| Starting from: | From $125 per personper person |
|---|---|
| Duration: | Day Trip |
| Languages: | English / Spanish |
| Starts at: | Hotels located in Center of Antigua |
| Inclusions: |
|
| Exclusions: |
|
Chichicastenango, or “Chichi” as it is called by locals, was the ancient capital of the Quiché Kingdom and is a vital center of Maya culture in Guatemala. Known for its thriving artisan traditions, the town is often called the “Mecca of the Mayas.” It is historically significant as the place where the Popol Vuh, the sacred Maya text, was discovered in the Spiritual Temple, the same location where the Church of Santo Tomás now stands.
The heart of Chichicastenango’s cultural event is the Patron’s Day Festival on December 21st, celebrating Saint Thomas, the town’s patron saint. The festival is a lively mix of traditional dances, colorful costumes, marimba music, and Mayan ceremonies, showcasing the deep cultural and spiritual roots of Chichicastenango’s habitants. These rituals and performances offer a unique insight into the local’s rich heritage, blending ancient practices with modern festival elements like the multiple groups of traditional dancers, musicians, and cofradías (brotherhoods), participating in high spirited street processions.
The festival is further enriched by a vibrant atmosphere of collective joy, where a deep sense of community and pride fills the streets, uniting locals and visitors in a shared experience of Maya culture. Chichicastenango Patron’s Day stands as our most glorious living expression of the Maya spirit, with a taste of our cultural resilience and love that continues to thrive across generations.
| Pick Up |
We will depart Antigua at 04:00 A.M. Pick Up at any hotel in Antigua Guatemala |
|---|---|
| Stop 1 |
El Mirador at Solola on The Panamerican HighewayOn the drive from Antigua to Chichicastenango, we will take a 15-minute stop to stretch, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán, one of Guatemala’s most sacred and storied lakes, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. This short break is a perfect moment to pause, breathe, and connect with the natural and spiritual beauty of the highlands. |
| Stop 2 |
Arrival in Chichicastenango & Walk to Santo Tomás ChurchUpon arrival, walk about 6 blocks toward the Church of Santo Tomás built on top of a pre-Columbian temple as you admire the faith expressed in praising the saints and the joy of the 14 cofradías (religious brotherhoods). The purpose to be early inside is to witness the expressions of faith and devotion before it becomes crowded and inaccessible. With more than seven Mayan altars, each believer offers prayers and lights candles as a sign that their words transcend to the Creator with their messages. Each brotherhood presents a altar that later will become in the procession, this is actually an unusual float size as they needed to addapt the amount of groups, leaving us with a tremendeous sincretism version of colorfully decorated altars with saints images. |
| Stop 3 |
Breakfast at Hotel Santo TomásEnjoy breakfast at Hotel Santo Tomás, the most beautiful hotel in Chichicastenango. À la carte options available. |
| Stop 4 |
Tzijolaj Dance Performance, Cofradias and ProcessionExperience the Tzijolaj, a dance representing Santiago Apóstol (Saint James) on a white horse. The ritual is performed with fireworks and concludes with the Tzijolaj being tied to a rope from the bell tower to the "palo volador" (flying pole). |
| Stop 5 |
Visit to Local CemeteryVisit the local cemetery, where families get together to honor their ancestors with heartfelt offerings of flowers, incense, and prayings, a deeply rooted expression of our reverence for the spirit world. |
| Stop 6 |
13 Bak'tun SiteCome around and discover the sacred Oxlajuj B'aktún plaza, the 13 Bak'tun ceremonial site, where traditional Mayan rituals are performed, connecting past and present in a powerful celebration of ancestral wisdom and cosmic cycles. |
| Stop 7 |
Central Plaza & El Calvario ChurchAfter the cemetery visit, enjoy the festivities in the central plaza and visit the Church of El Calvario. This stunning church offers a unique insight into the vibrant spiritual life of the local community that blends indigenous Mayan traditions with Catholic doctrines. Get captivated by the serene atmosphere.e. |
| Stop 8 |
Return to Antigua & Tecpán LunchWe will return to Antigua Guatemala. On the way, we suggest making a stop in Tecpán for lunch. This will be on your own. After lunch, we'll arrive in Antigua around 4:30 - 5:00 P.M. |
What You’ll Experience
| Day Trip | |
| English / Spanish | |
|
|
|
|
|