"The Day of the Dead-tour with Louise was the highlight of our stay in Guatemala.Not just being a spectator, but being a part of it. Understanding the tradition, knowing the amount of logistics and work involved in constructing a giant kite, seeing the villagers walking up towards the festival. It was a splendid tour that we strongly recommend to you to experience too." Judit & Chris, Holland,
"...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!" Jody Aston, , Guatemala
"A cultural tour in Guatemala with Louise Wisechild will definitely enrich your life, and create memories to appreciate for years to come....Actually, the time spent in Sumpango was nothing less than a steady stream of 'WOW's, including being able to witness the finishing touches by a team of boys p iecing together the segments of a GIANT kite that filled the entire floor of a gymnasium, and the next day watching them hoist it up to the height of 6 stories. The artistry and skill and messages demonstrated in these kites can take your breath away. To me it ranked as one of the selected Wonders of the World. And there are no words to convey the sense of joy, celebration, spirit and peaceful unity of the entire population, expressed on the day of displaying and flying the Giant Kite" Dvorah Kost, Seattle USA
"Bright Futures Global Tours delivered a deeply impactful introduction to Guatemalan history, society and culture. Louise's love of the Guatemalan people, and their love of her, shown through in various ways every day of our tour. This isn't the whistle stop sort of tour. It is a deep dive into the humanity and sense of community that makes Guatemala so very special. From the unforgettable homestay experience to deep conversations on hotel rooftops to the awesome kites and the unparalleled Lake Atitlan, our experience was rich and wonderful beyond my expectations." Marcus Berg, Vashon Island USA, 2022
Louise has a vast knowledge of Guatemala’s history, people, culture, traditions and crafts. In addition she is kind and fun to be with. One of our favorite experiences was the Kite Festival and homestay in Sumpango. It was all we imagined and even more.... In Sumpango, we participated in the life of the household by cooking with our hosts. We were always provided delicious meals and warm, comfortable accommodations. By the time we had to move on, we felt as though we were leaving family. Also our cooking class in San Pedro was another highlight. We accompanied our instructor to the market to purchase the ingredients, many of which were totally new to us. Then we made our meal with Elizabeth and ate with her and her family.This fantastic tour allowed us to make genuine connections with the people of Guatemala. Ron & Diane Rigo, USA, 2022
"This trip is a fabulous experience of being in Guatemala for those interested in more than peering through tour bus windows....Sumpango is crowded with guests, so homes turn into kitchens and serving areas as well as hotels to accommodate everyone.Yes we did have to share a bathroom with the whole family, but we also were privileged to share the daily events and warmth of the family and the excitement Giant Kites celebration.It is an event of awesome effort, amazing art and crowd pleasing fun. In each of the experiences it is evident that our guide Luisa, is known and loved by the people who live here. When with Luisa it was hard to walk a street without stopping to visit a bit and to the delight of the group, learn a bit about the talent and experience of that person.So if you want to peer out of bus windows, stay in hotels with exorbitant prices this trip is NOT for you.If you want to be in Guatemala this is the trip for you." - Leeann Jorgenson, PhD, USA
"The experience completely deepened my perspective on life. The Guatemalan art and culture here is potent and stunning. The mayan people we stayed with were very warm and welcoming, I felt right at home. Louise was very flexible and super easy to be with as well as the rest of our group. I had a life changing experience!" Emily Van Hoomissen, USA, 2022