https://direct-book.com/properties/unicornioazul
Blog
The library of chancol
The public education system is clearly deficient, the lack of sources offering healthy entertainment and places of coexistence, family disintegration, cultural identity under pressure, the general perception that overcoming can only happen through immigration to the United States, uncontrolled demographic growth, the lack of employment, the social and cultural impact of immigration, among other multiple factors, cause low self-improvement and frustration in a youth stretched between its roots and rural way of life on the one hand, and the attraction exercised by our globalized consumer society, on the other hand.
At the end of 2010, a group of young people from our community with the concern to “do something” took the initiative to visit us, coinciding with our own “concern” in the face of the obvious deficiencies of the place. From the discussions held with them, it was agreed to create a library. And from this dream, facing obstacles and achievements, little by little it was created what is now the Library, Toy Library and Cultural Center of Chancol.
After some time at a local place in the community, the Unicornio Azul made available a plot of land owned by it, a couple of generous clients and friends and the travel agency Adrenalina Tours financed the construction materials for its own building, built by El Unicornio Azul owner, which premiered at the end of 2013, at the same time, a half-time salaried librarian began an increasingly stable and professional service, financed by another friendly travel agency: Viaventure Central America.
Many more people and friends collaborated in different ways with books, donations or particular knowledge and skills in areas such as writing, drawing, photography, history, astronomy, singing and music, environment, etc., allowing to expand the contribution of the library with workshops, conferences and a different variety of quality activities that are an addition to reading programs and reading and writing contests surrounding subjects of interest to participants, extracurricular support, loan of books, educational games as well as the articulation and specific monitoring to the beneficiaries of a scholarship program for basic and diversificado level.
UNICORNIO AZUL
Online payment
Please, make your payment through this way ONLY AFTER:
- You have made your reservation (through email, phone or WhatsApp)
- You have received confirmation and the amount to be paid.
We are not responsible for payments made without confirmation of your reservation.
About our services
Unicornio Azul’s specialty is Equine Mediation (Coaching facilitated by the horse). We also organize horseback riding for small groups of RIDERS (that is, at least, totally comfortable at three paces), checking availability and reserving previously.
Additionally, there are numerous activities and places of interest that you can do and visit in the region from the Blue Unicorn, either on your own or if you need it, with a guide that we can gladly recommend.
We do not have a restaurant, but we are happy to serve you at our table with a Menu of the day with different food and drink options, a service only for our guests. We will send you the Menu, the day of your arrival so that you can order in advance. Our food is homemade and prioritizes fresh and, when possible, local ingredients.
El Unicornio Azul is a lodge, it is not a recreational park, so we do not have “day pass”. Our services are only lodging, food only for guests and ecuestrian experiences . The facilities are for you, our guests to whom we guarantee the tranquility you seek, by not receiving more visitors than the capacity of the lodge.
We do not have camping service; only the lodge.
Except for some unforeseen events, we have wi-fi during working hours, which reaches the Main House of the lodge where the dining room, the outdoor terrace and three of the rooms are located. Inside rooms # 1 and 2 of the Casita, there is no telephone or internet signal.
The Rides
You do not need to be lodged, to book a horseback ride, but do take into account the very specific conditions in which we offer this service (https://www.unicornioazul.com/en/equestrian-experiences/). On the basis that yes, you are riders, it is necessary to check availability and book. So we will be prepared and waiting for you !
We have small children
Children are always welcome, AS LONG AS, they are under the supervision and responsibility of their parents and they make sure the children respect and be careful to:
- The lodge, including its equipment and decoration, the plants and the animals as well.
- The peace, tranquility and space of the other guests
We invite you to read and analyze BEFORE reserving these simple rules of coexistence and analyze if you feel comfortable with them. They will surely enjoy the countryside, the animals’ company and the hiding places among the rocks.
We only have five rooms, so we cannot have special prices for children “per se” as big hotels can do, since they use the resources (bed, water – very scarce – space in the common areas etc.) equally (or sometimes more) than an adult. We receive a lot of families, so if we had half the occupancy for half the price, the lodge simply wouldn’t be sustainable. However, if you have very young children, do not hesitate to ask us, we will gladly see how they can be distributed in the rooms in such a way that we can give them a more favorable rate.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations are strongly recommended. We are very small and the rooms might be full if you decide to only walk in. We cannot guarantee services that have not been previously reserved.
