Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tours
Dolores Ratzan Pablo
( 5730-4570; dolores_ratzan@yahoo.com)
This English-speaking Tz'utujil woman can introduce
you to the wonders of Maya birthing and healing, point out examples of Maya-Catholic
syncretism at the church and
cofradías,
and describe the incidents that led to the massacre
at Peace Park in 1990. Tours typically last two hours and cost Q235 per person
CULTURAL TOUR
CULTURAL TOUR
Cojolya Association of Maya Women Weavers
( 7721-7268;
www.cojolya.org
)
Here you can join 'Meet the Weavers' tours (Q50, in Spanish).
You'll visit three traditional homes where women demonstrate how to set up a backstrap
loom, warp the threads and perform the
jaspe
technique, a form of Japanese tie-dye that
reached Guatemala through indirect contact with Spain's Pacific trade routes.
Sleeping
Hotel Ratzán $
( 7721-7840;
www.hotelyposadaratzan.blogspot.nl
; Calle a la Playa Pública; s/d 100/150)
Santiago's best
budget option, near the center of town, is a newish establishment with nice wood-beam
ceilings and large, modern bathrooms. Only rooms 4 and 5 have exterior windows but
considering it's just down the street from the giant new Evangelical church, with raucous
services nightly, maybe that's a good thing.
HOTEL
Posada de Santiago $$
( 7721-7366;
www.posadadesantiago.com
; s/d Q235/400, cottages s/d/tr Q475/600/675, ste from Q755;
)
Striking a balance between rustic charm and luxury, the American-owned
posada
makes a great retreat. Seven cottages and three suites, all with stone walls, fireplaces,
porches, hammocks and folk art, are set around gardens stretching up from the lake.
The restaurant serves delicious, natural fare, as well as homegrown roasted coffee.
Hikes and cycling trips can be set up here. It's 1.5km from the dock. Catch a
tuk-tuk
(Q10) or hire a
lancha
over to the hotel dock (Q70).
LODGE
Hotel La Estrella $$
HOTEL
