Indigenous Communities of Sololá
Natün carries out its work primarily in the department of Sololá, situated in the Western Highlands, a region renowned as the Heart of the Maya World which encompasses the Lake Atitlan watershed.
This territory, considered a convergence of ancestral identity, is home to an estimated population of 500,000 inhabitants (2025). More than 96% identify as Maya, primarily belonging to the Kaqchikel, K’iche’, and Tz’utujil ethnic groups. Sololá is a land of community knowledge, weavings that tell stories, rituals that honor nature, and a majestic natural environment, where Lake Atitlán shines as a sacred mirror and source of life, generating economic opportunities for the residents living in its surroundings.
Despite its immense cultural and natural wealth, the people of Sololá have traveled a long and painful path marked by racism, exclusion, and historical discrimination. However, far from being defeated by adversity, its communities have firmly woven a resilient identity, deeply organized and committed to transformation. They have survived centuries of injustice, and every day they rise with dignity to build a more just, equitable, and fulfilling life, where ancestral memory becomes strength and hope becomes collective action.
General Conext
Guatemala ranks as the 14th most unequal country out of 163 nations globally.
Maya communities face some of the highest rates of poverty, malnutrition, and inequality in Latin America.
0%
of the majority-Indigenous population in the Western Highlands live in poverty, and 26% in extreme poverty (World Bank, 2020)0%
of lawmakers and senior public officials are from Indigenous groups, despite these groups comprising over 50% of the population, showing limited Indigenous representation in decision making (IWGIA, 2025)0%
less government spending per person goes to Indigenous communities – $0.40 USD per day versus $0.90 USD for non-Indigenous individuals (IWGIA, 2025)0%
of the population in Sololá speak a Mayan language commonly spoken in Lake Atitlan region: Kaqchikel, K´iche, Tz´utujil. (INE, 2018)This contextual information serves as the basis for Natün’s Strategy for 2026-2030, positioning us as a key player by implementing programs that strengthen education, health, nutrition, and economic opportunities, with a culturally relevant, sustainable, equitable, and rights-based approach, committed to systemic change, and deeply rooted in respect for the dignity of Indigenous communities.
General Conext
Guatemala ranks as the 14th most unequal country out of 163 nations globally.
Maya communities face some of the highest rates of poverty, malnutrition, and inequality in Latin America.
0%
of the majority-Indigenous population in the Western Highlands live in poverty, and 26% in extreme poverty (World Bank, 2020)0%
of lawmakers and senior public officials are from Indigenous groups, despite these groups comprising over 50% of the population, showing limited Indigenous representation in decision making (IWGIA, 2025)0%
less government spending per person goes to Indigenous communities – $0.40 USD per day versus $0.90 USD for non-Indigenous individuals (IWGIA, 2025)0%
of the population in Sololá speak a Mayan language commonly spoken in Lake Atitlan region: Kaqchikel, K´iche, Tz´utujil. (INE, 2018)
This contextual information serves as the basis for Natün’s Strategy for 2026-2030, positioning us as a key player by implementing programs that strengthen education, health, nutrition, and economic opportunities, with a culturally relevant, sustainable, equitable, and rights-based approach, committed to systemic change, and deeply rooted in respect for the dignity of Indigenous communities.
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Where We Work
In 2026, we will partner with 18 rural Indigenous communities in the department of Sololá, following our 2026-2030 Strategy and enabling long-term impact.
Natün carries out its work in the department of Sololá, where the Maya heritage not only endures but flourishes.
Support Indigenous-Led Ethnodevelopment
Nutrition & Health Program
Improves the nutrition and health of women and children through a holistic approach that strengthens prevention, self-care, and the availability of healthy foods.
Education Program
Fosters the personal, community, and social development of children and adolescents by strengthening their leadership, communication, identity, science and technology skills, through culturally relevant curricula and the active participation of families.
Economic Development Program
Improves community economic autonomy, through capacity building in entrepreneurship and business skills, with technical and financial support.
Our Core Values
Cooperation
We work as a kind, effective and supportive team in collaboration with the communities.
Reciprocity
We believe in dignified, equitable relationships with communities, fostering agency, active participation and service to others.
Humility
We recognize our role as facilitators, centering and valuing local expertise. We evolve based on constant learning and self-improvement.
Respect
We treat all people kindly and fairly, with dignity and empathy.
Transparency
We have reasonable, justified and clearly communicated processes and use of resources.
Accountability
We thoughtfully and responsibly manage our resources to ensure both efficient use and intentional impact.
Integrity
We act honestly and ethically, thereby earning the trust and confidence of both communities and supporters.
Preserving Maya Traditions:
Integrating Maya ancestral knowledge and practices into every program to guide sustainable, community-rooted ethnodevelopment.
Capacity Development:
Expanding local leadership, skills and capacity to drive long-term Indigenous led systemic change.
Community-Led Approach:
All programs are co-developed and implemented with Maya leaders, and other regional stakeholders, centering community priorities and decision-making.
Resource Optimization:
Strategic resource use maximizes impact and supports community priorities through accountable, efficient partnerships and processes.
Holistic Development:
Advancing interconnected strategies addressing root causes and strengthening education, health, economic, and cultural wellbeing.
Our Partners
Live the Experience
At Natün, we believe in the transformative nature of immersive travel that fosters authentic connections and mutual respect. Our thoughtfully designed experience trips offer you the chance to explore the rich Maya culture, engage in environmental conservation, and participate in community-led initiatives around the breathtaking Lake Atitlán region.
Get in touch with us
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Natün Guatemala is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. EIN 20-8433997.
