EXPLORE THE QUICHE MAYAN HIGHLANDS .... Travel with us to the IXILTRIANGLE, so named because of the three villages - SANTA MARIA NEBAJ, SAN JUAN COTZAL AND CHAJUL SAN GASPAR - surrounded by the Cuchumatanes mountains, located in the heart of the Quiche Mayan highlands. It is an area that was isolated for many years (bad roads!! when I first took a photography workshop in 1996 it took us 2 days driving to get there. Now we arrive in 5 hours) It is an area that was particularly hard hit during the 30 year civil war. But, it is also one of the most beautiful areas of Guatemala. High mountains, foggy mists, gorgeous high altitude light, green fields, and of course Guatemala's greatest asset, her beautiful people wearing and weaving their traditional, colorful traje.
We start out in lovely and familiar ANTIGUA, we'll pass through Chichicastenango, on our way to Nebaj. The mountain views are breathtakingly beautiful !! There we'll base out of the Hotel Villa Nebaj, and spend time exploring the triangle villages of Chajul San Gaspar and San Juan Cotzal for a look at rural weaving coops and communities, helping indigenous weavers support their families with backstrap weaving. You'll begin each day with a short lecture on various aspects of traditional Mayan weaving, its history and status today by tour leader RICHARD NELSON. Of course, we can't skip incredibly beautiful LAKE ATITLAN. We stay at lovely Posada Santiago in Santiago Atitlan. There are always lakeside villages and new projects to explore. So we'll spend a few days there before heading back to ANTIGUA, a delightful small town with an international ambiance and fabulous shopping (all those textiles!), wonderful outdoor cafés and restarants, but as throughout all of Guatemala, most importantly, warm-hearted, welcoming people.
It is not necessary to have been on any of our other weaving tours to join us now. We welcome all appreciators of fine fabrics with an adventuresome spirit for this fabulous cultural get away. Join us for a heartfelt, life-changing experience !!**************************************
It is Lenten season in Guatemala, so you have the option to stay a few more days in Antigua to see the incredible PALM SUNDAY processions and carpetmaking.
Let us know if you are interested in this option.
Let us know if you are interested in this option.
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