Things To Do
in Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango is a highland town famed for its vibrant indigenous culture and one of the world's most colorful markets. Nestled at roughly 2,000 meters in the Guatemalan highlands, it blends Mayan traditions with Spanish influences, especially around the Santo Tomás Church. On market days, tens of stalls spill onto the streets, offering textiles, masks, flowers, and spices while locals barter in K'iche' and Spanish.
The town is compact and walkable, making it a great base for exploring nearby highland villages and the surrounding hillside landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the vibrant local market where you can immerse yourself in the colorful textiles and handicrafts that Chichicastenango is famous for. Engage with local artisans and learn about the traditional techniques used to create their crafts. Don't forget to sample some freshly made tamales or atol de elote from the food stalls to fuel your morning.
After lunch, head to the Santo Tomás Church, a fascinating blend of Catholic and indigenous traditions, where you can observe rituals that take place daily. Take your time to explore the surrounding area, soaking in the ambiance and perhaps striking up a conversation with friendly locals. As the sun begins to lower, wander the cobblestone streets, capturing the essence of this charming town through your camera lens.
As dusk settles, find a cozy restaurant to experience traditional Guatemalan cuisine, such as pepian or kak'ik. The atmosphere in Chichicastenango takes on a different charm at night, with the sounds of distant music and laughter filling the air. End your evening by attending a local cultural performance or simply enjoying the twinkling stars above.
Embark on a trek to Pascual Abaj, a sacred site for the local Maya where offerings are made to the spirits. The hike, though challenging, rewards you with stunning views of the surrounding highlands and a deep sense of connection to the land. As you reach the summit, witness the colorful altars adorned with flowers, incense, and candles left by pilgrims.
After spending time at Pascual Abaj, descend and return to Chichicastenango for a leisurely lunch at a local eatery. Try the regional specialty, chuchitos, which are corn dough filled with meat and wrapped in banana leaves. Post-lunch, take the time to visit the local cemetery, where elaborate tombs and colorful decorations tell the stories of the departed.
Return to your accommodations and relax before heading out to explore local nightlife. Check if there are any live music events or traditional dance performances happening in the plaza. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, and perhaps indulge in a drink made from local fruits.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or beverage at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🧭Local transport within town (bus/collectivo) | $0.25-1.50 per ride |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse per night | $25-50 |
| 🍺Local beer or soft drink | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant, authentic Mayan culture and markets
- Friendly locals and photogenic street life
- Compact town with accessible day trips to highland villages
- Market days can be crowded and noisy
- Limited healthcare options onsite; longer drives for major services
- Some areas have uneven sidewalks and steep stairs
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
Places to Visit in Chichicastenango
Visit one of these nice places.
The exterior of Santo Tomás Church, with its colonial arcades and colorful market stalls, offers dynamic contrasts of color and texture.
A short hike to a hilltop shrine and overlook with sweeping views over the town and surrounding highlands, great for sunrise shots.
Early morning light along the main market lanes produces vibrant textiles, baskets, and flower displays.
Food in Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Tamale-like bundles of potato and meat wrapped in banana leaves; a staple found in highland markets and homes.
Must-Try!
Small maize-dough tamales usually filled with pork or chicken and served with salsa; widely available from street stalls.
A thick, seasoned stew made with roasted spices and meat (often chicken or beef); best enjoyed with corn tortillas or rice.
Green chicken or pork stew made with tomatillo, cilantro, and green chilies; vibrant and flavorful.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Main market areas bursting with textiles, wood carvings, flowers, and fresh produce; ideal for bargaining and sampling snacks like freshly roasted corn.
Mobile stalls selling chuchitos and tamales wrapped in corn husks; great for a quick, satisfying bite between shopping.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes.' Do not touch someone’s head; remove hats in sacred spaces and show deference to elders.
Respect Mayan religious practices around the churches; ask permission before photographing people, especially in shrines.
When visiting churches or sacred sites, wear modest clothing; shoulders and knees should be covered.
Safety
Tipping in Chichicastenango
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 10% is customary if service is satisfactory. Guides and drivers often receive modest tips (Q5–Q20).
Quetzal is the local currency; cash is widely preferred. Some larger hotels and shops near the plaza accept USD or credit cards, but many vendors in the market are cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Bright, sunny days with comfortable highs; cool nights at altitude. Excellent for outdoor exploring and photography.
Afternoons commonly see showers; mornings can be clear. Be prepared with a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Chichicastenango at Night
Hiking in Chichicastenango
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short hike to a sacred hill with panoramic views and a shrine; a popular sunrise or sunset spot.
Short treks through hillside farmland and pine forests offering viewpoints and photo opportunities of rural highland life.
Airports
How to reach Chichicastenango by plane.
Guatemala City's main international gateway; travelers usually reach Chichicastenango by road (approximately 3–4 hours depending on traffic).
Regional airport serving the western highlands with domestic flights; common for travelers transferring from Guatemala City to the highlands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The town sits within K'iche' territories; many residents maintain traditional weaving, language, and customs alongside Spanish-speaking daily life.
A smaller proportion of residents and travelers who speak Spanish and participate in modern commerce and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region is passionate about soccer, with informal games often played on local pitches and streets.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chichicastenango.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are corn- or bean-based; opt for tamales with vegetarian fillings, bean stews, and vegetable sides; clearly communicate dietary needs in Spanish when ordering.