COMMUNITY TOURISM GUATEMALA
COMMUNITY TOURISM Community tourism is an area which is not yet been developed completely in the tourism industry of Guatemala. Community based tourism is tourism in which local residents invite tourists to visit their communities with the provision of overnight accommodation. This opportunity will bridge the gaps in Guatemalan tourism and allowing visitors to discover local habitats and wildlife, and celebrates and respects traditional cultures, rituals and wisdom. The community will be aware of the commercial and social value placed on their natural and cultural heritage through tourism, and this will foster community based conservation of these resources. We are aiming to make this connection between tourists and communities for the overall development of Guatemala and allow tourist to explore one of the richest cultures in the country by being fully immersed in it. MISSION: To launch Community Tourism in Guatemala, through promotion, commercialization and SALES from the community tourism, working with all of the communities who wish to participate, providing our experience in tourism in coordination with the communities. VISION: To promote and develop community tourism, generating SALES, pointing tourism in the proper direction, being the pioneers in this sector of tourism, and strengthening the socio-cultural and socioeconomic development of Guatemala.
COMMUNITY TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXTREME ADVENTURE
WITH A MAYAN
COMMUNITY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
TUBING IN CHIXOY Tubing in Chixoy is a unique adventure, as you float down the Chixoy River Location: El jocote, chicamán quiche Description: El Quiché department is in the heartland of the Quiché (K'iche') people, to the north-west of Guatemala City. The capital is Santa Cruz del Quiché. El Quiché has historically been one of the most populous departments of Guatemala. Its population of 655,100(as of 2002) is predominantly of Mayan descent. The topographical composition of El Quiché is dominated by the central highlands and the mountain ranges of the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Sierra de Chuacús, and the foothills of the volcanic mountain range on the department's South-Western border with Chimaltenango, which together make up for 79% of the department's territory. The northern part of the department is formed by tropical lowlands which cover 21% of the department's territory. What to do: Tubing in Chixoy is a unique adventure as you float through the Chixoy river on an inflatable inner tube, while seeing the beautiful nature of Guatemala’s highlands Price: 65.00 p/p, minimum of two people Includes: Tubing through the Chixoy river, one lunch, equipment, a specialized local guide, and round trip transportation from the town ‘el Jacote’ to the river
What to bring? Swimsuit, extra clothing, sunblock, tennis or water shoes.
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices for bringing you there.
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXTREME ADVENTURE
WITH A MAYAN
COMMUNITY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
SE’TZOL CAVES Experience an adventure in the most symbolic and important caves Location: Se’tzol community, chahal, alta verapaz Description: Chahal used to be part of Izabla, but this was changed with the agreement of 2 November 1887 and now belongs to Alta Verapaz. In the colonial times the language spoken was Manche, unfortunately this language is extinct. On 31 May 1890, at the request of the authorities and neighbours, Chahal returned to the jurisdiction of Alta Verapaz as a village in the municipality of Santa María Cahabón. On September 5, 1903 by Coalition was elevated to the status of municipality in the department of Alta Verapaz, signed by the President of the Republic, Manuel Estrada Cabrera. La Chahal municipal capital from its origins to before April 5, 1983, was located in what is now known as Old St. Augustine or Chahal. What to do: Experience an adventure in the most symbolic and important caves in Alta Verapaz. Some of the caves are located in the town of Chahal, just a few meters form the main highway. Walk about 15 minutes through the forest that surrounds this beautiful place and see these caves that an underground river passes through Rio Chiyu. During the walk through these caves you can relax or swim for a bit in a pool of water Price: 15.00 p/p, minimum of two people Includes: Tour through the caves with inflatable tubes
What to bring? Water shoes, and shorts. It is also recommended to bring change of clothes for after the swim. Also bring a flash light with extra batteries
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXTREME ADVENTURE
WITH A MAYAN
COMMUNITY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
