 With the translations of his works into numerous languages and international recognition, Akʼabʼal is considered to be "the most renowned Maya Kiʼcheʼ poet" in the world and one of the best known Guatemalan writers in Europe and Latin America.Akʼabʼal was born in 1952 in Momostenango, Totonicapán.His formal education ceased at age twelve, when he left school to help financially support his family.