Kaqchikel People
The Kaqchikel are Indigenous descendants of the Maya civilization living in the highlands of Guatemala. They speak the Kaqchikel language and preserve colorful weaving and ceremonial traditions.
Location
Indigenous people primarily living in the central highlands of Guatemala, especially around Lake Atitlán.
History
Descendants of the ancient Maya civilization, the Kaqchikel formed a powerful kingdom during the Postclassic period (c. 1200–1524 AD). They were allies of the Spanish during the early conquest but later resisted colonization. Today, they maintain a rich cultural identity.
Culture
Strong traditions in weaving, agriculture (especially maize), and spiritual practices blending Maya beliefs with Catholicism. They celebrate vibrant festivals such as Rabin Ajaw and Day of the Dead
Modern Day
The Kaqchikel are one of the 21 recognized Maya ethnic groups in Guatemala, with active efforts to preserve language and traditions.
Kaqchikel Flag and Symbols
No widely recognized official flag**, but symbols include
・Maya glyphs representing their language and calendar.
・Textile patterns：Traditional Kaqchikel weavings often feature symbolic colors and designs.
・Some regional communities display flags featuring **Maya cosmology symbols** or **Guatemala's national colors** with indigenous emblems.
Language
Kaqchikel belongs to the Mayan language family and is spoken mainly in the central highlands of Guatemala. It remains actively used by hundreds of thousands of people today.
Kaqchikel Language Features
・Language Family：Mayan language family, specifically the Quichean-Mamean branch.
・Phonetics：Includes glottalized consonants and distinct vowel length.
・Writing：Traditionally oral; now written using **Latin script**, including adaptations for unique sounds.
・Characteristics：
・Ergative-absolutive grammar structure
・Rich system of >verb prefixes indicating subject and object.
・Many Kaqchikel words are derived from nature and daily life.
Script
Ancient Maya script was a logographic system, but today Kaqchikel is commonly written using the Latin alphabet, influenced by Spanish colonial rule.
Common Kaqchikel Greetings and Phrases
| English | Kaqchikel Language | Pronunciation |
| Hello | Xq’ab’är | sh-k’abah |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning | Saqari | sa-ka-ree |
| Thank you | Maltiox | mal-tee-osh |
| Nice to meet you | K’u ri k’utu’ ri qachoch’ | koo ree koo-too ree |
| Good night | Xoka’ | sho-ka |
| Delicious | Uj chik | oosh cheek |
| Fun/Enjoyable | Ri utz ri k’aslemal | ree oots ree k’as-le-mal |
Notes
・Maltiox is the standard word for "Thank you" and is commonly used across many Maya communities.
・The Kaqchikel language has regional variations, but these phrases are widely understood.
Region
Continent: Central America
Region: Central Guatemala (Sololá, Chimaltenango, etc.)
Access Guide
The currency of the Kaqchikel people is the Quetzal (GTQ).
Kaqchikel Nation
Here are examples of access routes from major cities to the central highlands of Guatemala—mainly to areas such as Guatemala City, Panajachel, Sololá, and Chimaltenango.
| Departure City | Direct/Transit | Arrival Airport | Flight Time (approx.) | Reference Fare (one-way/round-trip, Economy) |
| Los Angeles | Los Angeles→Guatemala City (direct) | La Aurora Int'l Airport | 5h | US$200–US$500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | New York→Houston or Miami→Guatemala City | La Aurora Int'l Airport | 7–10h | US$280–US$600 |
| London | London→via USA→Guatemala City | La Aurora Int'l Airport | 16–19h | £600–£1,200 |
| Tokyo | Tokyo→via USA→Guatemala City | La Aurora Int'l Airport | 18–23h | ¥150,000–¥260,000 |
| Sydney | Sydney→via USA→Guatemala City | La Aurora Int'l Airport | 21–28h | A$1,000–A$2,200 |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong→via USA→Guatemala City | La Aurora Int'l Airport | 22–27h | HK$7,500–HK$12,000 |
| Shanghai | Shanghai→via USA→Guatemala City | La Aurora Int'l Airport | 22–27h | CNY 5,000–8,000 |
| Singapore | Singapore→via USA→Guatemala City | La Aurora Int'l Airport | 23–29h | S$1,200–S$2,500 |
・La Aurora International Airport (Guatemala City) is the main gateway to the Kaqchikel region (e.g., Panajachel).
・Panajachel can be reached by car, taxi, or shuttle bus (approx. 3h from Guatemala City).
・All times and prices are estimates as of June 2025.
・No direct flights from Asia/Oceania/Europe; transit in the USA is required.
Language Origin
Kaqchikel is part of the Mayan language family and shares a common ancestral language with Classical Maya, tracing back several millennia.
Traditional Games
The Kaqchikel people, like other Maya groups, engage in traditional games that reflect their agricultural roots and communal spirit. These games often involve physical skill, strategy, and are played during festivals or community gatherings.
Games such as "Pató," a traditional ball sport, and ritual-based play are still practiced during festivals and community gatherings.
1. Pelota Maya (Maya Ball Game)
・Description：A ceremonial ball game played with hips to move a heavy rubber ball.
・Purpose：Historically, it had ritual significance tied to the cosmos.
・Modern Version：Reenacted in festivals as a cultural display.
２．Tz’ol K’opoj (Counting Stones)
・Descriptio：A strategy game using stones and pits, similar to Mancala.
・Purpose：Develops counting skills and strategic thinking.
・Cultural Context：Tied to agricultural cycles and teaching children.
３．Cinta (Ribbon Pole Game)
・Descriptio：Players ride horses around a pole with ribbons, trying to grab them.。
・Purpose：Celebratory, often played during fiestas.
・Cultural Context：Blends pre-Hispanic and colonial traditions.
Introduction video
Additional Notes
・Traditional games reinforce community values, ancestral knowledge, and physical endurance.
・Kaqchikel youth participate in cultural workshops to maintain these traditions.