Cultural activities in Nebaj  

Nebaj activities / Cotzal activities

Nebaj Actvities:

History Talk 
Hear a firsthand account of Nebaj’s tragic and proud history led by locals who intimately understand the people and their rich history.  Participants will gain insight into the historical makings of current-day Nebaj. 

Sampling of Boxboles
Deriving their name from the Ixil word meaning "folded dough," boxboles have long been the traditional hallmark plate of the Ixil region. This vegetarian dish is simple but delicious. Local legend holds that when a stranger consumes these local delicacies he becomes enamored of the Ixil region and will continue to visit the area for the rest of his life.  Join a local family in preparing this delicious dish.  Each of the three municipios of the Ixil region prepares this meal differently, so taste the difference and learn about the cultural significance of the food in Cotzal and Nebaj.

Weaving
Nebaj is famous for its artisan work, especially the intricately woven "huipiles" that have won worldwide acclaim.  Spend time with local women learning the weaving process and its significance for the local people. 

Ixil
Ixil, spoken on the streets and in the homes of Nebaj, is the dominant language of the region.  A basic understanding of greetings and common sayings will enrich your Nebaj experience by enabling you to connect with locals on a level other travelers can’t.  Take an hour-long class with an Ixil language teacher. 

Visit to Traditional Sauna
El temescal, or “chu”, as it is locally called, is a traditional, indigenous steam bath used to assist in the detoxification and purification of the body while enhancing the relaxation of the mind. It consists of entering an enclosed room in which fire-heated water is used to cleanse the body. You can enjoy the experience alone or with friends.    

Back to top>>>     

Cotzal Activities: 

History talk
Take part in a firsthand account of Cotzal´s tragic and proud history lead by locals who live in Cotzal and understand the people and their rich history.  Participants will gain insight into the historical makings of current-day Cotzal.  While the region at large was a zone of conflict during Guatemala’s civil war, each municipio (Chajul, Nebaj, and Cotzal) suffered differently and the consequences persist to this day. 

Coffee preparation
Share in a unique experience with a local Ixil family by taking part in the traditional preparation of coffee. Follow the family into the coffee fields to see coffee plants at various stages of development; help select the best beans; and learn how to stone grind coffee beans before enjoying a one-of-a-kind cup of coffee from Cotzal.

Candle making
See how candles are made in a typical village house!  From start to finish, this experience provides travelers insight into local talents and skills.  Watch as a candle maker leads visitors through the process of melting and shaping the wax, and listen as the artisans explain how their humble home serves as the base of operations for candle making in the Ixil region.

Cooking / tortear
Spend time with a local family learning about the vital importance of the tortilla, not only in the local diet, but in local culture as well.  Take part in the process from the beginning, and end with a delicious tortilla.  Travelers have the chance to ¨tortear¨ and see if their hands are up to the challenge of making the perfect tortilla (more difficult than one would imagine).  Visitors are undoubtedly exposed to their share of tortillas during their time in Guatemala, but discovering the intimate process of transforming corn into tortillas is an unforgettable experience.

Weaving in Cotzal
The people of the Ixil region are known for their incredibly intricate woven designs.  A local family opens their home to visitors interested in learning about the weaving process. Participants follow a weaver through every step from buying and measuring fabric to learning about how the complex details of a ¨güipil¨ are designed and created.  Participants take more than a souvenir home as the local family shares their knowledge and culture.

Back to top>>>