The weekend before last we travelled to Todos Santos Cuchumatan, in the northwestern province of Huehuetenango.
The town is 1000 metres higher than San Juan la Laguna and is situated in the most beautiful mountains 3500 metres above sea level. The local 'Mam' language is the widest spoken Mayan dialect and the locals protect their sub culture fiercely; they still wear the traditional clothes in the district unlike in most other parts where many have 'Levi's' jeans and 'Abercrombie' T-shirts.
The town is poor and it's own agricultural industries do not go far to support the townsfolk. As a result there are now several communities of Todos Santos' illegal immigrants in the U.S. (it costs $5,000 to get smuggled across the border) and the local economy is driven by Western Union money transfers. There is always a queue outside the office. There are new properties being built as a result.
More to follow .... and pictures too!
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