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Hands On Guatemalan Shoe Making

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
  • 12 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

    What's Included

    • Coffee and/or Tea
    • Lunch
    • Snacks
    • Private transportation
    • In Person Guide
    • Gratuities

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 11 Avenida 4-43, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

      Meeting location is at Xela's Central Park, outside the McDonald's and Banco Industrial.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Operating hours
    .6:00 am

    What To Expect

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Reviews

    5.0
    based on 2 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Being shoemaker for a day

    RYAN_C, Sep 2025
    I stumbled upon this activity by chance and booked it right away. First, I’ve always enjoyed handcrafting, so I knew it would be something I’d connect with. Second, it offered the chance to create a truly unique souvenir—one I’d be personally involved in making and could bring home with pride. And third, it promised to be both memorable and practical, something I could actually use. I’m so glad I made this choice because I didn’t regret it for a moment. From the start, Marvin and Miguel’s team was phenomenal. Their communication was clear, explaining the logistics and process so I knew exactly what to expect. The workshop took place in San Marcos, about a 1.5-hour drive from Xela. Marvin picked me up right on time, and we even enjoyed a coffee break and breakfast before starting. The shoemaking process itself was detailed and hands-on—I got to experience every step from scratch. The shoemakers, Marvin, Kevin and William, were incredibly patient and guided me through the process with such care. By following their lead, I was able to make one shoe and gained the confidence that I could finish the pair. It was such a rewarding feeling, and I’m genuinely proud of myself for crafting something so special. To top it off, at the end of the workshop Marvin’s 86-year-old mother prepared us a homemade lunch with freshly made tortillas. Sharing that meal felt less like being on a tour and more like visiting a friend’s home. The hospitality of this Guatemalan family was heartwarming and unforgettable. This is an experience I will cherish for a long time. Thank you to everyone involved—and sending much love to Mama!

    From $140.00

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 5 days in advance.