The Sepalau Lakes The Sepalau Lakes are impressive lakes used by local communities. Location: Sepalau community, chisec, alta verapaz Description: Chisec, Alta Verapaz is located 76 kilometers north of the city of Cobรกn, the state capitol, and 289 km north of Guatemala City. Its landscape is dotted with limestone towers and caves containing painted Mayan pottery that was broken during ceremonies that took place over a thousand years ago. The municipality of Chisec is a 2000 square kilometer rural patch of jungle and mountains in the state of Alta Verapaz. The town of Chisec itself was burned to the ground at least twice during the years 1981-82. Those that could, fled to surrounding cities to wait out the chaos, some chose to live the surrounding jungles and caves. What to do: You will visit the Sepalau lakes, which are four natural clear water lakes surrounded by a landscape formed by limestone formations and jungle. The lakes are just eight kilometres away from Chisec and easy accessible. These lakes constitute a geological curiosity and the colour vary during the year. It is not allowed to swim in the first lagoon, this because it is used by local communities as water source, however in the other three it is allowed to swim. The different lagoons are connected by natural trails. Price: 30.00 p/p Includes: Lakes and guided trails
What to bring? Light and comfortable clothing, walking shoes, a bathing suit, towel, water shoes or sandals (optional), sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXTREME ADVENTURE
WITH A MAYAN
COMMUNITY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
RAFTING in CAHABON Get the must out of yourself by going rafting in the Cahabon River Location: Saquija cahabon alta verapaz Description: Guatemala is a mountainous national with an abundance of river and stream resources. So it should come as no surprise that rafting has taken off in recent years. Guatemala’s clear blue rapids range from Class II to Class V and in spite of Guatemala’s dry season running from December to May, there’s almost always a river open for rafting or kayaking. Not only are the drops spectacular but especially on the Caribbean side rafters are likely to encounter monkeys, toucans, and parrots as they twist and turn their way down to sea level. It is becoming popular to combine biking with rafting tours and a recent British group celebrated in the Pacific crossing in ten days. Cahabon River is an ideal place to practice rafting and kayaking all year long and is surrounded of beautiful landscapes and places for camping, observe and explore nature or just for meditation. What to do: Rafting is where you travel down mountain-rivers on inflated rafts. You do not need any previous experience for this exciting sport if doing the beginner’s route. However, you do not need to know how to swim. When exiting the rivers with the rafts, a little more help is needed, so there is a general manager to assist with the exiting of all of the rafting groups Price: 60 dollars p/p, minimum of four people Includes: One rafting trip with a local guide
What to bring? Extra set of clothing, bathing suit, water shoes.
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXTREME ADVENTURE
WITH A MAYAN
COMMUNITY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
CAVES DEL JUL‘IQB’ONBILPEK AND RIO SAN SIMON
Two impressive cave systems, where you can see extraordinary formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Location: It is only two kilometres from chisec, in the direction of raxruha Description: It is said that the first settlers were Raxruhá Township quekchíes, Kakchiquel, Garifuna and Achi were original peoples of Baja Verapaz department. These people came to Raxruhá field in the 1940s. In the early days of the township was long considered a village in the municipality of Alta Verapaz Chisec, but due to the great development and large territorial residents struggled to come up in this category as a municipality of Guatemala. The main sources of production which has Raxruhá municipality are agriculture and fertile land that the municipality has the crops are harvested by villagers and livestock. The main crops that the municipality has are: Corn, Beans, Rice, Peanuts and Achiote. The Farming is one of the main activities that people have because throughout time has become a major source of trade they have acquired over the years. What to do: Jul iq’ and b’onbilpek are two impressive cave systems, where you can see extraordinary formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Mayan pottery and some of the first cave paintings that were found in Guatemala. If you are the adventurous type, you should not miss this opportunity to rappel down the b’onb’il pek cave Price: 30.00 dollar per person, minimum of two people Includes: Cave guides, rappel service and rental equipment
What to bring? Light clothing, comfortable shoes for walking,sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle.