There are no defined deadlines per se. It is important however to take into account that Saturdays and holidays are the most requested and reserved in advance (see our high season dates) while during the week and in low season, the demand is much lower although we only have five rooms so, with a big group, at any time, we can be easily filled.
Check availability (by whatsapp or another way that suits you better)
Reserve provisionally by any of these ways
Based on the confirmation of availability and the indications that will be sent to you, make an advance deposit (50% in low season, 100% in high season) by the way that will be sent to you.
Send us an image of the transaction and we will send you an acknowledgment of receipt.
Ready !
The advance can be paid by electronic transfer or bank deposit. There is also the option to pay by credit card through a payment link that would be sent to you. In the latter case, take into account that the system we manage (which is not a POS) divides the card commission between you and us and will recharge both of us by 4%.The balance can be paid in the same ways, or in cash.
Various
Let’s start with reality: we are located at the Sierra at 3,000 meters high.. If you are looking for heat, it is definitely NOT the right place! The air is always relatively cold (between 10 and 20 degrees during the day at the shade); the clouds, the night or the wind greatly increase the feeling, while the sun, which is very strong, decreases it significantly.
Therefore, if it is cold or not depends on the mind and attitude of each person and how he lives things. Because the climate is part of the region or country that you are visiting and one of the discoveries during the trip. If you are looking for the same climate you have at home, it will be wiser to stay ….. at home. If you are looking to discover new environments, sensations and experiences, we are waiting for you!
The rooms have a small wood stove to heat the room (not for cooking!) and a certain amount of firewood at your disposal, with the possibility of requesting more for an additional cost. And in each bed, you will find five thick blankets when you lie down, so we hope you sleep well.
If you would like to wake up with frosted dawns, nights invaded by stars, intense blue skies and spectacular cloudscapes, the coldest time, from November to February is the most propitious (with the exception of the ” northern fronts ” that bring a lot of wind and air cold north, clouds and humidity).
If you prefer green and more flowery landscapes, rainy season (supposedly from May to October) is indicated.
If you prefer the less cold season, the months of March and April are the most favorable. They are also the driest.
Warm and comfortable clothes (a good sweater and a jacket is a good combination) and comfortable shoes for walking and wanting to live new experiences!
We have a food and beverage service for our guests, but if you wish, you can bring snacks, which we appreciate keeping in your room. You will not be able to cook on the site (nor in the rooms of course, nor outside). Neither we cook food that you have brought. If you bring alcoholic bottles, logically we will have to charge corkage. And in any case, for the tranquility of the place and respect for other guests, owners and neighbors, alcohol is only allowed in moderation. The place is not suitable for parties.
We are animal lovers and dog lovers in particular, so we have many rescued dogs. We understand that it would be great to come with your dog. But unfortunately, it is not possible… Because, even if it is “small and well behaved”, we have our own dogs that will logically defend their territory and we don’t want your dog or ours to get hurt; because your dog, out of its usual environment, will want to be with you and we cannot impose it on the other guests; because they end up comfortably lying in bed which, for reasons of hygiene, cannot be done either and for other reasons that previous experiences have taught us. We appreciate your understanding.
We deliver your room at 3:00 p.m. but if it is available earlier, we will gladly deliver it to you earlier and you can also arrive earlier. On the day of your departure, we will need your room at 12:00 but you can leave the place later.
Yes, the last six kilometers are unpaved, and the state can vary depending on the season, but normally, any vehicle enters, although if it is very low, you will have to drive particularly slowly. If you have doubts, ask us!
By car
Any type of car may arrive at the lodge; no double traction is required (although this may be necessary for some excursions in the area). The whole road is paved except for the last 6km that are dirt roads but they are on the flat side and do not show any problems.
* If you come by the Inter-American Highway, you will find a sign indicating Chiantla a little before arriving to Huehuetenango. This detour is a bit longer but allows you to avoid crossing the city of Huehuetenango especially at the end of the afternoon in rush hour. Otherwise, you may go through Huehuetenango looking for Chiantla (signaling is almost non-existent).
