Cultural and Traditional Tours of Guatemala

X

Hi! Hola! Previt! Bon Jour! Ciao! Guten Tag! Sign up Now! for fun info on traveling to Latin America!

Guatemala has one of the richest cultural backgrounds in all of Central America. Having a population of 80% indigenous with 26 different Mayan groups, traditions are a strong part of their daily lives. Many villages welcome visitors to experience first-hand their traditional ways.

Here are some of the best Cultural and Traditional tours of Guatemala:

Weaving

The Western Highlands is world known for their colorful and intricately woven “huipil” (Wee-peel). This is a Spanish term for a Maya woman’s traditional blouse. The tradition of weaving was around way before the Spanish conquest. To this day it is a ritualist and weaving is taught to young girls before they even go school. Enjoy a tour of local weavers homes as they demonstrate the use the backloom and the treddle loom for their hand woven materials.

Traditional Mayan Sauna

The indigenous steam bath is perfect for detoxification and purification of the body. The sauna is based in a concrete dome with a wood fire-warmed metal drum inside. You have to throw water on it to heat it up. The great thing about this, is before entering you need to smear sugar all over your body then wait for it to melt into a syrup. Once that happens, run into a cold shower to wash it off and you will feel super relaxed.

Cooking / Tortear

Everywhere you go in Guatemala you’ll see girls standing around a round oven clapping and conversing. Join in the act of making a tortilla, the essence of the local diet and its vital role in local cultural. You’ll be challenged by transforming corn into a tortilla, which is much harder to do than you think!

Glass Blowing

The Copavic Glass Blowing Cooperative is one of the most unusual places to visit. Glass blowing experts create absolute wonders such as vases, cups, plates and so much more by using only recycled glass. Watch as they melt the glass into a red-hot liquid and work bring it to life.