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXTREME ADVENTURE
WITH A MAYAN
COMMUNITY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
EL MIRADOR Dare to experience an unforgettable adventure in an expedition to a forgotten Mayan city in the jungles of Petén
Location: Carmelita community san andrés, petén Description: San Andrés is a municipality in the department of El Petén in Guatemala. The municipality is formed by the town of San Andrés, located on the north-western shore of Lake Petén Itzá, and 55 rural communities, with a total population of 20,295 people (census 2002). The municipality was created in 1962 and has a territory 8,874 km², equivalent to 25% of the department of El Petén. In the 1990s, more than 93% (8,288 km²) of the municipalities territory was declared protected nature reserve by the central government. To combat deforestation, Guatemalan president Álvaro Colom has proposed dramatically expanding ecotourism around Maya archaeological sites, especially El Mirador, and trying to further develop an agricultural system in the southern portion of the Maya Biosphere Reserve that will prevent further northward migration. He calls his plan "Cuatro Balam". What to do: Dare to experience an unforgettable adventure in an expedition to a forgotten Mayan city in the jungles of Petén. These rainforests are waiting for international and national tourists, and during the tour you can hear the birds singing as they fly through the dense forest. You can rest peacefully after the journey in the quiet darkness and also hear the howling monkeys. Each day of the trip you will discover different cities that were once inhabited by the Mayans. The main attraction are the el Mirador, where you can see groups of buildings known as the TIGRE and the MONOS a building called GARRA DE JAGUAR, the central acropolis and the great pyramid of la Danta. Price: 557.00 dollar p/p, minimum four people Includes: Transportation from Flores to the Carmelitas community, food, and a mule for carrying each person’s luggage.
What to bring? Light clothing, confortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and camera.
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC
GUATEMALA by spending a night with an indigenous
MAYAN FAMILY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
AVENTURA MAYA K’ICHE Local mayan language: K’iche Location: San Miguel, Totonicapan Description: San Miguel is a fairly laid-back town with few foreign visitors. Sights include the ubiquitous town church, on a plaza superjacent to a second one below it harbouring a statue of indigenous leader Atanasio Tzul, who led a peasant rebellion in 1820 spurred by government demands for taxation Totonicapán is especially lively during its annual Festival Traditional de Danza, usually late in October. It is also kicking during its annual fiesta dedicated to the archangel Michael from September 24–30. The day marking the apparition of said heavenly figure, May 8, is also celebrated with dancing and fireworks. The forest of Totonicapán is a 52,000 acre old-growth forest: in a space a little more than double the size of Manhattan a variety of ecosystems from humid lowlands of mixed broadleaf trees to high-elevation tracts of conifer have flourished largely undisturbed for hundreds of years. Found here are many species of birds, plants, mammals, reptiles and insects which are endemic to the region including the largest remaining stand of the endangered Guatemalan tree (Abies guatemalensis). Price: $45.00 p/p Includes: Besides that, one night with a Mayan Family, one dinner and one breakfast is included. What to do: In this indigenous village, which is surrounded by aromatic pine forests, you can see and experience the daily activities of the local people. You can walk though the village and see the activities they are dealing with. One of these activities is about the raising of sheep’s where the wool is used for the making of traditional fabrics. Moreover, there is a profuse production of crafts such as weaving, pottery, ceramics and wooden furniture. You can visit the colonial church of San Miguel which is one of its main attractions, as well as the theatre municipal and the battery dragon.
What to bring? Insect repellent and warm clothing
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC
GUATEMALA by spending a night with an indigenous
MAYAN FAMILY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
COMUNIDAD LA IGUALDAD&WATERFALL Local mayan language: MAM Location: La igualdad community, in san Pablo, San Marcos Description: San Marcos is bordered on the north by the department of Huehuetenango, on the east by the Quetzaltenango and to the south by Retalhuleu. The wide variety of climates within San Marcos resulting from differences in altitude give rise to a variety of agricultural products, which include, apples, bananas, barley, bean, cacao, coffee, maize, oats, peaches, plantains, potatoes, rice, sugarcane and wheat. Livestock include cattle, horses and sheep’s. San Marcos produces more wool than any other department of Guatemala, it is generally exported to the departments of Quetzaltenango and Totonicapån where it is processed into finished products. The department produces wooden furniture, with production being concentrated in the Pacific lowlands due to the greater variety of wood available, including cedar, ceiba and tepemixte. Price: 36.00 dollar P/P Includes: A night with a Mayan Family, one dinner and one breakfast, and a visit to the waterfall and hot springs What to do: The main tourist attractions of the San Marcos department are its various Pacific beaches. Other attractions include thermal baths and the caves of Castalia. Climate: Temperate
What to bring?
