Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Activities
Takiliben May Wajshakib Batz
( 7736-5537;
www.alunajoy.com/wajshakib-batz.html
; 3a Av A 6-85, Zona 3)
This is a Maya Mission,
dedicated to studying and teaching Maya culture and sacred traditions. Its director,
Rigoberto Itzep Chanchavac, is a
chuchkajau
(Maya priest) responsible for advising the
community on when special days of the Maya calendars fall. His full- or half-day work-
shops focus on customs that usually remain hidden from outsiders.
The mission also leads a tour of Momostenango, with visits to the sacred hill of Paclom
and the ritual hot springs of Payashú (Q100, including a homestay with a local family).
CULTURAL TOUR
Festivals & Events
Wajshakib' Batz' (eight thread), marking the start of the ritual
tzolkin
calender, is con-
sidered the holiest day in the cycle, when Maya 'daykeepers' are ordained. During the ce-
remony, usually enacted atop sacred Paclom hill (accessed from the end of 5a Calle), the
candidates for priesthood are presented with a 'sacred bundle' of red seeds and crystals,
which they'll use for divination readings based on the ritual calendar, then they dance
around the ceremonial fire holding their bundle. As it falls at the end of a 260-day cycle,
the date varies from year to year. Contact Takiliben May to find out when it falls in the
current year.
Sleeping
Hotel Otońo $
( 7736-5078; gruvial.m@gmail.com; 3a Av A 1-48, Zona 2; r per person Q100; )
Momostenango's
poshest lodging has 14 modern rooms with glossy tile floors and huge bathrooms. Some
feature balconies or picture windows taking in the surrounding hills. The hotel restaurant
serves all meals.
HOTEL
Information
9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sat)
Changes traveler's
Banco Reformador
(1a Avenida 1-13, Zona 1;
checks and has a Cajero 5B ATM.
