Community Tourism · San Marcos, Guatemala

Nuevo Amanecer

A community of nearly 60 families near Coatepeque, born in 1998 when refugee families returned home. Come learn about our history, our traditions, and our unique Guatemalan-Mexican fusion.

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Who We Are

A Community Born of Resistance and Hope

Nuevo Amanecer is home to nearly 60 families in the department of San Marcos, near the city of Coatepeque. It was founded in 1998 by Guatemalan refugee families who were forced from their country and lived for 17 years scattered among Mexican host families in Chiapas, Mexico, because of the state-sponsored violence of the internal armed conflict.

The community is rooted in the pursuit of social justice and grassroots democracy: every decision is made through a committee of elected members.

We invite you to discover our unique fusion of Guatemalan and Mexican traditions, and to be part of our ongoing effort to build a fair, democratic, and ecologically sustainable community.

Main entrance to the Nuevo Amanecer community, with gate, covered hall, and rest area
Choose & Take Part

Choose Your Own Adventure

Each experience is shared directly by a member of the community. Pick one, or combine a few for your visit.

🗣️

Let's Talk About Our History

Community members share how the civil war and exile shaped their history and their present-day reality. Talks in Spanish or English.

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Dance Recital

Enjoy a unique recital of traditional Guatemalan folk dance and music.

🧵

Weaving & Embroidery

Watch the community's traditional weavers create handmade textiles.

🥣

Making Atole

Atole is a warm corn-based drink that's part of our traditions. We'll show you how it's made.

🧀

Cheesemaking

Get an up-close look at the handcrafted cheesemaking process in Nuevo Amanecer.

🍫

Chocolate Making

Discover how our artisans turn cacao beans into handmade chocolate.

💧

Water Hike

Take in our natural scenery on a guided hike from Nuevo Amanecer to the community's drinking-water source.

📖

Personal Testimonies

Learn from community elders as they share their stories of the armed conflict and life in exile.

Handmade

Community products

Take a piece of Nuevo Amanecer. Every product is handmade by the community.

☕

Ground coffee

Coffee grown and roasted in the region, with the flavor of the highlands of Quetzaltenango..

🍫

Handmade chocolates

Handmade from local cocoa, following traditional recipes.

🧵

Embroidered shirts

Hand-embroidered by the weavers of the community, with traditional Guatemalan designs.

🪵

Wooden crafts

Pieces carved by local artisans, ideal as a souvenir or gift.

Interested in any of our products? Contact us by email or phone to check availability and pricing..

Al día

Community News

What's happening in Nuevo Amanecer.

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Practical Information

What You Need to Know

  • DurationFull day or 1 night
  • IncludesGuide, meals, and activities
  • Group SizeMinimum 2 · Maximum 15 people
  • PriceContact us for pricing Information
  • How to Get ThereNear Coatepeque, San Marcos
Location
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Schedule your visit

Tell Us When You'd Like to Come

Fill out the form and the community will get in touch to confirm the date, number of people, and details of your visit.