Chichicastenango – Travel Guide
Chichicastenango, a highland town in Guatemala, is famous for its vibrant indigenous culture and the largest traditional market in Central America. The colorful market, held on Thursdays and Sundays, overflows with handmade textiles, ceramics, wooden masks, and fresh produce. The town`s iconic Santo Tomas Church blends Mayan and Catholic traditions, with rituals often performed on its steps. Visitors can explore the nearby Pascual Abaj shrine, a sacred Mayan altar still in use today. The town`s surrounding hills and valleys offer scenic hiking opportunities and breathtaking views. With its rich traditions and lively atmosphere, Chichicastenango is a cultural gem of Guatemala.
All about Chichicastenango
Getting around Chichicastenango
By Walking
Walking is a great way to explore, as the town center, including the famous market, are quite compact and easily accessible on foot.
By Chicken Bus (colectivos)
The primary public transportation option is the colorfully painted chicken bus, officially known as ‘colectivos’. This is Guatemala’s main form of public transport. These are equivalent to an American school bus that has been refitted with new parts, and decorated with bright paint, lights, etc. You really can’t miss them. Always confirm the destination and price with the bus helper (“ayudante”) before getting on a chicken bus.
The Chicken Bus is part of the Guatemala experience and you should definitely ride one at least once, but they’re not the most comfortable or safe, so best saved for shorter trips.
By Taxi or a Private Shuttle
This is the easiest way to get to Chichicastenango, however, it is also the most expensive.
Note that shared shuttles only run on market days, so if you want to go on another day of the week you’ll need to go private or get a chicken bus.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
Chichicastenango FAQ
Where is Chichicastenango located in Guatemala and what is it known for?
Chichicastenango (lovingly known as Chichi, by locals and tourists alike) is a town in the western highlands. Located at an altitude of 2030m, it is surrounded by valleys and mountains. It is about 90 miles northwest of Guatemala City and can be reached by a combination of highways and mountain roads. It is primarily known for its large vibrant market, considered Central America’s biggest and most colorful. This is the main attraction of Chichicastenango.
How do I get to Chichicastenango?
There are many buses and shuttles that leave from Guatemala City (around 2.5 to 3.5 hours), Antigua (around 2 to 3 hours), and Panajachel (around 1..5 to 2 hours) offering easy access to Los Encuentros where you will change the bus toward Chichicastenango. There is a steady flow of direct buses for market days. From Antigua, take a bus to Chimaltenango and change for a bus going either directly to Chichi or to Los Encuentros.
What are the market days?
Every Thursday and Sunday until 6 pm, the tiny town of Chichicastenango turns into the world’s largest, open-air handicrafts market. Thousands of local Maya people come to purchase and sell goods of all types, as well as hundreds of travelers. The market gets going around 8 am and starts dying down around 3 or 4 pm. The busiest hours are between about 9am and 2 pm.
Thursdays are a lot more low-key since droves of tourist buses drive. Arrive early (before 9 am) to beat the crowds.
When is the best time to visit Chichi Market?
Guatemala’s rainy season falls between May and October, and the dry season is between November and April. Much of Chichicastenango market is undercover so you can visit any time, but be aware that if you visit during the rainy season it often rains in the afternoons, and the streets can become very muddy and wet.
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What is the town of Chichicastenango like?
Chichicastenango is one of the most traditional places in Guatemala. The town was able to conserve its indigenous authenticity which allows visitors the opportunity to experience its religious rituals, practiced almost daily. Chichicastenango is also well known for its wood artwork, typical fabrics, musical instruments, masks, candles, flowers, and jewelry. Locals from this region are very loyal to their culture which makes a visit here one of the purest of your visit to Guatemala and gives you the real essence of the Maya civilization.
What can I see and do in Chichicastenango besides the market?
There is the Santo Tomás Church, a centuries-old church where Mayan rituals are still practiced on the steps.
Chichi Cemetery is famous for its colorful painted tombs and ceremonial traditions.
Pascual Abaj Shrine is a sacred Mayan altar on a nearby hill used for traditional rituals.
How long should I stay in Chichicastenango?
