THE EXPERIENCE
Some souvenirs are bought. Others are made by you.
Step inside Xibalbá, a contemporary jewelry studio in Antigua Guatemala, where raw stones become meaningful pieces of art and every creation begins with a story.
Founded in 2012, Xibalbá is the creative vision of Laura Spillari and her daughter Camila, who work alongside local artists and artisans to explore the relationship between design, materials, and Guatemala’s cultural heritage.
Your experience begins with a piece of Guatemalan jade, carefully collected by hand in the Sierra de las Minas. Before shaping it, you’ll learn to observe its natural color, patterns, and imperfections, discovering how each stone has its own unique character.
Under the guidance of Xibalbá’s master stone carver, you’ll cut, carve, and polish your jade, slowly transforming it into a personal piece of jewelry.
Throughout the process, you’ll discover the cultural significance of jade, a treasured material in the ancient Maya world, and the craftsmanship that continues to give it life today.
This is more than a jewelry workshop. It’s an invitation to slow down, work with your hands, and experience Guatemala through one of its most meaningful natural materials.
At the end, you’ll leave with something that didn’t exist before you arrived: a piece of Guatemalan jade shaped by your own hands.
What Makes This Experience Special?
What’s Included in the Experience?
Good to Know
Standard charms are generally ready the same day. Rings and more elaborate pieces may require one or two additional days, depending on the design and workshop schedule.
Good to Know
Location: Xibalbá Studio, 5a Calle Poniente 7A, Antigua Guatemala.
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Availability: Wednesday through Sunday, generally between 11:30 AM and 4:00 PM, subject to confirmation.
Advance Booking: Please request your experience at least 24 hours in advance.
Group Size: 1–8 participants. Larger groups can inquire about alternative creative workshops.
Minimum Age: 5 years.
Language: English or Spanish.
Experience Level: No previous experience required.
Safety: Your instructor will explain how to use the equipment and supervise every stage. Protective eyewear is provided during cutting.
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing suitable for a hands-on creative workshop, and your curiosity.
Not Included: Transportation to and from the studio, or optional jewelry upgrades and customizations.
Special Arrangements: Groups of five or more may request a Monday or Tuesday workshop, subject to the team’s availability.
Cancellation and Rescheduling
Workshop reservations are non-refundable, including in the event of a no-show. If you need to change your date, please contact us as early as possible. Rescheduling may be offered subject to availability but is not guaranteed.
If Xibalbá must cancel due to circumstances beyond its control, such as a utility interruption, you’ll be offered a new date or a refund.
