Chichicastenango MarketAbout Chichicastenango Market
Chichicastenango Market is a major indigenous open-air market in the town of Chichicastenango, in the Quiché Department of Guatemala. It is one of the largest traditional markets in the Guatemalan highlands and is closely associated with K’iche’ Maya culture.
The market has roots in pre-Columbian trade in the highlands and continued through the colonial period into the present day. The nearby colonial-era church of Iglesia de Santo Tomás sits on a pre-Hispanic ceremonial site and remains a focal point for both Catholic worship and Maya ritual practices.
The market occupies the center of Chichicastenango, a highland town in Quiché Department, served by road connections to Guatemala City and regional highland towns.
- Market days: Main market days are Thursday and Sunday, when the town fills with vendors and shoppers and the market is at its largest.
- Best time to visit: Early morning is the busiest and most active time to see the full range of stalls and traditional dress; late morning to midday is best for photography when light is stronger.
- Location note: The market sits in the highland town of Chichicastenango, roughly 140 km northwest of Guatemala City by road and commonly reached by shared shuttle or bus services.
What to See#
- Market stalls: The open-air market area spreads across several streets and plazas in the town center, with hundreds of stalls selling textiles, carved wood, masks, and other handicrafts produced by K’iche’ Maya artisans.
- Iglesia de Santo Tomás: A 16th-century colonial church adjacent to the market that is still used for Catholic services and for Maya ritual activity on its broad stone steps and rooftop terraces.
- Pascual Abaj: A nearby Maya shrine featuring a carved stone idol and traditional offerings, located on a hillside just outside the main market area and visited by local ceremonial practitioners.
Best Time to Visit Chichicastenango Market
The market functions year-round but is easiest to visit in the dry months (November-April) when paths are less muddy and the light is sharp.
Weather & Climate near Chichicastenango Market
Chichicastenango Market's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C. Heavy rainfall (2113 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 7° - 21° | 14° | 26 mm | mostly sunny | 82% | 3.3 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.3h |
| February | Ideal | 7° - 22° | 15° | 29 mm | mostly sunny | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| March | Excellent | 8° - 24° | 16° | 33 mm | some cloud | 75% | 3.0 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 9° - 24° | 17° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 2.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Good | 10° - 23° | 17° | 202 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.8 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.7h |
| June | Acceptable | 11° - 22° | 16° | 369 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.8h |
| July | Good | 11° - 22° | 16° | 296 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 2.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| August | Good | 11° - 22° | 16° | 276 mm | partly cloudy | 87% | 2.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.5h |
| September | Acceptable | 11° - 21° | 16° | 378 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 10° - 21° | 15° | 278 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 1.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| November | Good | 8° - 21° | 15° | 101 mm | some cloud | 87% | 2.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.3h |
| December | Very Good | 7° - 21° | 14° | 45 mm | mostly sunny | 84% | 2.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.2h |
How to Get to Chichicastenango Market
Chichicastenango is about a 2-3 hour drive from Guatemala City depending on traffic. Regular shuttle vans and buses connect from Guatemala City, Antigua and Quetzaltenango. Once in town the market centres on the Plaza and the church of Santo Tomás, within easy walking distance of the main bus stops.
Tips for Visiting Chichicastenango Market
- Arrive very early (market starts before breakfast) to see the busiest trading and the best selection of textiles and fresh produce.
- Visit on Thursdays or Sundays - those are the principal market days when stalls cluster around the central plaza.
- Watch for the ritual at Iglesia de Santo Tomás: vendors and locals often climb the church steps to burn offerings; it's a striking blend of Catholic and Maya practice.
- Carry small change and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded aisles; bargaining is expected for many goods, but be respectful.