A sky filled with giant, colorful kites — count us in. Every year on November 1 in Guatemala, ancient Mayan customs are honored during the Día de los Muertos and All Saints’ Day kite festival. Visitors come to witness the striking display of handcrafted kites, the ritual decorating of graves, and the community gatherings that blend reverence and celebration.
For travelers who want an immersive experience, Bella Guatemala Travel specializes in the country’s history, culture, and heritage. Founded by Guatemalan native Elsie YiDonoy, the company offers a 10-day, nine-night escorted tour from Oct. 25–Nov. 4. The package covers transfers to and from the airport and hotel, all domestic transportation (bus, boat, plane), accommodations in hotels and eco-lodges, and three meals a day with one alcoholic drink included at lunch or dinner. Also included are entrance fees and tours listed in the itinerary, a professional bilingual tour guide, taxes and gratuities, and a reusable water bottle for day trips.
Group size is limited to 16 participants, which helps maintain an intimate, authentic atmosphere. Highlights of the itinerary include a visit to Tikal National Park to explore towering Maya temples, a guided tour of the Filadelfia coffee plantation, and a city tour of Antigua with its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Guests also take a boat tour of Lake Atitlán, visit the ChocoMuseo workshop to learn about local cacao traditions, watch Mayan weavers at work, and explore regional museums and historic churches.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the tour features a zip-line canopy experience and an optional volcano climb for panoramic views. The trip’s emotional and visually stunning centerpiece occurs on Nov. 1, when participants can observe the decorating of graves and the meticulous preparations for kite launching during Día de los Muertos, a moment that captures Guatemala’s blend of ancient ritual and contemporary community spirit.
Prices start at $4,495 per person based on double occupancy; international airfare is not included. Bella Guatemala Travel also organizes other themed journeys, such as the Lost Kingdoms Tour, which focuses on ancient Maya sites, and the Guatemala Photo Tour, designed for photographers seeking jungle landscapes, scenic lakes, and picturesque villages.