"Journey to the Western Highlands" San Juan Cotzal by Ken_Weaver

San Juan Cotzal Travel Guide: 17 reviews and 28 photos

Road to the Ixil Triangle and San Juan Cotzal

The last paved road from Chichicastenango ends at Sacapulas. It is uphill from here over a mountain pass and into the Ixil Triangle bordered on the corners by Chajul, Nebaj and San Juan Cotzal.

Entrance to the Ixil Triangle

Say "a sheel"

Our group posing at the entrance to this region which was so devasted by the civil war.

"The Waldorf"

The Waldorf is the base camp for almost all of the work teams that travel to this remote town in the Western Highlands. San Juan Cotzal is about 180 miles northeast of Guatemala City yet it takes over 9 hours of driving to get there because of treacherously narrow and unpaved mountain roads. The elevation is about 5500 feet above sea level so even in the summer it is moderate in temperature. This building has two sleeping dorms with bunks and an adjacent building is used for cooking and eating. There are several showers in a separate building on the compound and everyone washes their clothes in a pila. Learn more at Life At The Waldorf Travelogue.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beautiful Mountainous Country with Temperate Climate
Cons:Scariest road I have ever been on!
In a nutshell:This area is not for the feign hearted

Last visit to San Juan Cotzal: Aug 1999
Intro Updated Aug 15, 2003
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Reviews (17)

What are They Talking About_ - San Juan Cotzal

What are They Talking About_ Favorites (11)

These Ixil women are enjoying a nice juicy piece of gossip or perhaps they are admiring some young man....perhaps even... more travel advice

Textiles of Guatemala are Wonderful - San Juan Cotzal

Textiles of Guatemala are Wonderful Favorites (11)

Many of the Ixil women are excellent weavers. Their textile products, all made by hand, are extremely beautiful. more travel advice

Woman in Traditional Dress - San Juan Cotzal

Woman in Traditional Dress Favorites (11)

Here is an Ixil woman in full indigenous dress complete with head covering. more travel advice

Niña Bonita Favorites (11)

The children are so beautiful. It is amazing how clean they always are considering that most live in homes with dirt... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (22)

upesnlwc Feb 1, 2006 at 1:12 PM Report Abuse

A friend of mine is in San Juan Cotzal with the Peace Corps, so your page has been my only real way to imagine the conditions in which he lives. Thank you so much for sharing!!
Hermanater Jan 4, 2006 at 11:13 AM Report Abuse

Great job on you pages....Happy Birthday
ombre Feb 6, 2005 at 9:17 PM Report Abuse

really different page to many on vt. cool spot you saw ken . and wicked page . does a big chin mean better directions ???
vaticanus Nov 3, 2003 at 5:04 PM Report Abuse

Lots and lots of interesting photos and tips.
herzog63 Oct 7, 2003 at 8:22 AM Report Abuse

Your local customs tips are invaluable!! Don't want to offend the locals!! Fantastic people photos Ken! You've really captured the soul of the area!!
Annapet May 1, 2003 at 1:02 PM Report Abuse

There's someting about pouting, Ken. It works for me...Syl, let's do a thing on "The Art of Pouting."
zrim Apr 25, 2003 at 8:04 PM Report Abuse

What can I say Ken....great photos of the people. So interesting to see people from different cultures.
syllybabe Apr 23, 2003 at 8:46 PM Report Abuse

Whoa! A litle girl who pouts as well as I do. Beautiful little girls do that, ya know, Ken ;-p Maria is perfect as poster girl. They beckon with their chin? We beckon by pointing with puckered lips here.
Madasabull Feb 21, 2003 at 11:23 AM Report Abuse

"the mass genocide that was committed on the indigenous people of Guatemala" It really makes you think how nasty some people can be. Great page.
d_d Feb 7, 2003 at 1:51 PM Report Abuse

It's a really interesting page :)