Day of the Dead from Guatemala City

Take a day tour to see the giant kites of Santiago Sacatepéquez and Sumpango, and experience one of Guatemala's richest cultural traditions. Visit the village of Santiago Sacatepéquez to learn how Latin America's biggest kites are made for the annual Day of the Dead festival. From there, travel to Sumpango to discover how the kites are used to communicate with the deceased. Gain insights into one of Guatemala's most important cultural festivals on this full-day tour from Guatemala City.

After pickup from your hotel, leave Guatemala City and enjoy a trip through the countryside to the town of Santiago Sacatepéquez, located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Guatemala City.

Explore the town and meet the artisans who make the giant kites featured in Guatemala's annual Day of the Dead festival. Latin America's biggest kites combine ancient folklore, craftsmanship and creativity.

See examples of this unique cultural tradition and hear stories during Day of the Dead, held on November 1 each year. Families work on these large, colorful kites for months in advance to display in the town's cemetery.

Your tour continues to the village of Sumpago, where the locals use the colorful kites as a way of communicating with the dead. Messages are tied to the tail of each kite with the belief that the higher the kite rises toward heaven, the more likely it will be that the messages will reach loved ones. Here you'll have time to relax, eat (own expense), and celebrate.

Leaving Sumpago, relax on the return journey to Guatemala City, where you'll be dropped at your hotel.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• It is recommended that your wear comfortable walking shoes
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel