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Pascual Abaj: A Living Maya Shrine

Discover Pascual Abaj in Chichicastenango: a sacred Maya site where ancient traditions and spiritual ceremonies come to life.

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Pascual Abaj, also known as Turcaj, is a pre-Columbian Maya idol located on a wooded hilltop south of Chichicastenango. Revered by the local community, it is a site for traditional Maya ceremonies and offerings. Despite suffering damage over the years, it remains a significant spiritual and cultural landmark.

A brief summary to Pascual Abaj

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Ask permission before taking photographs of ceremonies or individuals.
  • Visit during local festivals for a more vibrant experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the uphill walk to the shrine.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the central plaza in Chichicastenango, walk south on 5a Avenida, then turn right onto 9a Calle and proceed downhill. At the bottom of the street, bear left onto a path. You'll see signs for morerías (mask workshops); follow the path uphill through either workshop. Exit at the rear and continue uphill through the trees to reach Pascual Abaj. The walk is approximately 3 kilometers and takes about 10-20 minutes. There are no entrance fees to access Pascual Abaj.

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Discover more about Pascual Abaj

Pascual Abaj, meaning 'Easter Stone' in Spanish and K'iche' Maya, is a sacred shrine located approximately 3 kilometers south of Chichicastenango, Guatemala. Also known as Turcaj, the site is a pre-Columbian Maya idol that has survived the Spanish conquest and continues to be venerated by the local Maya community. The stone idol is situated on a wooded ridge overlooking the Chichicastenango valley. Traditional Maya shamans regularly perform ceremonies at the shrine, offering pine branches, crosses, flowers, copal resin, and stone artifacts. Visitors can witness these ceremonies and are welcome to observe, but should request permission before taking photos. Said to be hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years old, the idol has undergone numerous indignities, including damage in the 1950s. Before it was defaced, the statue was described as a grotesque human figure with a large head and high, pointed forehead. It had two circular earspools in line with its mouth; its arms were crossed on its chest, with the fingers extended. A cord was sculpted around its waist, to which was attached the image of an inverted severed human head. Despite the damage, local people still revere it. The shrine has become a popular tourist attraction where visitors can witness traditional Maya ceremonies. The area is littered with past offerings, demonstrating the continuing importance of the site to the local community.

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