Community Tourism Services
Cultural Experiences Lead by Members of the Community
Choose from our wide variety of activities!
These will give you a taste of the lives of the Tz’utujil people that make up the community of Santiago Atitlán, as well as contribute to funding ANADESA’s projects. When you’ve decided on an option(s), let us know which, the day(s) that you’ll be here, and the number of people that will participate; we’ll take care of the rest.
Educational and Cultural Tours
Cooking Class
Q150 (Per Person)
In this class, you will learn to prepare some of the typical meals of Santiago Atitlán. The first option is patín, an originary dish of this zone. It consists of cecina (beef infused with lemon) that is grilled, mixed with tomato sauce and then wrapped in maxan leaves. The second option is pulique, a chicken and vegetable soup, common throughout all of Guatemala, made from a thick corn-based broth. It is accompanied by small tamales, English for tamalitos, filled with beans or longbeak rattlebox. Afterwards, you will be able to enjoy the meal while you listen to traditional Tz’utujil music. (3-4 hours).
Beadwork Workshop
Q100 (Per Person), Special Prices for Groups
In this workshop, you will learn to bead, English for hacer mostacilla, a common practice by which many indigenous Tz’utujil of the community of Santiago Atitlán make a living. You will interweave beads to create a bracelet with the colours and design of your choice. The workshop includes a small refreshment, as well as the made ornament. (1-2 hours).
Cultural Activity
Q600 (1-10 People), Q800 (11-15 People), Q1000 (16-20 People)
This activity provides a space for you to learn about the history and culture of the indigenous Tz’utujil native to Santiago Atitlán. It will give you an understanding of their beliefs, values, customs and traditions which have been passed down orally and experientially from generation to generation. Central to the event, you will participate in crushing the nixtamal (corn cooked in lime water) with a grinding stone, the activity that gave origin to humans according to the Popul Vuh (the sacred text for Mayans). Through this immersive activity, you will be exposed to local music, foods, and the traditional clothing. (3-4 hours).
Tour the Includes 3 Stops
Q65 (Per Person)
In this tour you will visit several sites in Santiago Atitlán where significant historical events occurred, and you will get to know their importance for the Tz’utujil people. These include the Chapel of Stanley Rother, the Peace Park and ANADESA projects. (1-2 hours).
Catholic Church
Park of Peace
Projects of Anadesa
Other Services
Lodging
Q120 (Per Person with Breakfast), Q150 (Per Person with Breakfast and Supper)
We offer accommodation with local families in the villages of Chuk Muk and Panabaj. This is a great opportunity to fully immerse yourself into the culture of Santiago Atitlán, providing the experience of living like a Tz’utujil. During your stay, families will share their language and some of their traditions with you, and you will have the chance to share your culture with them.
Meal Service
Varied Prices
We offer prepared meals that can be catered to any group. These meals are perfect for a volunteer group, tourist group, or anyone participating in our other tourism services. The meal includes delicious, local food and beverage prepared by our staff. This service requires a reservation 5 days in advance. Please reach out to our team to discuss options.