, please contacts Nanda Journeys.

Call 888-747-7501 Ext 1 or Email info@nandajourneys.com and mention the program title OLLI at

Eckerd College, Journey to Ireland. Voices of the Emerald Isle.

OLLI at Eckerd College Study Travel is pleased to partner with Nanda Journeys who shares our philosophy that study travel isn’t just for our undergraduate students. We carefully create exclusive opportunities for you to get out of the classroom and travel with fellow lifelong learners. Our programs provide you with new perspectives and new friends. You’ll return home richer for the experience. 

You can trust Nanda Journeys and OLLI at Eckerd College to handle the details for you. This is what we do, and we take pride in arranging quality programs with attention to the specifics that leave you to free to soak up the educational programming being shared, focus on the scenery, enjoy fabulous meals, and spend time getting to know your fellow travelers. 

Nanda Journeys has been taking groups to Ireland for more than 15 years and has been working with the same local professional partners who not only know the expectations for a Nanda Journeys program, but they also always exceed them! You will be in front of subject-matter experts, artists, entrepreneurs, and others with whom they have built trusted relationships. You will hear from the “best of the best” and the engagement will be priceless. 

Nanda Journeys works with many OLLIs to create custom travel opportunities, and they have worked closely with OLLI at Eckerd College Study Travel program, which is designed entirely around YOU! We have years of experience delivering excellent programs, listen to our members and take your feedback into consideration, and together, we’ve worked hard to customize this program to maximize the relevance for our Eckerd community of lifelong learners. 

This exploration of Ireland is open to lifelong learners of any age. We welcome multigenerational and other family groups! Please note that one member of the household must be affiliated with the College as an Alumni, OLLI or ASPEC member, Faculty or Staff, to participate. But don’t worry, it’s super easy and inexpensive to join OLLI and you will gain access to other member-only benefits. Visit OLLI.eckerd.edu to learn more.

I enjoyed all aspects of the tour and learned so much about Irish culture and history. Friendly people, great guides, interesting sights. Brian Matthews, our main guide, shared a wealth of information in an engaging way. All of the other guides were great! We had a nice balance of activities, some of which I wouldn't have done on my own: baking bread at the thatched cottage and Irish dancing. Those were nice respites from the seriousness of learning about the Troubles. As a result of this experience I have a greater understanding of and respect for Ireland and her people.

Diane R - Ireland OLLI at University of Pittsburgh May 2026

Great trip! The highlights of my Dublin stay was the EPIC Museum, the GPO Museum and the History of Ireland presentation by the professor at Trinity College. It was an immersion into the complicated, painful, and interesting story of Ireland. Honestly, I could have done without the tour of the distillery. All of the excursions for Belfast were wonderful. It was so fun to take an Irish dancing lesson and learn to make soda bread. The Titanic Museum was amazing. The guided tours of each side of the wall in Belfast really brought the attitudes into focus for me. Great food. Brian was an excellent guide, knowledgeable and with gentle humor. Jimmy, the bus driver was considerate as well as always positive. I'm so glad it was a small group as it was a delight getting to know everyone.

Susan B - Ireland OLLI at University of Pittsburgh May 2026

Read more about what people are saying about Nanda Journeys HERE

Your OLLI at Eckerd journey begins in Guatemala, where living Maya traditions, colonial history, and breathtaking volcanic landscapes come together to create one of Central America's most rewarding cultural experiences. Upon arrival in Guatemala City, you'll be warmly welcomed by your Nanda Journeys team before traveling to the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage city of Antigua.

For the next four nights, you'll call the remarkable Hotel Museo Spa Casa Santo Domingo home. More than simply a luxury hotel, this beautifully restored 17th century monastery is one of Guatemala's most treasured historic landmarks, where centuries old ruins, museums, sculpture gardens, and contemporary comfort combine to create an unforgettable setting. Take time to wander the peaceful monastery gardens, hidden courtyards, museums, and ancient ruins before dinner.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner overlooking Antigua's beautifully illuminated skyline. As stories are shared and new friendships begin to form, you'll receive an introduction to the extraordinary days ahead, filled with authentic community connections, meaningful cultural exchange, and the shared joy of lifelong learning.

Overnight: Casa Santo Domingo (or similar)

Included meals: Dinner

Today, discover why Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is considered one of Latin America's most captivating colonial destinations. Stroll its colorful cobblestone streets with your local guide, exploring magnificent churches, vibrant plazas, and hidden courtyards before taking in spectacular views from Cerro de la Cruz. Framed by the volcanoes Agua, Acatenango, and the active Fuego, Antigua offers one of Central America's most unforgettable skylines.

Following lunch at Caoba Farms, continue to historic La Azotea Coffee Estate to discover how Guatemala's volcanic soils, mountain climate, and generations of family tradition have helped produce some of the world's finest coffee. From bean to cup, gain an appreciation for the craftsmanship, culture, and passion behind one of Guatemala's most celebrated exports before gathering for dinner in this memorable setting.

Overnight: Casa Santo Domingo (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is all about discovering Guatemala in the way that inspires you most. Enjoy one of two thoughtfully curated experiences.

