|
TOTONICAPAN HISTORY
Originally called
Chuimekena,
Totonicapan was the second most important Quiche city until the Spanish
conquest. The Quiche leader Tecun Uman ruled this territory until he
was killed in the first major battle against Spanish conquistador Pedro de
Alvarado. Totonicaopan was founded by the Spanish in 1544.
In 1820, Totonicapan was
the center of a Mayan revolt against Spanish rule. Mayans in the
area refused to bow to Spanish authority and, after the mayor fled the
city, crowned their leader Atanasio Tzul as king. His reign lasted
only 29 days before the Spanish brutally took back the power.
Atanasio Tzul is still remembered today and is considered the hero of the
Mayan independence movement in Guatemala.
HOTELS AND INFORMATION
Totonicapan known as
Toto by the locals, holds a market on Tuesday and Saturday and the annual
festivity of the town is the last week of September. Toto is famous for its
pottery and weavings. Not too many hotels to choose from, but here are
some: Hotel San
Miguel a Budget Hotel up to
$15
for a double 8a. Ave 7-49 Zona
1; recommended another alternative La
Pension Blanquita next to the gas station.
HOW
TO GET HERE: There are buses running from Xela directly to
Totonicapan from the Minerva terminal. There is also the option of taking a bus to
the cross roads called "Cuatro Caminos" and then another one from here to
the town. This last part only takes 15 minutes. From Guatemala see bus
transportation below.
BUS
TRANSPORTATION: Click
here for bus transportation schedules around the country.
BACK TO TOP
|
