Did you know? Santa Cruz La Laguna is made up of seven distinct communities.

Many people are familiar with the lakeside town center of Santa Cruz La Laguna, but fewer people reach its 'upper communities.' Perched high along the ridge above Lake Atitlán, daily life there looks very different. In Pajomel, Chuitzanchaj, and Laguna Seca, distance creates an added layer of difficulty.

Reached only by a two-hour hike up or by basic roads across the ridge, these communities are more isolated from schools, healthcare, and employment opportunities. For families living here, opportunities can feel more limited, simply because fewer options are within reach.

Amigos is currently running several programs that expand our reach into these communities, to ensure they are not left behind as development grows more rapidly along the lakeshore.

The view from Santa Cruz’s upper communities, sitting 800 meters (2,600 feet) above Lake Atitlán.

Seeds of Change:

Agroecology Education & Enterprise Initiative

Last month, we partnered with Vivamos Mejor to launch a new initiative in the highlands of Santa Cruz La Laguna, involving 17 women from the communities of Chuitzanchaj and Pajomel.

The project promotes agroecological methods to grow native, nutrient-rich food crops, and then developing business skills to market these products. The goal is to support local families through economic development while strengthening local food security.



Through this initiative, women are not only developing their agricultural skills and knowledge of native, nutritious plants, but also building confidence, independence, and a strong support network. Most importantly, they will gain the ability to generate their own income and support themselves and their families.

Santiago: A Chuitzanchaj Leader

Santiago (centre)

Culinary Student, 2012

Santiago

Restaurant Manager, 2026

Many of you will know Santiago, the manager of our restaurant, Sabor Cruceño. He grew up in Chuitzanchaj, one of the upper communities of Santa Cruz La Laguna, where access to opportunity is more limited.

Santiago first connected with Amigos through workshops offered in his community during high school, where he was introduced to the program.

“In my community, access to education is much more limited. There is no transport, and we often have to travel to another municipality to study. In Santa Cruz, there is more access, and services are much closer.”

Santiago studied in CECAP's 2012 Culinary Program, just the second graduating class in a program that continues strong today. He went on to work in Sabor Cruceño, eventually moving up to the role of Restaurant Manager while also returning as a culinary instructor for current students.

Recently, elementary school children in Chuitzanchaj completed a project in which they were asked to draw their role models. Santiago was suprised and deeply honored to see that many had drawn him! His success is now a source of inspiration for the next generation in his small village, that they too can succeed. His journey is a powerful example of what becomes possible when access to opportunity reaches the upper communities.

Women Driving Economic Growth in Pajomel

The 'Pajomel Oyster Mushroom' group is one of the small businesses supported by the Amigos Entrepreneur Support Program.

The group of three women began oyster mushroom production in 2021, working in a small space that limited their capacity.  They remained determined to make their business work, and were eventually able to construct a dedicated production module with the space to help their business grow. This larger space transformed their work, allowing them to increase production and improve working conditions.

In early 2024, the group took another important step forward with the addition of a new member and leader: 22 year-old Emelia Rosenda Canel Sipac. Her leadership reflects a growing shift in the upper communities, where young women are finding new ways to generate income and build more independent futures.

Today, the project supports five participants and benefits 25 people indirectly, standing as an example of perseverance, teamwork, and local leadership.

Expanding programs like these is only possible with your support.

You may also consider...

Becoming a monthly donor

Make your monthly contribution and help expand access in Santa Cruz.

Joining our Legacy Program

By adding a gift to Amigos in your will, you can ensure that your support will last for years to come.