Many visitors opt for a day trip to experience the Thursday or Sunday market. However, staying one or two nights allows you to explore the town at a slower pace, witness evening and early-morning rituals, and venture beyond the market area.
What is the weather like?
Chichicastenango’s highlands location gives it a mild climate year-round. Daytime temperatures average around 60 – 70°F. Nighttime typically drops to around 50°F.
I don’t speak Spanish or Quiche. Will many people speak English?
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. The main language in Chichicastenago is Quiche, but you can find some people who speak Spanish. And no one speaks English unless you count the vendors and the few lines of English they’ve learned to sell items. If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture and be able to talk and interact with local people, you should be able to speak some Spanish (or Quiche). We recommend you get a good guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.
Is Chichicastenango a safe place to visit?
Chichicastenango is generally considered safe for tourists, especially during market days.
The market is extremely crowded, giving pickpockets plenty of opportunity. While browsing, make sure to keep your valuables in hard-to-access places. If you have a backpack, keep it on your front side.
Is it safe to drink water?
No, it is not safe to drink the tap water in Guatemala. To avoid getting sick drink bottled water and only eat peeled fruits like oranges and bananas. Bottled water is widely available in grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels.
What is the local cuisine like?
Chichicastenango offers a mix of traditional Mayan and Guatemalan cuisine. Local produce comes directly from the highland farms. You can find casual eateries serving familiar dishes like grilled chicken, tamales, and fried plantains.
Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
Guatemala uses the Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ or Q for short). When making purchases at the market, everything will be in Quetzales (or possibly American dollars). Credit cards are not accepted. Before you arrive, make sure to take out plenty of cash so you can buy whatever catches your eye.
There are a few banks in town if you need to get cash.
What can I buy at Chichicastenango market?
There are all sorts of traditional goods, arts and crafts to buy, as well as practical everyday items for the local people. Things to look out for include:
Handwoven textiles: Vibrant fabrics bursting with colors and patterns, reflecting generations of craftsmanship.
Local produce: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs grown using traditional methods, alongside medicinal plants and spices.
Handicrafts: Pottery, wooden carvings, leather goods, and other items handmade by local artisans, each telling a story.
Shamans and traditional healers: Offering spiritual guidance and remedies using ancestral knowledge.
Live animals: From chickens and guinea pigs to colorful flowers and incense, reflecting the diverse needs of the community.
Is haggling over the price acceptable?
Yes, generally speaking, you should never accept the first price you’re offered. Since Chichicastenango is part of Guatemala’s tourist trail these days, you can expect the prices here to be a little higher than at smaller markets throughout the country. The initial price is often 30 – 60% more than what the seller would accept if you negotiated with them.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Guatemala’s emergency medical services can be reached by dialing 110 or 122, but response times may vary.
There are a few hospitals in Chichicastenango for medical emergencies and general health concerns.
Hospital Evangelico El Buen Samartano is a local private hospital +502 7968 8379
Hospital San Gregorio Chichicastenango +502 5446 3105
Top Attractions
Santo Tomas Church
The Parish in Chichicastenango is a tourist attraction given its proximity to the municipality`s market in Quiche.
Pascual Abaj
Pascual Abaj is one of hundreds of sacred sites where Mayan rituals have been performed in secret for centuries.
Santo Tomas Square and Market
This mountain village is transformed into the world`s largest handicrafts market, with pottery, colorful textiles, etc.
Museum Masks
On the way to the idol at Pascal Abaj, this museum has wonderful specimens of masks used in Maya ceremonials.
Unique Experiences
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Full Day Trip in Chichicastenango: On your own, it`s difficult to squeeze the Chichicastenango market (Mercado Santo Tomas) into a single day, but this guided tour makes it a breeze by handling all the transportation logistics from Guatemala City, with a Lake Atitlan photo stop too.
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Chichicastenango Market Tour: Visit to the most important handicrafts market in the western region where syncretism can be visualized on a large scale since the local people have preserved their Mayan beliefs which are mixed with Catholic practices. Expect a lot of fun during this tour.
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What to expect while traveling
