Meeting the Maya Peoples of Guatemala
Like Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, Guatemala is a country where numerous Maya cities were born.
Like Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Salvador, Guatemala is a country where numerous Maya cities were born. We tell you more about the Maya civilizations of Guatemala and give you our advice on immersing yourself with these local populations and their ancestral traditions… One thing is certain, it's an experience not to be missed under any circumstances during a trip to Guatemala !
The different ethnic groups of Maya origin
While the first Maya ruins were only discovered during the nineteenth century, we now understand certain aspects of this mysterious civilization's history. You only need to see the extent of discoveries archaeologists have made since then. In Guatemala, there are no fewer than 3,600 archaeological sites dedicated to Maya civilizations, with some remains dating back to 400 BC.
Today, the descendants of the Mayas still constitute an important part of Guatemala's population. They are divided into several ethnic groups. Among them, we can mention the Ixils, the Tz'utujils, the Cakchiquel, the Poqomam, the Jakaltecs, the Mam, and the K'iche'. Most of them live in the western highlands with the exception of the Ch'orti' who inhabit the southeastern region of Guatemala.
Although Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, there are 23 Maya dialects in total. The national currency—the quetzal—also reflects the imprint of the Mayas in Guatemalan culture as it refers to the sacred bird of the Mayas.
Meeting the Mayas of today
If you want to learn more about the Maya civilizations of Guatemala, nothing beats meeting their descendants! Among the places not to miss to encounter Maya ethnic groups, we can mention:
The Ixil triangle: Located in the highlands, this mountainous region in the department of El Quiché is completely isolated. You'll find members of the Ixil ethnicity as well as the K'iche' people.
The Chichicastenango market: Located 90 minutes from Guatemala City in the highlands, Chichicastenango is considered one of the main epicenters of Maya culture in Guatemala. There's a vibrant market where you can meet local populations and discover many local and artisanal products.
Antigua: 50 km from Guatemala City, don't miss the charming colonial town of Antigua. Surrounded by 3 volcanoes, this former capital of the country has no shortage of attractions for visitors.
The villages around Lake Atitlán: this is the preferred place to encounter civilizations of Maya origin. In addition to being impressive, Lake Atitlán is bordered by numerous ethnic villages. Don't miss the villages of San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlán where you can discover the Maya Tzutujil and Kaqchikel peoples and learn more about their way of life.
Frequently asked questions
Guatemala is home to numerous ethnic groups of Maya origin, including the Ixils, Tz'utujils, Cakchiquel, Poqomam, Jakaltecs, Mam, and K'iche'. Most live in the western highlands, with the exception of the Ch'orti' who inhabit the southeastern part of the country.
The villages around Lake Atitlán are considered the best place to immerse yourself in Maya culture. San Juan la Laguna and Santiago Atitlán allow you to discover the Maya Tzutujil and Kaqchikel peoples. The Ixil triangle and the Chichicastenango market are also must-sees.
Guatemala is home to no fewer than 3,600 archaeological sites linked to Maya civilizations, with some remains dating back to 400 BC. This rich heritage makes Guatemala one of the major destinations for enthusiasts of pre-Columbian civilizations.
Although Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, 23 Maya dialects are still spoken today in indigenous communities. These languages are part of the country's intangible cultural heritage and some are endangered.
For responsible tourism, it is recommended to hire local guides from the communities, to buy directly from artisans, to ask permission before photographing people, and to learn about local customs before your visit.
