San Marcos La Leguna
Sololá, Guatemala
Located a short boat ride from Panajachel, San Marcos La Laguna is one of only a handful of communities where maguey is still processed in Guatemala. The work is arduous. Few young men choose it over traveling to find jobs on the coast or in the U.S.
Lucas Patsún Mendosa, 74, cuts maguey (agave) leaves high on a mountainside, where he owns a plot of land. Photo by Paul G. Vitale 2005.
The hike down from the plot of land to Lake Atitlán where he will process the maguey fibers is a steep one for Lucas with his heavy load. Photo by Denise Gallinetti 2005.
Lucas and maguey expert Kathy Rousso pause to chat during the hike down to the lake. Photo Denise Gallinetti 2005.
Lucas weighs down the maguey leaves to soak for four days in Lake Atitlán after smashing them with a mallot to separate the strong fibers within. Photo by Denise Gallinetti 2005.
Once the fibers are separated from the leaf by soaking and scraping, they are dried and spun to form cords that can be woven into bags, belts or other utilitarian items. Photo by Denise Gallinetti 2005.
Locations in Sololá:
- El Adelanto
- Nahualá
- Panajachel
- San Antonio Palopó
- San Lucas Tolimán
- San Marcos La Laguna
- San Pablo La Laguna
- San Pedro La Laguna
- Santa Catarina Palopó
- Santiago Atitlán
- Sololá