Santa Maria Nebaj

Santa Maria Nebaj is a small town in Quiche, Guatemala. A pre-Columbian Mayan archeological site is nearby and the town, and the area around it, is known for its Mayan culture, its many ranches, and excellent hiking opportunities.

Get in

Frequent chicken buses run to and from Santa Cruz del Quiche and Sacapulas on no set timetable. For most points in Guatemala (Panajachel, Antigua, Guatemala City, etc.) you need to change at Sacapulas. There is one direct bus to Guatemala City daily.

Get around

Acul-nebaj express

The town itself is easy to walk around and there is frequent bus service to Chajul. For most other outlying villages (e.g., Acul) you need to find your own transport.

See

• Iglesia de Nebaj. The cathedral. The plaza outside is the busy center of old Nebaj and well worth idling away the cooler evening hours (updated Apr 2017)
• Centro Cultural Kumool (Easy walking distance from the plaza. Just ask someone!). A small but friendly museum with artifacts from the nearby pre-Columbian Mayan site (updated Apr 2017)

Sleep

• Hotel Santa Maria (A block from the main plaza). Barebones hotel, but clean and safe. Excellent breakfast! $25-$35. (updated Apr 2017)

Buy

• Mercado de Artesanias. Run as a cooperative, the mercado has beautiful handicrafts. The heavy brocade is unique to the Ixil highlands and you'll get much better stuff at a cheaper price than at the more famous market at Chichicastenango. Ask to visit a Mayan family at work! (updated Apr 2017)