Things to Do in Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango sits in the highlands of Guatemala, about two hours northwest of Guatemala City, and it's genuinely one of those places that feels like stepping into another world. The town itself is relatively small - you can walk from one end to the other in about twenty minutes - but twice a week it transforms into something extraordinary when the market takes over the streets and the central plaza becomes a riot of color, textiles, and activity. What makes Chichicastenango particularly fascinating is how it serves as a living example of Maya culture persisting alongside Catholic traditions, creating this unique blend that you can see everywhere from the church ceremonies to the market stalls. The town is built around Santo Tomás Church, which sits at the top of a steep flight of stone steps and serves as both a Catholic church and a Maya spiritual center. You'll often see people burning copal incense on the steps and performing ceremonies that predate Spanish colonization by centuries. The surrounding streets are lined with adobe houses and small shops, and on market days - Thursday and Sunday - the entire town center becomes an outdoor marketplace where vendors from surrounding villages come to sell everything from hand-woven textiles to fresh produce to ceremonial items used in Maya rituals.

The food scene in Chichicastenango is fairly simple and centers around traditional Guatemalan cuisine. You'll find several small comedores (local restaurants) around the central plaza serving typical dishes like pepián (spicy meat stew), kak'ik (turkey soup), and various grilled meats with rice and beans. On market days, food stalls set up around the plaza offering fresh fruit, grilled corn, and simple meals. The restaurants tend to be family-run affairs with limited menus but generous portions and very reasonable prices - expect to pay $3-6 for a full meal. Hotel restaurants generally offer slightly more upscale versions of local dishes along with some international options. Worth noting that vegetarian options can be limited, though you can usually find rice and bean dishes, and the markets have plenty of fresh produce.

The ideal time to visit Chichicastenango is during the dry season from November through April, when you'll have clear skies and comfortable temperatures during the day, though it can get quite cool at night due to the altitude. Within this period, December through February offers the most reliable weather but also the highest tourist numbers. The rainy season from May through October brings afternoon downpours that can make walking around less pleasant, though the mornings are often clear and the landscape is lush and green. Regardless of when you visit, plan your trip around the market days - Thursday and Sunday - since this is when the town really comes alive. Sunday markets tend to be larger and more tourist-oriented, while Thursday markets feel slightly more authentic and local-focused.