Immerse yourself in the vibrant Chichicastenango Market in Guatemala, where you’ll discover traditional crafts, local life, and delicious food. Explore the colorful market, visit a mask factory, and experience Guatemalan syncretism at Santo Thomas church.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant Chichicastenango Market in Guatemala, where you’ll discover traditional crafts, local life, and delicious food. Explore the colorful market, visit a mask factory, and experience Guatemalan syncretism at Santo Thomas church.
- Interamerican Highway - The journey from Antigua to Chichicastenango by car will take approximately 3 hours, including stops for bathroom breaks, a quick coffee, or simply to stretch your legs.
- Chichicastenango Market - This is one of the largest markets in Central America and an excellent place to experience the rich culture and spiritual…
- Interamerican Highway - The journey from Antigua to Chichicastenango by car will take approximately 3 hours, including stops for bathroom breaks, a quick coffee, or simply to stretch your legs.
- Chichicastenango Market - This is one of the largest markets in Central America and an excellent place to experience the rich culture and spiritual heritage, blended with New World influences from the Spanish Colony. Time will be spent exploring various areas of the local market, which extends onto the streets. The vibrant colors of the vegetable and fruit sections will captivate your creativity.
- Iglesia de Santo Tomás - The Church of Saint Thomas, built in 1540, often hosts Mayan rituals. Across the plaza is Calvary Church, a smaller version of Iglesia Santo Tomas, representing duality. Notably, this site was once a Mayan altar, where the Popol Vuh manuscript, translated into Spanish by friar Fray Francisco de Ximénez, was discovered in 1700.
- Cemetery - The approach to the afterlife may surprise you. The Mayan belief in the cycle of life focuses on rebirth and renewal, viewing death as a transition within a continuous cycle. The cemetery is a vibrant display of colors celebrating loved ones, with different hues symbolizing family roles. Mausoleums and crosses will be elements in your photos. Market days are ideal for visiting tombs to place offerings or participate in Maya ceremonies to send messages of love. It is crucial to show respect during your visit.
- Moreria Santo Tomas Fabrica De Mascaras - Masks serve as ceremonial and symbolic objects in religious, political, and funerary rituals. They enable rulers to embody gods or supernatural beings, connecting the earthly realm with the divine and securing their power and lineage. Masks are also used in dances and performances to teach history and culture.
- Interamerican Highway - The return trip to Antigua Guatemala will also take about 3 hours, with stops along the way. This time, you will carry the heart of Chichicastenango in your memory.

- Bottled water included
- Complimentary snacks provided
- All fees and taxes covered
- Bottled water included
- Complimentary snacks provided
- All fees and taxes covered
- if you are staying in Guatemala City there is a extra fee of $30
- Lunch
- if you are staying in Guatemala City there is a extra fee of $30
- Lunch
Chichicastenango, affectionately known as “Chichi” by the locals, is a vibrant indigenous town nestled in the Guatemalan Highlands. It offers a dazzling array of colors, shapes, traditions, and flavors. The town’s market days, which date back to before the Spanish arrival, continue to attract visitors from near and far, eager to trade fresh produce,…
Chichicastenango, affectionately known as “Chichi” by the locals, is a vibrant indigenous town nestled in the Guatemalan Highlands. It offers a dazzling array of colors, shapes, traditions, and flavors. The town’s market days, which date back to before the Spanish arrival, continue to attract visitors from near and far, eager to trade fresh produce, handcrafted items, colorful textiles, and local culinary delights. This journey through bustling streets includes visits to the cemetery, a traditional mask workshop, and the historic Santo Tomás Church, all led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic local guides.
The tour also features a personal visit to a local costume factory called Morería, where a family has devoted generations to the art and passion of creating traditional costumes for festive dances. Visitors can step inside Santo Tomás Church to witness the unique blend of Maya and Catholic ideologies.
- Walking involved in the market, but tour is based on individual pace of traveler, so special accommodations can be made.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.