Private Gemeinde- und Kulturtour von Jocotenango

A fascinating tour by youth leaders to hear their inspiring stories and interpret the many new beautiful murals transforming the community. I loved hearing about the deep symbolism in the art - they literally paint a vision of a changed community without violence and with opportunity. Our tour also included a brilliant break dancing performance by the recent winner of the central american break dancing competition!

You start at a coffee finca where you meet your guide. You travel via tuktuk to the Jocotenango town square and then up into the hillside neighborhood. See first hand how art is changing the community and creating a better future for everyone involved. We met the artists (street art and break dancers) who are working here regularly. This tour is a way to see a part of the real Guatemala that's outside the main tourist areas of Antigua and do so in a way that's respectful (and invited) by the local community. Change is happening here. Come see it! Our tour was offered by Jhoan in English, and he translated for others we met during the tour. Total time was ~2 hours, but it isn't the type of tour with an exact timeline. Don't expect to be back at an precise time. We met and talked to many people along the way. Upon return to the finca we enjoyed a nice lunch at the beer garden (not included in tour, but very convenient)

Urban HeArt Guatemala provides an awesome tour and a unique look into the lives of this incredible group of artists! The guides share their personal stories of growing up in the sometimes rough hood of Jocotenango and what inspired them to want to create great change for their community. You get an insider’s view of how the empowered youth want to make their world a better place. We took a fun TukTuk ride to three great stops. Starting in the Jocotenango Parque Central, the tour guides painted the picture of what it was like to grow up in this transformational town. Then we explored a colorful local market which is also the site for the largest graffiti mural in Joco. Finally, we took a serendipitous walk wandering through the streets… we strolled by where the artists are painting incredible murals of graffiti art to express themselves and to beautify their community. We were also treated to an amazing break dance demonstration that showed incredible creativity and talent. It’s an off the beaten path, truly authentic experience not to be missed!