* Once in Chiantla, take the paved road to “La Cumbre”, that is, follow any indication for Todos Santos, Soloma or Barillas. After 12 kilometers of climb, you will pass a place called “El Mirador”; 1 km after the Mirador, reaching the flat part, at kilometer 281, there is a small village called “La Capellanía”. In “La Capellanía”, instead of following the asphalted road to the left (in the direction of Paquix, Todos Santos, Barillas etc.,), at the height of “Tienda Mary”, take the dirt road to the right during 6km. At the first kilometer of dirt road, you will find a blue arrow that says “El Unicornio Azul – 5 kms “. Follow it without deviating until the next blue arrows that are already facing Unicornio Azul! We are at the end of a great plain and visible until the last moment. If the gate is closed, open it, we close it so the horses do not come out. If you have any question, you can ask for Chancol, “Fernando and Paulina” or “those of the horses” or, of course, call us.
We are also in Waze but do not trust the app too much… AND DO NOT FOLLOW Google Maps because it will send you the wrong way.
Without car
From Guatemala City to Huehuetenango, there are different Pullman bus companies.
See here, the schedules of some companies.
There are also small shuttles from Quetzaltenango or from Panajachel (like Adrenaline Tours: 7761 4509).
From Huehuetenango to Chancol, there are three options:
The most direct and economic option can be taken from the street that goes from the market to “El Calvario”, there is a parking lot (marked on the map) next to the “San Miguel” pharmacy, from which little buses leave in the direction of “La Cooperativa” IN “Climentoro”, passing through Chancol just in front of Unicornio Azul.
Usually, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 4 little buses leave (at 11 am, 11:30 am and 12:30pm) and then between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm. On Wednesday, only two little buses leave at 11 and 11:30 am and then between 4:00and 4:30 pm. On Sundays, only one leaves at 11:30am and it does not leave in the afternoon. God willing … of course!
If any of the schedules above works for you and you decide to live the unforgettable experience of taking a “chicken bus”, you can do so from “la terminal” of buses or from “El Calvario”, take the first bus that leaves to “La Cumbre” (towards Todos Santos, Soloma, Barillas etc. …) and ask to get off at the village “la Capellanía”, 1 km after “El Mirador” (km 281). According to availability, we can pick you up by car (Q45) or give you the contact of a local “taxi driver” (ask for Don Nato or don Pedro who will charge you Q50 for the trip). We are only 6 km away!
If you prefer a private and direct transport, this is also available, do not hesitate to contact us!
Contact Us
- Aldea Chancol, Municipio de Chiantla, Dpto. de Huehuetenango, Guatemala
- (+502) 5205-9328
- info(@)unicornioazul(.)om
We are located in the village of Chancol, municipality of Chiantla, in the department of Huehuetenango 287 km away from the capital (about 6 hours by car from the capital’s exit to the West), not counting any stop.
From the City of Huehuetenango, we are 25km away – 1 hour by car.
Any type of car may arrive at the lodge; no double traction is required (although this may be necessary for some excursions in the area). The whole road is paved except for the last 6km that are dirt roads but they are on the flat side and do not show any problems.
* If you come by the Inter-American Highway, you will find a sign indicating Chiantla a little before arriving to Huehuetenango. This detour is a bit longer but allows you to avoid crossing the city of Huehuetenango especially at the end of the afternoon in rush hour. Otherwise, you may go through Huehuetenango looking for Chiantla (signaling is almost non-existent).
* Once in Chiantla, take the paved road to “La Cumbre”, that is, follow any indication for Todos Santos, Soloma or Barillas. After 12 kilometers of climb, you will pass a place called “El Mirador”; 1 km after the Mirador, reaching the flat part, at kilometer 281, there is a small village called “La Capellanía”. In “La Capellanía”, instead of following the asphalted road to the left (in the direction of Paquix, Todos Santos, Barillas etc.,), at the height of “Tienda Mary”, take the dirt road to the right during 6km. At the first kilometer of dirt road, you will find a blue arrow that says “El Unicornio Azul – 5 kms “. Follow it without deviating until the next blue arrows that are already facing Unicornio Azul! We are at the end of a great plain and visible until the last moment. If the gate is closed, open it, we close it so the horses do not come out. If you have any question, you can ask for Chancol, “Fernando and Paulina” or “those of the horses” or, of course, call us.
