Chichicastenango
Best time to be there
Known as the country of eternal spring, Guatemala is good to visit all year round but the dry season is November to May. The climate also varies according to altitude. The low-lying jungle areas such as El Peten are generally hot and sticky, in contrast to the highlands which are pleasantly warm during the day but can be very cool at night.
Fly to
Guatemala City - daily via Miami
flying time
12 hours
time difference
GMT -6 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow fever if arriving from an infected area
Itineraries
The Mysteries of the Mayas – Guatemala and Honduras
Highlights - Learn about the mysteries surrounding the end of the Mayan Calendar; Explore the ancient Maya sites of Copan, Quiriga, Uaxactun and Tikal... Read more ...
Classic Guatemala and Belize
Highlights - Explore Guatemala’s charming colonial towns; Climb atop Mayan temples at Yaxha and Tikal; Snorkel on the world’s second large st coral reef... Read more ...
to speak to a consultant
Often called ‘Chichi’ but also known as Santo Tomas,
Chichicastenango is the hub of the Maya-Quiché highlands. Whilst the town has a
population of around 1,000 people, more than 20,000 Indians live in the
surrounding hills and flood the town for the Thursday and Sunday markets. Articles
from all over the Guatemalan highlands are available including rugs, weavings,
masks, carvings and musical instruments. There is also the equally colourful
local fruit, vegetable and meat market. The town itself is charming with
winding cobbled streets and white-washed houses surrounded by high mountains. The
local dress here also is particularly attractive with men wearing embroidered
sashes and kerchief around the head. There are two interesting churches
combining Maya customs with the Catholic faith. Copal candles and flower petals
mix with saints discreetly hidden in small niches. Accommodation is basic, but
often worth staying the night before the market to beat the crowds coming in
from
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Guest Testimonial
Our consultant (Annie Jensen) really was excellent designing a great itinery minimising our time waiting around for transfers and both hotels, Four Seasons Bali and Oberoi Lombok exceeded our expections.
- SL, Hertfordshire
World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2011
A&K Philanthropy
Lubangwe Community Project
Aids malnourished children and their families with community food assistance and support for the local school.
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