CIELO Y TIERRA TOURS
Maya Culture in Highland Chiapas
Cielo y Tierra Tours S.A de C.V.
San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico
Email: info@cieloytierratours.com
Content and Images © Cielo y Tierra Tours 2009
The small and friendly Tzeltal village of Tenejapa (28km east of San Cristóbal de Las Casas) is renowned for its textiles by some of the finest weavers in the highlands. It also has one of the most vibrant markets of the region and holds some stunning religious festivals.
The drive to Tenejapa takes us through some beautiful mountain scenery. On the way we stop at Romerillo cemetery. Here a line of huge green and blue Maya crosses overlook a field of simple tombstones. It's an impressive sight. The road continues on around Mount Tzontehuitz, the highest mountain in the highlands of Chiapas, and arrives in Tenejapa.
Main market day is Thursday (there's a smaller one on Sunday) when the village suddenly comes alive. Like
San Andrés Larráinzar, Tenejapa receives very few tourists, so this is very much a local market. It's fascinating to walk through the streets filled with villagers in traditional clothing (Tenejapa has one of the most distinctive styles of dress in the highlands), buying and selling everything from fruit and vegetables to chicken and pigs.
We also visit the village's eighteenth century church and the small weaver's cooperative, where you'll have a chance to buy the women's beautiful work. Their huipiles (traditional blouses), for instance, are true works of art with motifs dating back to the symbolism of pre-hispanic times.
Our Tours: Highland Maya Villages
TENEJAPA
Day of excursion: Thursday and Festival Days
Duration: Approx 5 hours
