Maria lives in the village of Nahuala in the Guatemalan highlands. Her native language is Quiche but she also speaks very good Spanish. She lives with her two daugters and husband Pablo who suffers from a severe form of arthritus. Her eldest daughter has a degree in computer programming and is a teacher at a local school.
Maria is passionate about weaving. Though she has mastered weaving in the style of her village of Nahuala, Maria has gone further, learning to weave in the styles of many other villages as well. Amongst the styles she knows are the weaving styles of Santiago de Atitlan, Nebaj, Patzun and Totonicapan. Maria really is a weaving master. When asked what she would do if she had more money and could do anything, Maria answered "I would weave. I would do what I am doing now."