Panajachel

Lago de Atitlán

San Francisco El Alto

Quetzaltenango

At 40km from Panajachel, it takes 1hr 30min to get to Chichicastenango by Chicken Bus.  If you want to explore one of the country's most vibrant markets, make sure you're there on a Thursday or Sunday.

Central America

Guatemala

Chichicastenango

Europe

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

profile

Family holidays in Guatemala

occasion

Honeymoon in Guatemala

activity-type

Hiking in Guatemala

Nature in Guatemala

Historical sites in Guatemala

Thanks to its famous market Chichicastenango has become a star attraction du <a href="/guatemala/"> on Guatemala's tourist trail</a>. I highly recommend you arrive the day before. Strolling around the 2,000-odd stalls that the local Mayans set up is far more agreeable early in the morning. By 10am you'll find more tourists in the streets than Amerindians. I was, however, saddened to see that Chichicastenango had lost much of its authenticity. Once away from the rabble, I settled down on the top steps of Saint Thomas Church. It's one of the oldest in the country and Mayan religious ceremonies are still held. I also recommend you tackle the 30-minute walk to the sacrificial shrine at the top of the hill. Chuchkaujaus, the Mayan high priests, still perform rites at the site. In short, providing you organise your visit and avoid the hordes of tourists, Chichicastenango is a charming place to visit.

Chichicastenango Holidays

Visit Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango: How to get there?

Chichicastenango: See when to go?

Chichicastenango: For how long?

Chichicastenango: What to see nearby?