Tours & experiences

Chichicastenango: Market, Tradition, and Living Maya Culture

About this experience

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, this place is multicolored since the Quiché people He still wears his regional costume, on our visit it is contemplated to enter the morerías, the market, the Santo Tomas church and the Turkaj hill where the Maya Pascual Abaj shrine is located, we will have time for lunch and shopping, at the end we begin the return to Guatemala city.

At a glance

  • Duration: 10 hr
  • Private experience

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Chichicastenango: Market, Tradition, and Living Maya Culture
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour10 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)
Tour arrangementPrivate experience

Set aside 10 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What is included

  • Private transportation
  • Tour guide.

Not included

  • Feeding

Itinerary and highlights

Cerro Pascual Abaj is one of the most important places for the inhabitants of the Chichicastenango municipality, in Quiché. In fact, since at the top of the hill offerings are made to one of the Mayan gods, Pascual Abaj.

The Parish Church of Santo Tomás in Chichicastenango was founded in 1540 and there are several stories about its construction. One of them claims that the temple was built on a pre-Hispanic site.

In front of the Church of Santo Tomás is the Church of the Chapel of Calvary of the Lord Buried. In fact, it is stated that for the Mayan culture the first is the superworld and the second is the underworld, which is used to contact the ancestor spirits.

The Chichicastenango Market is known for its beautiful colors, the market days are usually Thursdays and Sundays where the variety of articles and merchandise of hundreds of colors increases. It is located in front of the central church in the town's main square, selling clay handicrafts, typical fabrics, fruits, vegetables, and more.

Chichicastenango’s mulberries are guardians of the Mayan and colonial tradition, where the art of making masks and costumes for Moors and Christian dances is preserved. Visiting the Moreria Santo Tomas is a unique opportunity to appreciate the lively craftsmanship and understand the cultural richness of this Quito municipality.

Chichicastenango Cemetery is not only a place of burial, but a cultural and spiritual symbol where Catholic tradition and the Mayan worldview merge. Its multicolored tombs make it a unique place in the world, reflecting how the inhabitants celebrate life and honor their dead.

Meeting and pickup information

  • The pickup starts at 06:30 am. The tour guide enters the hotel lobby to locate the passengers, the maximum waiting time is 5 minutes.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • JAGUAR TRAVELS

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 10 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
The pickup starts at 06:30 am. The tour guide enters the hotel lobby to locate the passengers, the maximum waiting time is 5 minutes.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Child tickets: age 5–12; Youth tickets: age 14–19; Adult tickets: age 21+; Senior tickets: age 60+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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