You will certainly need mosquito repellent, comfortable and light clothing, a camera and a swimsuit
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC
GUATEMALA by spending a night with an indigenous
MAYAN FAMILY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
ROCJA POMTILA Local mayan language: Q´euqchi Location: Locate in the Rocja community in the Coban region Description: Cobán is the capital of the department of Alta Verapaz in central Guatemala and serves as the administrative centre for the surrounding Cobán municipality. Cobán was founded in 1543 by Dominican priests and today is an important centre of coffee and cardamom production. The area of Cobán is incredibly rich in flora and fauna and lakes are found throughout. Large, dense cloud forests of exceptional beauty, sparkling waterfalls and several incredible cave systems make it an ideal place for true Eco-tourists. The vegetation is wide-leaf and pine trees with orchids, moss, ferns and bromeliads in abundance. The Quetzal, which is the national bird and symbol of Guatemala, can be seen in the early morning hours. Price: 15.00 dollars p/p Includes: One night with a Mayan family, and one dinner and breakfast. Climate: Temperate What to do: In Roja Pomptila you can make tour with the boat on the river or through the jungle. Near the city Cobán you will find Semuc Champey, an incredibly beautiful natural limestone bridge resting on top of a river, with little waterfalls and pools of crystal clear water that are excellent for swimming. Las Grutas de Lanquin, a large cave with excellent formations and a river that flows under it. El Biotopo de Quetzal, a nature reserve. Despite the name, you will find very few quetzals (Guatemala's national bird) there; they have moved to higher ground. Nonetheless, you will find tranquil hiking trails with lush plant life in the Biotopo.
What to bring? Bug repellent, sun block, and if you do the river boat tour it is recommended to war water shoes, or to have an extra set of shoes and clothing
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC
GUATEMALA by spending a night with an indigenous
MAYAN FAMILY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
MAGNOLIA MIRAMAR Local mayan language: Mam Location: magnolia Miramar community in Colomba Costa Cuca Quetzaltenango Description: Colomba Costa Cuca is one of the 24 towns in department of Quetzaltenango and is has a square of 212 km2. The ancient city was known under the name of Moraz谩n, the core of what became known as reduction in agricultural prices Costa Cuca. The traditional religion of the region was characterized by syncretic practices in which symbolic and socialize with other Catholic rituals of Mayan descent. Important and are considered as a manifestation of the original culture, sacred sites of San Francisco Miramar, Rosario Grande, Paradise, and Las Mercedes, in addition, some communities and families that still keep the figure of the young settler farms in particular, that established their own meeting with their spirituality, which are found mainly in mountainous areas and water sources and are no conservation treatment or recognition by the competent authorities. Typical dishes used for parties, Colomba Costa Cuca rich culinary, traditional dishes like joc贸n the Chok'ay the chowder, it is also important in the municipality pepian, fried Price: 15 dollar p/p Includes: one night with a mayan family, and one dinner and breakfast. Climate: tropical What to do: coffee farm tour (1hour): 15 dollar p/p, minimum of 2 people waterfall tour (2hours): 10 dollar p/p minimum of 2 people nature hike tour (1hour): 20 dollar p/p, minimum of 2 people
What to bring? You will certainly need mosquito repellent, comfortable walking shoes, light clothing, a camera, and sunscreen
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC
GUATEMALA by spending a night with an indigenous
MAYAN FAMILY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
