Chichicastenango Patron's Day

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. On 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.

   2.2 h

2. Upon 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.

   30 min

3. Enjoy breakfast at Hotel Santo Tomás, the most beautiful hotel in Chichicastenango. À la carte options available.

   30 min

4. Experience 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). After the Tzijolaj, the cofradías march out, accompanied by "Baile de los Mexicanos", dancers who perform adaptation of an old Maya fertility ritual and traditional music, creating a high-spirited, colorful procession that fills the streets.

   1 h

5. Visit 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.

   30 min

6. Come 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.

   35 min

7. After 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.

   30 min

8. We will return to Antigua Guatemala. On the way, we suggest making a stop in Tecpán for lunch.

   2.2 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 68% above the median of the 89 day trips we list in Antigua.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• 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