Guatemala Chichupak Co-op, Coban Washed

The Region

Chichupak comes from the words 'chi' meaning "place" or "where" and 'chupak' meaning "soap plant". So loosely Chichupak translates to "the place where they produce soap" because historically the locals cultivated Achi, a plant used to make soap. The Chichupak community have always preserved their indigenous heritage. The people are invested in the history of their ancestors, the struggles and victories, going back centuries to the time of Rabinal Leb, King of the Mayan kingdom in the region. Most of the locals still wear the traditional indigenous clothes: women wear a long colourful skirt and a handmade blouse, while men wear a white cotton pants with a red belt.

The community is 100 kilometers from the state capital city of Coban. Although it is not that far, it is not easy to get to. The entrance to Chichupak is a pine-lined dirt road that sits at the top of one of the highest peaks in Baja Verapaz (one of the departments that make up the Coban region). You must go through several villages and dirt roads, but once you get there you get immerse in a different and magical world.