Todos Santos Cuchumatán

A remote, high-altitude village famous for its Mam Maya inhabitants who wear distinctive red-striped traditional clothing and horse racing festival, set amid stunning mountain scenery. The town offers an off-the-beaten-path cultural experience with minimal tourism infrastructure but immense authenticity.

Things to do

• Attend the Horse Racing Festival — Witness the famous November celebration where Mam Maya riders race horses through town streets in a tradition blending indigenous culture with Spanish colonial influence.
• Hike to nearby mountain peaks — Trek through cloud forests and alpine meadows surrounding the village for panoramic views of the western highlands and neighboring valleys.
• Visit the local market — Explore the weekly market where Mam women in red-striped huipils sell traditional textiles, produce, and handmade goods.
• Tour weaving cooperatives — Observe traditional backstrap loom weaving and purchase authentic red-striped textiles directly from artisans in their homes.
• Photograph the town at sunrise — Capture the mist-covered mountains and colonial-era church as golden light illuminates the village's traditional architecture.
• Explore the colonial church — Visit the centuries-old church at the town center where Spanish Catholic traditions blend with Mam Maya spiritual practices.

Food to try

• Fiambre — A celebratory salad made with beans, corn, eggs, beets, and local vegetables served during All Saints' Day and special occasions.
• Caldo de res — A hearty beef broth with potatoes, corn, and herbs that is a warming staple in the high-altitude climate.
• Elote — Fresh corn on the cob or corn soup prepared with local mountain corn and served at the market or small comedores.
• Tamales — Corn masa steamed in corn husks, sometimes filled with chicken or vegetables, prepared by local women and sold in the mornings.
• Pan dulce and fresh tortillas — Hand-made maize tortillas and sweet breads from the local panaderias (bakeries) available daily in the town center.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect photography customs — Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially during market visits, as many Mam people prefer not to be photographed.
• Dress modestly — Wear respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees to honor the deeply traditional values of the Mam Maya community.
• Learn basic K'anjob'al greetings — Speaking a few words in the local Mam language (or K'anjob'al) shows respect and is greatly appreciated by residents who primarily speak indigenous languages.
• Plan for limited services — The village has minimal ATMs, pharmacies, and tourist infrastructure, so bring cash, medications, and supplies from larger towns like Huehuetenango.

Nearby

• Huehuetenango — 28 km
• Quetzaltenango — 70 km
• Takalik Abaj (Pacific Coast) — 72 km
• Momostenango — 73 km