| Starting from: | $155per person |
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| Duration: | Day Trip |
| Languages: | English, Spanish |
| Starts at: | 2da Calle Poniente 2, Antigua, Guatemala |
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Chichicastenango, popularly called “Chichi” by locals, is an indigenous town in the Guatemalan Highlands where a kaleidoscope of colors, shapes, traditions and tastes takes place. Its market days predates the Spanish arrival and still draws people from far and wide to trade fresh products, handcrafted goods, vibrant textiles and local delicacies. Walking through its lively streets, visiting the cemetery, a traditional mask workshop, and the historic Santo Tomás Church guided by experts and passioned local friends.
Set only on Thursdays and Sundays, the market is perfect for culture-watching, tasting seasonal fruits like the original GUATEMALA BANANA, and trying PAN DE MUERTO “bread of dead”, a bread honoring the four elements of life to those that are no longer in this physical cosmos, textiles and everyday scenes of Mayan life as the different ethnical groups that interact are Maya Origen.
Our visit includes a look costume making, following we could highlight some suggestions of where to delight lunch served by local families, local most traditional recipies are TAMALES or SAK’POR.
TAMALES: made out of corn dough with meat and tomato sauce inside, wrapped into banana leaves and cooked with special wild leaves that contributes to a smoky flavor .
SAK’POR: This dish is made with natural and fresh foods, its main ingredients are chicken broth or chompipe, güicoy or pumpkin, güisquil or baby squash, carrot and ground white corn flour or Sak’por – finely ground flavored corn flour, originally from Quiché, Chichicastenango.
Vegetarian/Vegan options are easily to find as well.
| Departure |
Casa MandarinaCasa Mandarina is located at 2da Calle Poniente 2, Antigua |
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| Stop 1 |
Chichicastenango Mayan MarketIt will take us 3 hours by car to reach Chichicastenango with some stops along the way (bathroom break and coffee). Once we reach the historic Chichi, we take some time to wander its cobblestone streets and colonial structures before visiting the market. Thereafter, our visit to the sprawling commercial center and browse the ceramics, woodcrafts, textile and vegetable market. There's plenty of time to shop and bargain along with sample tasting of food. |
| Stop 2 |
Iglesia de Santo Tomas and Calvary ChurchWhile we are at the market, we'll proceed to Igesia de Santo Tomas (Church of Saint Thomas). This historic structure, built in 1540, often plays host to Mayan rituals. Just across the plaza is Calvary Church, a slightly more compact version of Iglesia Santo Tomas, which you’ll also have a chance to visit. |
| Stop 3 |
CemeteryOne of the world's most colorful cemeteries, where each pigment is symbolic. Steeped in Mayan tradition, the vibrant rainbow of pigments celebrates the afterlife, and can symbolize different family roles, like a color-coded clue to the puzzle of the dead. See rows upon rows of painted crosses and tall mausoleums. The Chichicastenango Cemetery is a perfect example of Guatemala's brighter outlook on burials. |
| Stop 4 |
LunchDelicious lunch will be served at a local family house along with drinks. Please let us know in advance for vegetarian or vegan option. |
| Stop 5 |
Mask FactoryThe vibrantly colored masks were carved to be sold as souvenirs but masks have been an integral of Guatemalan culture since pre-Colombian times when they were used fir religious dance ceremonies. Over time, dances evolved to incorporate both Mayan and Spanish influences. The tradition continues today with indigenous groups performing masked dances that reenact religious and mythological themes, often centered around fertility or warding away evil, having a little show of what a traditional dance looks like. After the mask factory visit, we will head back to Antigua. |
What You’ll Experience
| Day Trip | |
| English, Spanish | |
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.