Guardians of the Mayan Bee

Just off the shores of Lake Atitlán, where misty volcanoes rise over vibrant Maya villages, we stumbled upon a quiet revolution, one dedicated to saving the sacred bees of the Maya. Unlike the honeybees most of us know, these native stingless bees, known as Melipona beecheii, have been a cornerstone of Maya culture for centuries. Their honey, once considered a gift from the gods, was used in ceremonies, medicine, and daily life. But today, these bees are facing threats from environmental changes and invasive species, putting a fragile but vital tradition at risk.

That’s where Juan, a first-generation Mayan beekeeper, comes in. Determined to protect these native pollinators, he founded a project aimed at restoring their population around the lake. We had the privilege of meeting him, hearing his story, and suiting up in full beekeeper gear to experience meliponiculture firsthand. Carefully, we tended to the hives, assisted in maintenance, and observed the delicate process of honey extraction, an art that has remained largely unchanged since ancient times.

The honey itself is unlike anything else, golden, tangy, and infused with the wildflowers of the highlands. It’s not just a sweetener but a potent medicinal elixir, long used by the Maya to treat ailments ranging from sore throats to eye infections. Juan spoke passionately about its significance and the ongoing efforts to protect these bees, from reforestation projects to sustainable honey production that ensures fair wages for local beekeepers.

This experience wasn’t just about honey; it was a lesson in connection to nature, to ancient wisdom, and to a way of life that is both deeply rooted and urgently in need of preservation. As we left, we couldn’t help but feel that we weren’t just witnessing conservation in action, we were a small part of it, carrying forward the story of the Maya’s sacred bee.

Contact us for more information about Creative Retreats, Semana Santa, Itineraries in Guatemala or across Central America.