San Antonio AC: Maya Artisan-Led Friendship Bracelet Class｜Guatemala

Spend an hour with Indigenous Maya artisans in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, learning to weave a friendship bracelet using the same technique passed down through generations of local weavers. This is not a demo you watch — you sit down, choose your threads, and complete a bracelet with continuous, hands-on instruction from artisans who grew up with the craft.

Your teachers are Maya artisans from the community, teaching heritage techniques in Spanish or English. As you weave, they'll walk you through the meaning behind Maya symbols, the significance of each color, and the stories textiles carry in their culture. You'll also see a live demonstration of the Maya backstrap loom — the traditional tool still used across the highlands today.

Set 7 km from Antigua in the artisan town of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, the cultural center has a terrace viewpoint over the surrounding volcanoes and village, plus Wi-Fi and parking. All materials are included: cotton thread for the base and five colors of your choice for your project. You leave with a finished bracelet — completion is guaranteed — and a real connection to the living Maya textile tradition.

Suitable for ages 5 and up. Small classes by default; larger groups welcome with advance reservation.