Backstrap Weaving Classes Lake Atitlan Guatemala

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Gudelia Cumes has 25 years of experience teaching tourists, and is among the best weavers in San Pedro. Her manner is warm, and students will feel welcome in her home. Gudelia speaks Spanish and Tz'utuhil, but she can teach anyone whatever their level of Spanish or lack of it.

Makoto Yamada had been studying weaving with Gudelia when I arrived to take photographs. Makoto spoke English but very little Spanish, (she had just begun studing at Casa Rosario) nevertheless she had not have trouble understanding Gudelia.

Prices and Projects:

First project: a "simple" or single weaving is 3' to 4' long and 6" to 10" wide. The 100 Quetzales price (approximately $15) includes:
- Eight Hours of Classes
- Cotton Thread
- Wooden Parts for the students own backstrap loom.
The second project: the student has the option of a double weave or a simple design. The price is 50 Quetzales (less than $7.50) for eight hours of classes.

Gudelia's house is built on a steep hillside making the view from her terrace spectacular.

The photograph above is the view from the terrace outside the weaving studio of Gudelia Cumes. By this time there should be a railing there so that weaving can safely take place on the terrace. As can be imagined this is one of the most spectacular views in San Pedro or in Guatemala. The house is on a steep hillside reached by small alleyways between houses (callejons) and stone stairs with plants growing out of the crevices.

Gudelia has found a small mistake in Makoto's setup making it necessary for Makoto to re-do a few rows.

Callejon D is a small paved path between houses. Without the map at left, Callejon D would be hard to find on your own. Even following the blue line on map you can miss it, but it is easy to go back and try again. Starting in front of the Catholic Church the road from San Pedro to San Juan goes straight and the turns the corner with a view of the lake. Before the road starts steeply downhill, a narrower road goes up to the left and back into town. Callejon D is short distance up this road on the right. There is an inconspicuous sign for Callejon D painted on the side of a building.

You can also contact Gudelia Cumes by asking for a weaving teacher at the Spanish School Casa Rosario. Gudelia is the sister of the directors of Casa Rosario. Another way to find Gudelia Cumes would be to ask for the young woman who sells chocolates at the San Pedro hotels and restaurants. She is Angela Eustaquia Petzey, a daughter-in-law of Gudelia who lives is the same compound.

Address:
Godelia Cumes
2a Callejon D, 2-46, Zona 1
Canton Pacucha
San Pedro la Laguna

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