Your chance to
- Visit one of the biggest markets in Central America
- See the hidden treasures of Guatemala
- Learn about the cultural history
- Place where the Popol Vuh (mayan bible) was found
- See the mix between mayan & catholic religions
What’s Included
- All Transportation for listed Activities
- Professional bilingual guide
- Admission fees if required
At a glance
- This half day trip excursion is based from Lake Atitlan
- Experience the colorful market through the eyes of a local guide
- Visit one of the biggest & most colorful markets in Guatemala
- See the mayan ceremonies performed right on the steps of the catholic church
- Visit a moreria- place where the traditional dance outfits are made as well as the wooden masks
What’s Not Included
- Lunch
- Tips & Gratuities for your guide / driver
- Personal expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Visas or vaccinations
Chichicastenango Market Day Trip
8:00am – Pick up at your hotel in Antigua, Guatemala City or Lake Atitlan
9:30am – Arriving at the market, known for being one of the biggest and most beautiful markets in all of Central America, Chichicastenango, place where thousands of indigenous people of the surrounding villages, dressed with their beautiful, colorful traditional clothing, come to the market to buy & sell their products and to celebrate their religious ceremonies, a mix between mayan & catholic beliefs. This takes place right on the steps of the catholic church and in the cemetery. Here you will also see the difference between the Local and Tourist market, later, visit a Moreria where traditional dance clothing as well as wooden masks are made for the traditional dances, also visit the local 400 year old church where the Popol Vuh (mayan bible) was found! While going through the market you will have the chance to do some shopping, later we will head for lunch.
After the tour you will have time for a well deserved lunch at a local restaurant, then continue with your trip back to your hotel. 15:00hrs approx. departure time from Chichicastenango.
- Market days are on Thursdays & Sundays
- Half day tour
- Waterproof jacket in case it rains
- Have a copy of your Passport with you
- Bring enough cash with you, no credit or debit cards can be used in this village
- This market is great for souvenirs
My mom and I spent a fun day at the market in Chichi with Isaias as our guide and with our driver Ricardo. The ride from Panajachel to Chichi... read more took almost 2 hours but was extremely comfortable and smooth. Ricardo is an excellent driver and the SUV looked brand new and super clean. The market is quite large and it was so much easier navigating through it with Isaias instead of trying to do so on our own. As we approached the center of the town, Isaias noticed that a Mayan procession was getting underway and we were able to follow it to the church where the Mayan brotherhood made their offerings. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and we would have never found this on our own. Isaias is extremely knowledgeable about the ancient and modern Mayan culture. It is apparent that he loves Guatemala, its nature, animals, and people. Both Isaias and Ricardo were fun to be with and we will definitely ask for both of them again on our next visit to Guatemala. We also went with Isaias to several towns on Lake Atitlan. Rene, the captain of the boat did a great job and they were both very patient and helpful while we took our time shopping at the many art galleries, textile co-operatives, ceramic workshops, and other stores. My mom and I only had a few hours in Guatemala City before our return back to the US. We knew that it wouldn’t be enough time to thoroughly visit the city but we wanted to get an overall feel for it. Well, we did! Our guide Vinicio and driver Josue made our short time in Guatemala City unforgettable. They both have really fun personalities and we got a great overview and history of the city while having a great time. Vinicio is a very experienced and knowledgeable guide that was able to answer all of the questions we had. We were so fortunate that Josue stopped on the side of the road just before we got to the airport so that we could see the active volcano erupt.
Sarah
February 1, 2021
Pedro was an excellent guide to my hike to Rostro Maya, very knowledgeable and patient, as I had to ascend a bit more slowly due to having scuba dived in... read more the lake in the previous day. He also made sure we made plenty of stops to take pictures of the gorgeous views along the way.
Larissa
December 1, 2019
I had read about Voltan tours on the internet and knew all of the fabulous reviews couldn't be wrong, so I contacted them and was immediately impressed with their quick... read more answers and itineraries. My brother and I spent two full days touring with Pedro and...More
Josh B
October 31, 2018
- Can I book this as a day trip from Guatemala City? Yes, your departure time will be 6:30am
- Can you tailor a trip including Chichicastenango and Ixil Region of Guatemala? Yes, we recommend including this tour on the way to, Antigua Guatemala, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala City and or/ Ixil Triangle Guatemala. You can always contact our travel specialist to tailor a great trip including Chichiacastenango market.
Guided Tour Group
Private Adventures available 