COMUNIDAD NUEVA ALIANZA Local language: Spanish Location: Nueva alianza community, in el palmar Quetzaltenango Description: The city of El Palmar is located in the southeast of the department of Quetzaltenango. It lies at a distance of 33 km from the provincial capital of Quetzaltenango. El Palmar is primarily an agricultural town, with coffee as one of its main products. Many years ago, El Palmar nearly destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Santiaguito volcano. Nuevo El Palmar is a few kilometres further up where most people re-arranged. Some residents chose to stay or return to the original city. The overgrown ruins of the original El Palmar, now known as El Palmar Viejo (Old Palmar). The original city was nearly destroyed again by another volcanic eruption in the late 90's. The residents were given the alternative to El Nuevo Palmar re-arrange the Guatemalan government. Those who chose to stay would do at your own risk. Those who re-located in El Nuevo Palmar did in the suburbs of the city. A few months later, the entire city was destroyed by another flood of mud from a volcano eruption. The old town is still declared a danger and everyone who enters does so under their own risk. Price: 25 dollar for a shared bathroom, 45 dollar for a private bathroom p/p Includes: One night with a Mayan family and one dinner and breakfast Climate: Sub-tropic What to do: Comunidad Nueva Alianza is a fair trade, organic coffee and macadamia plantation owned and operated by a cooperative of forty Guatemalan families. The community is nestled amongst a 300 acre plantation of organic coffee and macadamia trees where large tracts of natural tropical forest have been preserved as well. A walk through the plantation will bring you to cascading waterfalls with crystal clear water, edible and medicinal plants, and breathtaking views of volcanoes Santa Maria (3772m) and Santiaguito - an active volcano which erupts, on average, every hour. Apart from the incredible wilderness, Nueva Alianza's richest resource is the forty families living and working on the plantation. Fifth generation plantation workers, we members of the cooperative are an incredibly generous and curious group of people who will welcome you into our community with open arms.
What to bring? There are not any banks in the community so you need to bring money along with comfortable clothing and shoes and a swimsuit for swimming in the waterfall
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices
COMMUNITY
TOURISM GUATEMALA
EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC
GUATEMALA by spending a night with an indigenous
MAYAN FAMILY
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
KAQCHIKEL FAMILIES Local language: Kaqchikel Location: San Jorge la laguna town, between Sololรก and panajachel Description: San Jorge La Laguna is a beautiful village around the lake Atitlan, in this village the people conserved the culture and tradition as they were many years ago. Here most of the people believe in the Mayan religion and the cave ,which can be found close by, is used for ceremonies. Price: 35.00 dollar p/p Includes: One night with a Mayan family and one dinner and breakfast Climate: Temperate What to do: You can visit the colonial church while walking through the town. Moreover, there is the possibility to go mountain biking, paragliding, kayaking, scuba diving, bird watching, spear fishing and visiting the Kaqchiquel-Mayan Archaeological ruins of Ixmche.
What to bring? Comfortable shoes and clothing, camera
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices.
COMMUNITY TOURISM GUATEMALA
A skill that is centuries old
WEAVING
IN GUATEMALA
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
LEMA TEXTILES Location: San Juan la Laguna, Sololá Description: San Juan La Laguna is located on the southern shore of Lake Atitlan in the Sololá area, where the Mayan Tz’utujil live as they refer to themselves. San Juan La Laguna does not have nearly as many tourists as other towns around the lake, and so it is a much more quiet and a relaxed place to stay. On the main street of this town paintings in the native style with some eagle eye style can be found. Agriculture is most important for the economy, with some organic coffee and organic plantations, and also with the growing of the service sector, especially as the number of tourists increase. Price: $35.00 p/p Includes: In the five hours, you will learn about waist loom weaving, in the process accompanied by a weaver, and have a new experience in Guatemala. Moreover, one typical lunch is included.
What to bring? Camera, confortable clothing
Transportation Only transportation from Panajachel to San Juan, which will be a round trip by boat..
