Cover: Mural San Juan la Laguna: Guatemala Map by Gloria Cholotio
FUN INSPIRING EDUCATIONAL SUSTAINABLE
CULTURAL IMMERSION TRAVEL
CULTURAL IMMERSION TRAVEL
Community-Based, Participatory, Small Groups,
Enthusiastic , Experienced Guides
Unique, Unforgettable, Educational and Small Group Travel
The Blessing of the Animals
Explore the Magic of Oaxaca, Mexico
Aug. 24 - Sept. 2 2016
A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative and sensuous joy of life and food in Oaxaca, Mexico
Explore the Magic of Oaxaca, Mexico
Aug. 24 - Sept. 2 2016
A unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the creative and sensuous joy of life and food in Oaxaca, Mexico
Animals in costume are just a part of Oaxaca's unending magic. From the magnificent ancient Zapotec site of Monte Alban to the unique ruins of Mitla , from visits to the rug weavers of Teotitlán del Valle, the makers of black pottery in Coyotecpec and the woodcarvers and painters of San Martin Ticajete who make the whimsical Oaxacan "alibrijes" Oaxaca has an ongoing tradition of art and story. And then there's the food -- from freshly ground chocolate to three different moles, from homemade ice cream to locally crafted mezcal. And of course, we will witness the family of animals, come for their yearly blessing. More!
The Giant Kites of Sumpango:
Day of the Dead Maya Guatemala Cultural Tour
Ten Day Inclusive Oct. 28 - Nov. 6 2016
Special 3 Day Giant Kites only Immersion Tour Oct. 31 - Nov. 2
This is the sixth year BFGT tours is honored to offer a tour to the Giant Kites of Sumpango over the Day of the Dead with master kitemaker, Julio Asturias. One of the most impressive Day of the Dead celebrations in Latin America, Sumpango is one of two Kachikel Mayan pueblos which make Giant Kites to protect their pueblo, speak to their ancestors and increasingly to share a message with the world. Over 600 people spend every night for months creating a mosaic of chinese tissue paper and glue for the one day celebration. Some of these kites are as tall as a 6 story building!
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But Giant Kites are not the only wonder of Mayan Guatemala. From chocolate to handwoven cloth, from the world's most beautiful lake to active volcanoes, Guatemala is another world rich with culture, connection, creativity and tradition. more
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The Giant Kites of Sumpango/Festival of Los Barriletes Gigantes tour with Bright Future Global Tours was truly one of the most creative events I have ever experienced...and besides that, it was FUN! I'm so glad I found Louise Wisechild's tour because it is unlike any other. Louise coordinates the itinerary with local Guatemaltecos and tour members get a unique behind-the-scenes connection to all aspects of the festival. . . . No need to look any further if you want to celebrate the Day of the Dead at the Sumpango giant kite festival. This tour is the best way to gain the richest experience! more Jody Aston, Rio Dulce, Guatemala
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No figure represents the heart of Mexico better than la Virgen de Guadalupe. Her holiday on December 12th is marked by a beautiful and exhuberant procession combining indigenous dance with elaborate floats and celebrations in her honor. Over the last five years I have visited San Cristobal de las Casas in neighboring Chiapas, Mexico many times and each time I am more enchanted by the art and heart of this fascinating and relatively unknown Mexican town. Smaller than Oaxaca, San Cristobal offers the delight of discovery on nearly every street, from unique Maya handcrafts to the sidewalk cafes along the town's two extensive walking streets to the marimba music in el parque central, to the numerous extraordinary museums and the the history of the Zapatistas, San Cristobal well represents the Mexico that Guadalupe symbolizes. Come join us on this journey of discovery in Chiapas, Mexico! more
Experience Maya Contemporary Art and Learn from Local Artists in this unique cultural adventure. Each participant will have the opportunity to study weaving, music, painting or bead jewelry for five afternoons with local artisans. Whether you're an experienced creative artist or you want to begin exploring your creative inclinations, this experiential art immersion tour will inspire you for years to come. more
Semana Santa at Lake Atitlan
An Offering of Art
April 7 - April 17, 2017
An Offering of Art
April 7 - April 17, 2017
Semana Santa or Holy Week is one of Guatemala's most spectacular celebrations where alfombras, lovely carpets of flowers and colored sawdust are laid in the streets by collections of neighbors and friends. These temporary works of art are destroyed in the passing of the processions honoring the last days of Christ. Antigua, Guatemala boasts the largest semana santa celebration in Latin America, with thousands of celebrants crowding the streets and participants carrying huge statues, some weighing three tons. more
Guatemalan Kitemaking Workshops
One Day Workshops with Master Kitemaker, Julio Asturias
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Free your creativity and let your spirit fly while deepening your experience with the Maya culture
One Day Workshops with Master Kitemaker, Julio Asturias
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Free your creativity and let your spirit fly while deepening your experience with the Maya culture

Learn about the tradition of kitemaking in Guatemala and make your own eight-sided Guatemalan kite from tissue paper and glue!. See a giant kite made for the Day of the Dead celebration in Sumpango in this one day playful, cultural, educational and uplifting experience. More!