Mon - Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm
Sat 10:00am - 4:30pm
01242 386 475
Call us
Best time to go

Year-round

Time difference

GMT -6 hour

Flight duration

12 hours

Fly to

Guatemala City

Discover the heart of the Maya-Quiché highlands

With its winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses, Chichicastenango is the ideal place from which to explore the Maya-Quiché highlands. Whilst the locals tend to call the town Chichi, it is also known as Santo Tomas. It is a charming market town flanked on all sides by steep mountains.

With its small population of around 1,000 people, Chichicastenango is closer in feel to a village most days. But on Thursdays and Sundays it explodes into colourful life when more than 20,000 people from the surrounding hills descend upon the town to trade in the marketplace. Here on these bustling market days you’ll be able to discover crafts and produce from right across the highlands. Everything from rugs, masks and musical instruments, to brightly coloured fruit and vegetables are on sale.

If heritage is something that intrigues you, then you’ll also want to look around the town’s two churches. Both combine Mayan customs with the Catholic faith. They’re decorated with copal candles, flower petals and traditional iconography discreetly hidden in small niches. Look out for old men in local dress wearing embroidered sashes and kerchiefs around the head too. It all offers a host of perfect photo opportunities.

Accommodation is basic in Chichicastenango, but we recommend staying in town if you want to beat the crowds from Guatemala City to the best deals at the market. We know the town well, so let us help you find the best place to stay.

The Americas & Australia

For life-changing adventures in the Americas and dream holidays in Australia, contact our team.
Meet the team

Still looking for inspiration?

We have a huge range of destinations, experiences and hotel options available.

Learn more about our luxury tailor-made holidays and unparalleled escorted tours to Guatemala

Interested in this destination?

Call us on 01242 386 475