We are also in Waze but do not trust the app too much… AND DO NOT FOLLOW Google Maps because it will send you the wrong way.
From Guatemala City to Huehuetenango, there are different Pullman bus companies. Halcones is the one with more options.
There are also small shuttles from Quetzaltenango or from Panajachel (like Adrenaline Tours).
From Huehuetenango to Chancol, there are three options:
The most direct and economic option can be taken from the street that goes from the market to “El Calvario”, there is a parking lot (marked on the map with a yellow star) next to the “San Miguel” pharmacy, from which little buses leave in the direction of “La Cooperativa” in “Climentoro”, passing through Chancol just in front of Unicornio Azul.
Usually, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 4 little buses leave (at 11 am, 11:30 am and 12:30pm) and then between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm. On Wednesday, only two little buses leave at 11 and 11:30 am and then between 4:00and 4:30 pm. On Sundays, only one leaves at 11:30am and it does not leave in the afternoon. The schedules may change at any moment!
If any of the schedules above works for you and you decide to live the unforgettable experience of taking a “chicken bus”, you can do so from “la terminal” of buses or from “El Calvario”, take the first bus that leaves to “La Cumbre” (towards Todos Santos, Soloma, Barillas etc. …) and ask to get off at the village “la Capellanía”, 1 km after “El Mirador” (km 281). For the last kilometers, we can give you the contact of a local “taxi driver” or, when you are in La Capellanía, ask for Don Goyo, Don Nato or don Pedro). We are only 6 km away!
If you prefer a private and direct transport, this is also available, do not hesitate to contact us!
Sierra de los Cuchumatanes
The spectacular Sierra de los Cuchumatanes is the highest non-volcanic region in all of Central America; which goes from the border with neighboring Chiapas (Mexico) in (en vez de TO ?) the northwest, up to the Verapaces mountains; to the east, crossing through the departments of Huehuetenango and Quiché, and covering 15% of the national territory.
Its unusual and sometimes austere landscapes, created by his rise of (no sería “FROM the sea”?) the sea in the tertiary, does not deserve a fairer appeal than those of the words in Mam lenguaje “cuchuj” (gathered) and “matán” (by force), which possibly gave name to it.
Between 500 and 3800 meters high, there is a great variation of climates, ecosystems and agricultural diversity that make Huehuetenango one of the regions of greatest biological diversity in the country. Although their lands tent to be more forested, agriculture is the main productive base. In addition to corn, beans, and wheat, common throughout the department, Aguacatán is famous for its garlic and onions, Nentón for its hibiscus, the highs of Chiantla for its potatoes, Barillas for its cardamom while Huehuetenango for its coffee (no sería : the coffee of Huehuetenango?), originally from its municipalities of medium height, is recognized worldwide. Sheep are a characteristic of the upper part since colonial times. San Mateo Ixtatán and Sacapulas (Quiché) are known for their salt production.
In the pre-colonial era, the region had a strong Mam presence, although there was Toltec influence, as well as periods of K’iche ‘ hegemony. The political and religious center of the Mam region was Zaculeu, until the fall of its cacique Caibil Balam in 1525, after a long siege imposed by the troops of Gonzalo de Alvarado. One hundred and forty archaeological sites show the pre-Hispanic historical and cultural richness of the department. From the colonial era, fascinating witnesses are the Silver Virgin of the church in Chiantla as well as the church of San Mateo Ixtatán among others. While Many legends still live in all these places.
The population of the department is close to one million people (8% of the country’s population) of which 65% is indigenous with an evident diversity of more than nine different languages (Akateko, Awakateko, Chuj, K’iche ‘, Mam, Pópti, Q ‘anjob’al , Tektiko and Spanish). Ladino communities are found mainly at the southern, northern, and western shores of the sierra, because of injustices in history, indigenous people were relegated to the higher and more remote lands of the center and east. Migration, in search of work and as a complement to subsistence agriculture, has become a constant for rural population, initially for the coffee harvests and more recently towards the US. Huehuetenango was also one of the most affected departments by the civil war during the 1980s.
