February 27th, 2009
The region of Ixil is situated in the department of Quiche in the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes in the Altiplano Occidental of Guatemala. It includes the municipals of Nebaj, Chajul and Cotzal. This region was most affected areas during the Guatemalan civil war, especially in the 1980s. The families now live in a secure environment far away from the big cities and show great friendship and hospitality to people that visit.
The community of Ixil is famous for its characteristic artesania particularly its textiles of mosaics including the figures of the local community. The blouses of the women (huipiles) are known for their robust colors and geometric shapes. The Ixil women have gained fame of weaving the best work in Guatemala. The harmony in the combination of the blouses with obscure red and blue tied in their hair are adorned with other multicolored wool.
Nebaj
The town of Nebaj is the entrance to the region of Ixil. It is situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains. Among other things, it is known for its conservative precious white houses of adobe representing the indigenous culture prominent in all of the region of Ixil. In many communities, this same architecture is incorporated with adobe and wood.
Finca Mil Amores & Acul
After 2.5 kilometers and 370 meters of walking straight up, you arrive in Acul. Acul is the first new development of the area Ixil. Reconstructed in 1983 withthe final movements of the civil war, you can still see streets and houses that show a dark sideof history. Outside of town is the Finca of Mil Amores or the Finca San Antonio where a Swiss family has moved in and makes the most delicious cheese in Guatemala. In the center of town, you encounter a small path and walk 2.6 kilometers west through Xexuxcap and another 3.2 kilometers west to Xexocom.
Xexocom (house and store of Diego Perez
Xexocom is 2,220 meters above sea level. In the first part of the 20th century, Two Quiche families came from Chuatuj in search for water and decided to live in the valley of Xoxocom. Before their arrival to Xexocom, Marta Ramundo was the only person to live in the valley. After the middle of the 20th century, the families grew, and at the end of the seventies, 15 families lived in Xexocom.
In 1980 when the war started in this region, Xexocom was converted into a refuge for other communities such as Acul and Xoxuxcap, Tu Uchuch, and Paraxtut.
This community is known for its inhabitants such as Xe’ Juyup (the foot of the mountain). There are six families now living in the town from the first founders.
1st night camping outside of Chuatuj
The first night of camping, we were about 3,200 meters above sea level we ascended 872 meters from Xexocom (3.5km) on a goat trail. It was around 0 decrees Celsius, but the panoramic view of the Ixiles villages below was beautiful. We camped in a cloud forest covered with pine trees about 7 km from Chuatuj. Luckily we had plenty of fire wood for the night, and sunrise between the clouds was amazing.
Sunrise between clouds near Chuatuj
Chuatuj
Chuatju is a small town once you reach the lookout (mirador) from Xexocom. It consists of approximately 13 families that mainly grow potatoes and raise pigs and sheep. The houses are constructed of stone and wood with tin roofs. After about 3.5 kilometers through a beautiful walk through the altiplano, you reach Chortiz.
Walk to Chortiz from Chuatuj
Chortiz
Chortiz is a small indigenous town 3,200 meters above sea level. It is a town where they only speak Kiche. Aproximately 43 families live in the community where , like Chuatuj, they are dedicated to cultivating potatoes and raising sheep. There are not many trees in this area, and some say it looks like the passage to the moon.
Chortiz to the Valley
After Chortiz you descend into the valley passing across a bridge to where you finally reach somewhat of civilization (Spanish speaking), and you pass through Canton Primera, El Pericon and San Nicolas. From San Nicolas we took a bus to La Ventosa and slept there with a local family.
La Tore to Todos Santos
From Ventosa we walked from La Torre into the valley to Todos Santos. The valley was a beautiful walk through the national forest along the mountain and along the valley.
Down the Mountain
Reaching Todos Santos was quite an accomplishment. The hike took a total of three days. It was a really special experience, but it is not for the faint of heart.
Categories: Guatemala |
Tags: Acul, Altiplano Occidental de Guatemala, Canton Primera, Chortiz, Chuatuj, El Pericon, Ixil, La Capellania, La Ventosa, Nebaj, Quiche, San Nicolas, Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, Todos Santos, Xelam, Xexocom | No Comments
February 24th, 2009
Ignacio Perez Borrel
Ignacio Perez Borrel, the former drummer of the Buena Vista Social Club, is now touring with his own band the Buena Vista De Corazon. The band included bass, mandolin, congas, keyboard, and guitar. On February 19, 2009 he played an intimate show at the Salon Cristal at the Hotel Modelo in Xela. The salon was packed with locals and tourists from all over the world. He played an amazing show throwing in some classics from the Buena Vista Social Club days, and the night began and ended with raging salsa and great Cuban music.
