Proyecto Hamaca y Pescado en Chiquistepeque 

"On a virtually untouched stretch of beach, this little fishing village is home to the hammock and Fish Project, a grass-roots education and Environmental Awareness project. You can come to volunteer in one of the many programs they have running, or you can just hang out on the beach. You can come to volunteer in one of the many Programs they have running, or just hang out on the beach. Accommodation is in comfortable rustic beachside cabanas, and rates include three meals daily”. Lonely Planet 2007 y 2010

Are you a traveler looking for a peaceful oasis at the ocean shore?


Enjoy the warmth of the sun in one of the most tranquil towns on the Guatemalan coast. You will fall asleep to the sound of the waves of the Pacific Ocean. Accommodation on the beach is 100 meters from the ocean in beachy cabañas. Guatemalan food is available in a restaurant less than five minutes from your door (vegetarian options available).

Why not spend some quiet days at the beginning or end of your trip?

Do you want to leave the beaten track and experience authentic tourism?



Discover the natural treasures of Chiquistepeque including virgin beaches, lagoons, mangroves, exotic birds, palm trees, sea turtles and iguanas. Enjoy a simple and warm welcome, fellowship and discussions with local townspeople. If desired, there is the possibility of eating in local family homes for mutual cultural enrichment. Learn how to make tortillas and taste local culinary delights!

Do you want to participate in an educational project and be part of active tourism?




Interested in helping teach elementary school students? You can assist in the educational component of our project by assisting the children in using the library resources or by initiating and running an educational activity. You can lead all types of activities, including art, science, writing, the environment, and English language learning. Assistance in leading educational field trips to nearby towns is also desired, as well as general tutoring. Educational games are also encouraged! 

No special previous experience is required. All you need is enthusiasm and the desire to work with local children. It is advised that you stay for a few days to participate in this option, although arrangements can be made for shorter stays.

More About the Program


The "Hammock and Fish" non-profit program was started in December 2004 by Anne-Marie of France and Elfego of Guatemala. Anne-Marie returned to France at the beginning of 2011, but Elfego continues the educational and tourism project with the help of his wife, Julia. We do not claim to solve all the problems of our people, all we know is:

• the place is pleasant to live and spend a few days

• the library we created in collaboration with residents in January 2005 is the only one within 60 kilometers, benefitting the local children by providing educational and recreational activities.

• tourism benefits the local women who want to work to provide meals and weaving to tourists

• money earned from tourist accomodations and meals, as well as donations, allow the continuation of the program.

We aim to preserve the richness of our home, give dreams to children, and give them the confidence to live with their head held high and full of imagination.


Other Things to Do in Chiquistepeque

 -A boat tour to observe migratory birds (depending on water level of the lagoon), and discover mangroves,

-Splash in the Pacific (with caution, currents and waves),

-Visit the salt harvest (from November to April),

-Observation of flora and fauna, including the release of baby sea turtles (certain days, depending on births from July to November)

- Personal enrichment, writing, drawing, reading (small library in French and Spanish), music for those that come with your instrument, discussion, reflection,  self-awareness ...- Discussions about the customs and culture with the villagers, learning to make a "piñata" with Telma in San Francisco (nearby town) ...- Educational and recreational activities with children in the library ...

Costs

Accomodations:

Federico Cabin (one double bed with mosquito net, outside toilet and shower).
Lunch or dinner at a family home in town with Doña Angela or Anabely 3 euros / U.S. $ 4 per meal in the restaurant (200 meters from the project)

Carolina Cabin (one double bed with mosquito net, toilet and shower) and Yet and Chona Cabins (two single rooms, each with an individual bed with mosquito net, toilet and shower).

A hammock is outside each cabin. The cottages offer more comfort and privacy.


100 Quetzales per night for 1 person
150 Quetzales per night for 2 people


For Larger Groups:
Ker-Anna Rose, a two-story house with garden on the beach (capacity 4 / 5 persons) with additional possibility to rent a cottage for groups up to 8 people. First level living space with kitchen, shower room and toilet. Second level great room with ocean views, beds with sheets and mosquito nets provided. Outside, the provision of a battery, two hammocks and land adjoining the library

Fee: contact us

Dining:

Breakfast "bread and jams of the house" served in the garden of "Ker-Anna Rose"3 euros / U.S. $ 4 breakfast or in the restaurant (200 meters from the project)

Contact us (Spanish only, sorry!)

In advance by e-mail to hamaca_pescado@hotmail.com

If you're in Guatemala, you can phone to ensure availability and reservation

Tel: 576 43 2 43 / 5307 80 70 (mobile) 
Tel: 78 58 27 00 (home)

Please reserve or confirm your reservation by phone or e-mail, the day before your arrival
Other information about Chiquistepeque 

Population: 350 to 400
Key resources: salt, fish, livestock, agriculture

Electricity: yes, 2001
Drinking water: yes, 2003

School (s): primary
Medical and Hospital: No, in Mazatenango (2h30 bus)
ATM (Visa and Master Card): Only in La Maquina(1 hr by bus)

Limited other bank services (wire transfers and money exchanges) at the Restaurant Don Pancho in Chiquistepeque

Telephone service (local and international calls): yes
Cell phone reception: good (Tigo)
Shopping: commodities (shops)

Location: village of the Pacific coast, southwest of Guatemala

Climate: tropical, ocean breezes during the day

Dry season: November to May or June

Rainy season: May or June to October (usually end of day or night)

Chiquistepeque is the least rainy of all the Guatemalan coast

Altitude: 2.5 meters above sea level
 

Getting to Chiquistepeque

The bus "Papaya" starts in Mazatenango (also called “Mazate”) and can also be caught in Cuyotenango (also called “Cuyo”). The bus leaves Mazate at 11:00am and passes through Cuyo around 11:15pm. A second bus leaves Mazate at 2pm. The bus ride takes about 3 hours and costs about 15 Quetzales.

Ask to be dropped off at Juancho’s house (nickname Elfredo). If we are not home, please walk to the restaurant Don Pancho by way of the beachside road (5 minute walk)

Getting to Mazate

From Antigua:

Catch a bus from Antigua to Escuintla (45 minutes) then transfer to another bus from Escuintla to Mazate (2 hours)

From Xela (Quetzaltenango):

Catch a direct bus from Xela to Mazate (1.5 hours)

From Guatemala City:

Catch a direct bus from Guatemala City to Mazate (3 hours)

Leaving Chiquistepeque

Papaya offers two services: at 6:00am at the entrance of the village and at 6:30am near the project every day

hamaca_pescado@hotmail.com

We are glad to welcome you in Chiquistepeque!

We wish you a happy trip to Guatemala, a country of colors and smiles ...