In spite of its cultural richness, beauty and natural diversity, the department of Huehuetenango is little developed touristically. This makes Huehuetenango a destination for the daring, who want to get off the beaten track and who will be rewarded by the authenticity of the places and their people.
Destinations to discover
The Unicorns
The Blue Unicorns – eleven at present – are the soul of the Unicorn and we practically live in their midst.
We are their “guardians” and our duty is to care for and love them.
Horse experiences
The Unicornio Azul is evolving towards a new Human/Horse relationship. After having traveled so many mountains for so many years, the Blue Unicorns now invite us to take us to a new destination: ourselves. Through Equine Mediation, a powerful accompaniment facilitated by horses – that, due to characteristics of their species, perceive everything and reflect and reveal, without filters and in the present moment, what our inner state is – and accompanied with empathy and benevolence, by Pauline Décamps, the Mediator, trained in France.
Do you feel stuck in a personal or professional situation ? Do you want to advance your personal path ? Looking for clarity and security? Do you long for serenity, peace and harmony?
This interests you, inspires you, speaks to you? Let’s talk about it!
(Sessions are conducted on foot and do not require any equestrian experience or knowledge.)
We strongly recommend checking availability and making a reservation!
What is the Blue Unicorn?
Hidden in one of these magical corners of the Sierra de los Cuchumatanes, amidst unusual and abrupt landscapes of height and dazzling views, you will find a cozy traditional house in the middle of authentic rural Guatemala.
[descansa_nocturno]
More than a hotel, the Blue Unicorn is…
he home of Fernando and Pauline
[descansa_casa]
which brings together nature lovers and horses
for an unforgettable trip, a happy dinner or a desk around the fire from where many friendships have begun.
We trust that you will maintain the peace of the place through simple rules of coexistence and minimizing the impact of your visit on the environment and in our community by following some clauses of conscience.
Ours rooms
There are five simple and cozy rooms, for different capacities. Three of them are in the main house, where there is also the dining place (the living place has been removed since the pandemia), and two, in a small attached house at the foot of a small wood. Each one has a small wood stove for heating and a certain amount of firewood with the option to buy an additional recharge.
See the map of the rooms
Our table for guests
Meals are normally shared at the family table among all guests, but currently and until further notice, at individual tables.
In our “Menu of the day”, you will find homemade recipes that prioritize fresh and local ingredients, such as the Cuchumatanes lamb, a variety of house soups, tortilla soup or our cheese fondue, among others. It could also be, to enjoy on the terrace, a coffee from Huehuetenango, our hot chocolate, a “coffee” from Ramón nut or our Gluehwein.
Our Mirador towards a volcanoes chain
From our Mirador (reserved for our guests), 15 minutes on foot from the lodge, you may enjoy the sunrise up to the clouds or relax at any time of the day to a view of the volcanoes chain.
We are a family,
We are fourteen horses
Our masters are Fernando -Guatemalan born- and Pauline, “a French from Chiantla”. The rest of our team is proudly from “La Cumbre”. We are also accompanied by our dogs whom we rescued from the streets and two special cats, well known by our guests.
We love to share from our and better yet, learn a bit from you! .
Would you dare to visit the Unicornio Azul?
What do we dream?
Being small does not prevent us from dreaming big ….
- We dream in companies on a human scale, in which everyone can grow not only professionally, but also as a team and as people.
- We dream in a harmonious relationship between the species and we dream that men will be equal to the nobility and generosity of horses one day.
- We dream in a balanced coexistence with the fragile environment -nature and human – that surrounds us, through increasingly friendly practices with the environment and a relationship of understanding and respect towards our neighbors.
- We dream in a more solidary society and through the Chancol Library, we seek to promote individual and collective growth, as well as happiness and a better “living-together” through a participatory space of learning, expression, reflection, critical thinking, creation, research, debate, coexistence and entertainment.
- We dream of a way of having a journey that leaves no traces where we pass, but a positive impact in our ways of being, thinking and acting.
