Chichicastenango full day shared tour from Antigua

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. We will pick you up at your hotel or accommodation in downtown Antigua Guatemala. If you are staying outside the downtown area, we can pick you up at the central park. It is essential that you are ready at 7:00 a.m.

   3 h

2. The Chichicastenango Market is a bustling market located in the town of the same name, Chichicastenango. It is one of the most vibrant and colorful markets in the country and is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in exploring the traditional Mayan culture and its unique art and crafts. The market is only open Thursdays and Sundays. You will find a wide variety of items for sale, from handmade jewelry and pottery to traditional Mayan textiles and clothing. It is an amazing place to explore the wonderful world of Mayan crafts, as the vendors here offer everything from beadwork and intricate tapestries to vibrant wall hangings and decorative masks. There is also an array of traditional Mayan foods on offer, such as tamales, corn-based snacks, atole, fruit, and savory traditional Mayan dishes.

   1.5 h

3. The church is a stunning example of colonial architecture. It is a popular destination for tourists, as it provides an insight into the traditional Mayan culture and its unique architecture. Its stunning pure white color mesmerizes everyone who passes by. You will be enchanted by the abundance of flower sales, incense burning, and the devotion of its inhabitants. This is an iconic place to take pictures as long as you do it with respect.

   15 min

4. All of the tombs at the Chichicastenango Cemetery are painted in vivid colors in honor of the deceased and in accordance with Mayan customs and beliefs, making the cemetery stand out for its astounding variety of hues. In this ancient culture, dying is not a negative thing it is viewed from the Catholic perspective; rather, it is a connection to the universe and a chance to be born again. Our tour guide will be pleased to explain the significance of the tombs' colors to you as well as some of the customs that are observed in October in preparation for November 1st's Day of the Dead.

   Passes by

5. Pascual Abaj Hill is located south of Chichicastenango, and it is home to a pre-Columbian Maya idol, known as Pascual Abaj. People come here and offer a ceremony to ask for a favor or to give thanks for the good fortune given. This ancient and sacred shrine is lavished with offerings of food, candles, and incense. If we are lucky, we will see a Mayan ceremony being performed. We will ask for permission to witness it from a distance.

   1.5 hAdmission included

6. At the end of the day, we will return to Antigua Guatemala. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful scenery all the way.

   3 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Antigua

• Its from-price is 16% below the median of the 89 day trips we list in Antigua.
• It is longer than most of them.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Antigua

Antigua Guatemala is a colonial city of cobbled streets, ruined churches and pastel façades, ringed by three volcanoes in the Guatemalan highlands.

Antigua was the capital of Spanish Guatemala until earthquakes in 1773 led to the move of the government to the present capital. The grid of cobbled streets and low colonial houses survived, together with the ruins of grand churches and convents, and the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The yellow Santa Catalina Arch, with its clock tower, frames Volcán de Agua at the end of a street.

Top-ranked sights in Antigua: Antigua Central Park (Parque Central), Cerro de la Cruz (Hill of the Cross), La Merced Church (Iglesia de la Merced).

See all 411 experiences in Antigua