What’s Behind Ethical Travel

Contribute to the empowerment of indigenous women weavers by travelling in the Western Highlands of Guatemala.

At Maya Traditions, we strongly believe that an alternative, sustainable, and culturally-rich tourism industry is possible. As a nonprofit social enterprise, we continually seek to support our indigenous artisan partners, their families, and their communities through social programs that work to build capacity, preserve local cultures and environments, and motivate women to strengthen their entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Maya Traditions’ goals are reflected in the Ethical Tourism Program achievements:

  • Poverty alleviation through providing artisans and healers with additional income-generating opportunities in Ethical Tourism.
  • Social welfare by paying a fair wage to our artisan partners for their time and expertise as they share their rich culture with local and foreign visitors.
  • Education: Providing an education in tourism for artisan partners and their families through capacity building workshops. We also direct profits to support Maya Traditions’ Youth Education Program.
  • Women’s empowerment through professional training and provision of additional income-generating opportunities that help support families and communities.
  • Conservation of biodiversity by reducing environmental impact through the training of partner communities and the cultivation of organic, natural medicine and dye gardens.

Ethically conscientious visitors will love our Ethical Tourism Program! When you explore Lake Atitlan with Maya Traditions, you will have the satisfaction that your visit with us has had a positive impact on this highly sensitive ecosystem and the precious traditional cultures surrounding it. Our visitors always leave a good impression, stimulating the local economy while preserving deep-rooted cultural practices and the natural environment.
Maya Traditions’ longstanding relationships with indigenous partner communities and unwavering commitment to the production of Fair Trade backstrap-woven textiles have uniquely positioned us to provide authentic cultural experiences. Maya Traditions can organize day trips for backstrap and basket-weaving classes, as well as longer trips that last up to 1 week. Longer trips consist of backstrap and basket weaving classes, cultural immersion, and more fun (meals, lodging, and transportation included).

Member of the
World Fair Trade Organization