Pech (paya) Official

The Pech (traditionally known as ) are an Indigenous nation in northeastern Honduras whose history is a profound testament to resilience against centuries of displacement and cultural erosion. Settled primarily in the departments of Olancho, Colón, and Gracias a Dios, they call themselves Pech , meaning "people," a name that asserts their identity against the exonym "Paya," which they view as pejorative. Roots and Worldview

Historically nomadic, the Pech developed intricate knowledge of medicinal plants —using over 60 species specifically for snakebites—and were the first to harvest the aromatic resin of the liquidambar tree for ceremonial use. Pech (Paya)

The Pech trace their origins to the Chibchan-speaking peoples of South America, having migrated north into Central America thousands of years ago. Their traditional life is deeply tied to the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve , where they maintain a spiritual connection to the land and forests. The Pech (traditionally known as ) are an