Located in Central America, Guatemala is a long-standing ally of Taiwan. It is a nation embraced by volcanoes, drawing countless travelers who come specifically for volcano hiking. But beyond the volcanic peaks, what other landscapes await exploration? For this event, we have invited Cecilia Wu, author of The Heartbeat of Guatemala, to generously share her personal travel stories and adventures across the country.

Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Sousou Corner｜No. 4, Lane 16, Taishun Street, Da’an District, Taipei City
Instructor: Cecilia Wu (Writer, former diplomat, with many years of experience stationed in Central America)

If you had the chance to visit Guatemala, which destination would you want to visit most? Would it be witnessing the power of glowing red volcanic lava up close, venturing into the cloud forests to search for the mysterious resplendent quetzal—the national bird featured on their flag—or tracing the steps of a 4,000-year-old Maya ruin?

The speaker, Yu-Pei (Cecilia), vividly captures the deep, authentic rhythm of daily life in this beautiful country through her book, The Heartbeat of Guatemala:

"If every nation has its own heartbeat, Guatemala’s beats a little slower and a little deeper than ours.

It echoes from the foot of the volcanoes, from the wind blowing through the cornfields, and from the gaze of the Maya people.

It drifts from the aroma of coffee on street corners, and from the prayers that float gently through the cities."

Guatemalan culture is deeply influenced by the ancient Maya civilization that began over 4,000 years ago. Located at the heart of the Maya world, the country not only preserves more than 20 Maya archaeological sites but also remains the nation with the largest Maya population today.

Following the Maya civilization was Spanish colonial culture. This heritage is visible today in the grid-patterned streets of the historic city of Antigua, its Baroque churches, and its market squares. It is also alive in the annual Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions in April—a grand event comparable in passion to Taiwan’s Mazu pilgrimages—which stand as the largest Easter celebrations in the world.

When walking into local markets or villages, vibrant colors always greet you before words do. From the handwoven textiles hanging everywhere to the intricately embroidered traditional tops worn by Maya women, this weaving heritage has been passed down since the Maya era. It has made Guatemala a high-chroma country, where the close connection between ancient civilization and contemporary life can be felt at every turn.

Lecture｜Scenery Beneath the Volcanoes of Guatemala

Cecilia Wu, author of The Heartbeat of Guatemala, served as a diplomat for over twenty years, with her time living in Guatemala leaving an especially unforgettable impression. During her adventures there, she not only learned traditional weaving from Indigenous artisans, but was even told by a Maya astrologer that her destiny naturally suited her to become a Maya shaman. In this two-hour session, the former diplomat will guide us on a virtual journey to explore Guatemala.

｜Date & Location
July 25 (Sat), 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sousou Corner Flagship Store｜No. 4, Lane 16, Taishun Street, Da’an District, Taipei City

｜Highlights

• Natural Ecology: Volcanoes and the National Bird

• Maya Culture: From Ancient Times to the Present

• Religious Blend: Catholicism and Traditional Maya Beliefs

• Textile Try-on: Traditional and Modern Textile Industries

• Guatemalan Food Culture

｜Workshop Fee
Regular price: NT$900 per person
Early bird (before July 20): NT$780 per person / NT$1500 for two
Limited to 25 participants

｜Special Treats

• Guest Chef: Fidel A former diplomat stationed in Latin America for many years, who later honed his culinary skills at Le Cordon Bleu in Peru. Chef Fidel has prepared authentic Latin American bites for this event.

• Pepián (Guatemalan Spiced Chicken Stew) A beloved "national stew" that beautifully blends Maya and Spanish culinary heritages. The rich, thick sauce is made from roasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, tomatoes, and an abundance of spices, then slow-simmered with chicken. It is served alongside pita bread and authentic Guatemalan salsa (chirmol).

• Central American Specialty Coffee