COMMUNITY TOURISM GUATEMALA
A skill that is centuries old
WEAVING
IN GUATEMALA
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
SAMAC TEXTILES Location: Samac Community, Cobรกn Description: Cobรกn is the capital of the department of Alta Verapaz, in central Guatemala, and serves as the administrative center for the surrounding Cobรกn municipality. Cobรกn was founded in 1543 by Dominican priests and today is an important center of coffee and cardamom production. The area of Cobรกn is incredibly rich in flora and fauna and lakes are found throughout. Large, dense cloud forests of exceptional beauty, sparkling waterfalls and several incredible cave systems make it an ideal place for true Eco-tourists. The vegetation is wide-leaf and pine trees with orchids, moss, ferns and bromeliads in abundance. The Quetzal, which is the national bird and symbol of Guatemala, can be seen in the early morning hours. Price: $25.00 p/p Includes: During the half day you will learn about waist loom weaving, in the process accompanied by a weaver, and have a new experience in Guatemala. Moreover, one typical lunch is included.
What to bring? Camera, confortable clothing
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices..
COMMUNITY TOURISM GUATEMALA
A skill that is centuries old
WEAVING
IN GUATEMALA
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
TRAMA TEXTILES Location: Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango Description: Quetzaltenango is truly a beautiful city and is commonly known by its indigenous name Xela. Located high up in the Sierra Madres, at an elevation of 2,200 meters, Quetzaltenango is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, laced with narrow, cobblestone streets built for walking and filled with the colorful signs of Mayan culture. Throughout Quetzaltenango there are old classical buildings and monuments. The contrast between the old and the new is especially visible in the centre of the city around "Parque Central" and is what gives the city its charm. Price: $25.00 p/p Includes: During the five hours you will learn about waist loom weaving, in the process accompanied by a weaver, and have a new experience in Guatemala.
What to bring? camera, confortable clothing
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices.
COMMUNITY TOURISM GUATEMALA
A skill that is centuries old
WEAVING
IN GUATEMALA
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
TZUTUJILES TEXTILES Location: San Pedro la Laguna, Sololรก Description: San Pedro la Laguna is a friendly Mayan village located on the shores of Lago de Atitlan (Lake Atitlan) in the department of Sololรก, Guatemala, Central America. San Pedro is known for its night life with lots of parties, while most of the other villages around the lake are more about nature and meditating. That's not all that goes on in town, many travellers visit to study at one of the Spanish schools, take time out in a solar pool, or a horse-ride to the top of Vulcan San Pedro. This is also a coffee growing area and a backpacker destination. Price: $30.00 p/p Includes: During the six hours you will learn about waist loom weaving, in the process accompanied by a weaver. and have a new experience in Guatemala. Moreover, one typical lunch is included.
What to bring? cCmera, confortable clothing
Transportation Only transportation from Panajachel to San Pedro, which will be a round trip by boat.
COMMUNITY TOURISM GUATEMALA
A skill that is centuries old
WEAVING
IN GUATEMALA
Web: www.communitytourism.info email: info@communitytourism.info Tel. 52674639 - 42025070 - 24hours 5308-1489 Facebook: turismo.comunitarioGT Twitter:@tcomunitariogt
RACH'ULEW TEXTILES Location: San Juan Comalapa, Chimaltenango Description: San Juan Comalapa is sometimes called the "Florence of America", because of the many Kaqchikel painters living there. It is also the birthplace of Rafael Álvarez Ovalle, who composed the national anthem. The town of San Juan Comalapa has two ethnic groups: kaqchikeles with 97 %; they have to languages, one called Castellano or Spanish and the other is called Kaqchikel. The painting tradition started in the 1930s, when Kaqchikel painter Andrés Curruchich (1891–1969) started painting with oil. His creativity was noted so much that he started showing his art in the United States and achieved international success. Because of this, Curruchich decided to teach the new generations his form of painting. Today there are some 500 painters in San Juan Comalapa, and the majority of them still use the techniques of Curruchich. These painters are dedicated to paint the costumes, life experiences and traditions of the Indian towns Price: $25.00 p/p Includes: During the three hours you will learn about waist loom weaving, in the process accompanied by a weaver, and have a new experience in Guatemala. Moreover, one typical lunch is included.
What to bring? camera, confortable clothing
Transportation Not included, but ask for our transportation prices for bringing you there.