Buena Vista De Corazon
Ignacio Perez Borrel
Categories: Guatemala |
Tags: Buena Vista De Corazon, Buena Vista Social Club, Cuban Music, Guatemala, Ignacio Perez Borrel, Quetzaltenango, salsa, Xela | No Comments
February 18th, 2009
Parque Central Xela, Guatemala
Xela, Xelaju, or Quetzaltenango is my favorite city in Guatemala. It is the second largest city in Guatemala. It has a more traditional feel, and it is a great place to study Spanish for a week or two. The people are friendly, and there is a wonderful mix of the contemporary with the new. The parque central includes the catedral that was built over 500 years ago, and the park is a great place to sit and watch the city go by. In the nearby town of Zunil there are amazing hot springs called Fuentes Georginas. It is a great place to visit on a cool afternoon in the mountains surrounding Xela.
Fuentes Georginas
Puente de Xela
Categories: Guatemala |
Tags: Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, Santa Rosario, Trova, Trova Imports, Xela | No Comments
February 13th, 2009
Lago Atitlan
It is difficult to explain how beautiful and magical Lago Atitlan is. It is a tranquil and special place with different towns surrounding the lake. Each town has its own unique characteristic. For example, Panajachel is known for its tourism. It is the easiest town to get to by bus, and is sometimes called “Gringochanango”. Although there are numerous tourists, the town has breathtaking sunsets. San Pedro is known to be the “hippy town” on the lake. Most of the town is run by people from other countries, and it is a great place for mocha lattes and yoga. Santiago Atitlan is known for its artisan market, and it also has more of traditional feel. There are many locals selling beautiful paintings, hand-carved wooden objects, and other typical products from Guatemala. San Antonio is a pristine little town known for its textiles.
San Pedro
Paintings from Santiago
Textile loom from San Antonio
Boats used on Lago Atitlan
Categories: Guatemala |
Tags: Guatemala, Lago Atitlan, Palopa, Panajachel, San Antonio, San Pedro, Santiago Atitlan, Textiles, Trova, Trova Imports | No Comments
February 9th, 2009
Iglesia de Santo Tomas
Chichicastenango (or Chichi) is the biggest market in Central America of indigenous hand-made textiles. The overwhelming atmosphere of the Sunday market is daunting and indescribable. The colors are amazing, and the amount of products range from livestock to hammocks. The indigenous women and children are professional sales persons trying to sell their products to the inexperienced tourists from all over the world. Although trying and exhausting, the atmosphere is full of great people and understanding locals.
Woman selling her products
Masks
Hand-woven textiles
Shirts
Pots
Pig market
Shrimp
Clay pots
Woman making textiles
Categories: Guatemala |
Tags: Chichicastenango, Guatemala, hand-made, Iglesia de Santo Tomas, market, Saint Thomas, Trova, Trova Imports | No Comments
February 6th, 2009
Catedral, Antigua
Antigua, Guatemala is an amazing place to enjoy the distinct and authentic culture, architecture, and naturaleza of Central America. Unlike Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, the natural people (Mayans) are accepted and encouraged to where traditional clothing and sell art work that is distinct in their culture and community.
Natural woman washing clothes outside of San Pedro Catedral
Santo Domingo Hotel & Museum
The 500 year old ruins of Antigua allow for a person to wonder around for hours looking at the distinct features and character that has been preserved in the city. Santo Domingo Catedral has been converted into a five star hotel.
San Pedro's tumb
San Pedro is a saint that was remembered for helping the indigenous people of Mexico and Guatemala. The ruins from the old church are as captivating as the new cathedral next door.
San Pedro
San Pedro Ruins
(from left) Volcan Fuego, Volcan Agua, Volcan Acatenango
Just outside of Antigua is Volcano Pacaya. It is a tough 1.5 hour hike straight up, but the view of its neighboring volcanoes are breathtaking.
Lava Flow from Pacaya
You decide which one is Volcan Fuego
Categories: Guatemala |
Tags: Antigua, Guatemala, Trova, Trova Imports | No Comments
