Staying with a Mayan Family in Guatemala: A Cultural Experience You Won’t Forget
Article author - Amber Young
Staying with a Mayan Family in Guatemala: A Cultural Experience You Won’t Forget
Guatemala is a country steeped in rich cultural heritage, and one of the best ways to experience its traditions is by staying with a local Mayan family. This experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the indigenous culture, learn about ancient traditions, and gain insight into everyday life in Guatemala. It’s a chance to go beyond the typical tourist experience and develop a deeper understanding of the Mayan way of life, which has remained vibrant and resilient for centuries! Our Central America tours are the perfect way to experience staying with a local Mayan family.
A Warm Welcome into the Community
From the moment you arrive at a Mayan household, you'll be greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. Mayan communities are known for their close-knit social structure, where families and neighbours look out for one another, and guests are treated like family. Expect to be welcomed with open arms, often with a warm meal or a traditional drink.
Traditional Mayan Cuisine
One of the highlights of staying with a Mayan family is the opportunity to enjoy traditional home-cooked meals. Guatemalan cuisine is deeply rooted in Mayan traditions, and you’ll find yourself tasting some of the most authentic dishes that aren’t typically found in tourist areas!
Staples like tortillas, black beans, and tamales form the basis of most meals, but you’ll also be introduced to regional specialties depending on the family’s local traditions. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited into the kitchen to help prepare meals—making tortillas by hand, grinding corn, and cooking over an open fire is often part of the daily routine.
Meals are typically enjoyed together as a family, and the conversation during these times is rich with stories, laughter, and shared experiences.
The Mayan Language
While Spanish is widely spoken in Guatemala, many Mayan families speak one of the 21 indigenous languages that have been passed down through generations. If you're staying in a traditional Mayan household, there's a good chance you'll hear these languages being spoken in daily life. In areas like Lake Atitlán, for example, you might hear K'iche', Tz’utujil, or Kaqchikel, depending on the village.
Learning a few words in the local language is a great way to connect with your host family and show your appreciation for their culture. Simple phrases like “thank you” can go a long way in building a deeper bond with your hosts.
Sustainable Tourism: Supporting Local Communities
Choosing to stay with a Mayan family also has a positive impact on the community. Many indigenous families rely on sustainable tourism as a source of income, which allows them to preserve their way of life while sharing their culture with visitors. By staying with a local family, you're contributing to the local economy and helping to support indigenous traditions that have survived for millennia.
Staying with a Mayan family in Guatemala is more than just a part of your holiday—it’s a life-changing cultural exchange that deepens your understanding of this ancient civilisation and its enduring traditions.
Staying with a local family is just a small part of our incredible new Central America tours. Travel with us through Mexico, Belize, Guatemala & Costa Rica from 13 to 39 days, as you live the best of Central America with new friends. Ready for an adventure that turns every moment into a story? Join us and experience the beauty of Central America.
