Chimaltenango Department
Kaqchikel Maya heartland; vegetables for Guatemala City, textiles. Proximity to capital enables fresh produce delivery. By 2026, urban demand drives vegetable expansion; traditional weaving survives via tourism.
Kaqchikel Maya heartland produces vegetables for Guatemala City markets—Chimaltenango's highland location between capital and western highlands positions it as agricultural supplier and transit zone. Textile production (both traditional weaving and industrial) employs significant workforce.
Market gardening (broccoli, lettuce, carrots) serves domestic urban demand. The proximity to Antigua and capital region enables daily fresh produce delivery. Flower cultivation for export adds value to agricultural output.
Traditional weaving communities maintain practices threatened by cheap imports and changing fashion. The tension between preservation and modernization plays out in household decisions about livelihood strategies.
2026 trajectory: Vegetable production expands with urban demand. Textile employment depends on maquila industry health. Traditional crafts survive through tourist markets and diaspora purchases.