Option 1 – Pacaya Volcano Adventure

Journey to the slopes of active Pacaya Volcano, where dramatic lava fields and sweeping mountain views create an unforgettable setting. Hike at your own pace or ride horseback before enjoying a truly unique lunch with pizza cooked using the volcano's natural heat.

Option 2 – Guatemalan Culinary Traditions

Step into the welcoming home of a local family where fresh herbs, vegetables, and homemade sauces are harvested from their garden before preparing traditional Guatemalan recipes together. More than a cooking class, this is an opportunity to share stories, learn family traditions, and experience the warmth of Guatemalan hospitality.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring Antigua before dinner on your own.

Overnight: Casa Santo Domingo (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Today offers one of the most meaningful experiences of your journey as you visit a local educational initiative committed to expanding opportunities for children and families through the power of education. Meet dedicated educators, learn about the challenges and successes of community-based education in Guatemala, and gain insight into the lasting impact these programs have on future generations.

Following lunch, journey to the welcoming community of San Lorenzo El Cubo, where you'll step inside the home of a local family to discover the cherished tradition of crafting Guatemala's famous worry dolls. As you create your own keepsake alongside local artisans, learn how this generations old tradition helps preserve cultural heritage while supporting sustainable livelihoods within the community.

Gather this evening over dinner at a local restaurant to reflect on a day filled with meaningful conversations, authentic connections, and the remarkable generosity of the Guatemalan people.

Overnight: Casa Santo Domingo (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast Lunch & Dinner

Today, journey into Guatemala's breathtaking western highlands, where spectacular scenery and living Maya traditions create one of the country's most memorable landscapes. En route, explore the ancient Maya city of Iximché, one of Guatemala's most important archaeological sites and the former capital of the Kaqchikel Maya.

Here, you'll be invited to experience a traditional Maya ceremony led by respected local spiritual guides. More than a cultural demonstration, this sacred tradition offers a meaningful opportunity to learn about the Maya worldview, their enduring relationship with nature, and the spiritual beliefs that continue to guide community life today.

Following lunch, continue to magnificent Lake Atitlán, famously described by Lonely Planet as "the closest thing to Eden on Earth." Surrounded by towering volcanoes and vibrant Maya villages, this extraordinary setting will be your home for the next three nights.

Settle into beautiful Hotel Atitlán, a charming former coffee plantation nestled on the lake's shore, before gathering for dinner overlooking one of Guatemala's most spectacular landscapes.

Overnight: Hotel Atitlán (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Travel by boat across the pristine waters of Lake Atitlán to the welcoming village of San Juan La Laguna, where Maya traditions continue to flourish in everyday life. Throughout the day, you'll be welcomed by local families and artisans who proudly share the knowledge, skills, and customs passed down through generations.

Discover the healing properties of native medicinal plants with a traditional Maya healer before learning the cultural significance of cacao during an interactive chocolate workshop. Visit local beekeepers to learn about honey production, browse colorful artisan studios, and enjoy lunch with members of a women's weaving cooperative, where natural dyes and ancestral techniques transform cotton into beautiful textiles.

This afternoon, personalize your experience with a scenic walk to Mirador Kaqasiiwaan, offering spectacular views across Lake Atitlán, or relax with a locally guided coffee tasting featuring the region's distinctive volcanic grown coffees.

Return to Hotel Atitlán for dinner and another memorable evening overlooking the lake.

Overnight: Hotel Atitlán (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today offers another opportunity to tailor your experience.

Option 1 – Santiago Atitlán

Travel by boat to the vibrant Maya community of Santiago Atitlán, where local traditions remain deeply woven into everyday life. Explore the colorful market, visit the historic church, meet local artisans, and gain a deeper understanding of the customs and heritage of the Tz'utujil Maya. Following lunch overlooking the lake, enjoy a traditional tortilla making experience before returning to your hotel.

Option 2 – Atitlán Nature Reserve

Join a local naturalist for a guided walk through the beautiful Atitlán Nature Reserve, home to cloud forest trails and an abundance of native birdlife. Learn about the region's remarkable biodiversity and conservation efforts while searching for colorful hummingbirds, motmots, tanagers, and many other species before returning for lunch and a relaxing afternoon by the lake.

Gather this evening for dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Atitlán (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Return to Guatemala City for a fascinating introduction to the country's vibrant capital, where history, culture, and contemporary life come together. Explore the bustling Central Market with your local guide, sampling traditional Guatemalan flavors and discovering why the country's markets remain the heartbeat of everyday community life.

Continue through the city's historic center, discovering the Metropolitan Cathedral, Central Plaza, and other significant landmarks that have shaped Guatemala's past and present before checking into your hotel.

This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner as you celebrate new friendships, shared experiences, and a remarkable week of lifelong learning exploring the heart of Guatemala.

Overnight: Barceló Guatemala City (or similar)

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

While today is a time for goodbyes, we hope it will only be temporary and that you will one day return to Guatemala to deepen your connections

Review and download Booking Terms & Conditions HERE