San Juan & Weaving Workshop

Travel by boat the village of San Juan La Laguna, a petit but picturesque Tz'utujil Maya town with beautiful lake views. You'll visit a women's cooperative to see how traditional backstrap looms and all-natural dyes are used to make some of Guatemala's nicest textiles, including scarves, blankets, and covers. The Tz’utujil weavers of San Juan La Laguna are well known for making their own pure organic cotton thread and the use of natural dyes. By using traditional techniques, styles, and designs, the women work to preserve weaving traditions for future generations. Your weaving workshop will explore the weaving traditions found in San Juan La Laguna and as a participant you will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance of one of the oldest forms of artistic expression by working and learning directly with the locals. The teaching is conducted as it has been for generations and is a rare opportunity to learn from this community of Indigenous women. San Juan is also home to myriad naïf painters, and you'll stop by the workshop of one before returning to your hotel by boat.