Chichicastenango Market — Attraction in Quiché

Having been to quite a few big markets in Central America, including San Francisco El Alto, this one was pretty similar. I didn't plan to buy anything specific, so I enjoyed looking at the offerings. I found the souvenirs a similar starting price to other markets, not as much more as I expected. Can get a small plush turtle for Q10 if you just look at it long enough, the sellers will offer it for Q40, then Q20, then Q10 and say it's a good price. A handmade plushie for the equivalent of less than $2 USD, I agree it's a good price. But I don't have room in my backpack for so much, so I didn't buy anything. I did enjoy chatting with the sellers and practicing my Spanish. I liked the park area to eat my lunch. There's a cemetery nearby with Mayan burnt offerings and colorful mausoleums. I think 3 hours was a good amount for me to walk around the whole market, with a few sections repeated plus the cemetery. Then I sat at the park for an hour before heading back to the tourist shuttle to San Pedro. If you stay in Panajachel, I think the chicken bus would be better because you can return earlier if you get...

One of the largest open air market in Central America. It's interesting for a few hours to see the local indigenous coming from all around to sell/buy goods. Very colorful traditional dresses. People are very short and tiny. If you have never been to a catholic/indigenous church you will surely be impressed. As for myself I liked the Santo Tomas as well as the capilla del calvario, but I was less impressed as I've been to others with shamanic rituals I had a shuttle from Antigua & back which left us there for too many hrs After sometime you have seen it, and tend to be bored from the constant vendors wanting to sell. It's very much touristic as well. As soon as we were parking we had a flow of official guides proposing their services thats not really necessary to walk around This made the Market feel stressful. Prices are almost the same as in Antigua you need to bargain. These people must be fed up to be photographed by tourist who won't even ask. I think it's inappropriate we are...

This is one of the most colourful, vibrant, central American markets I've been to. Stalls are filled with artesanal goods including bags, materials, clothes, baskets, scarves, carvings and masks and much more. Fruit and veg and flowers fill yet more stalls, and at the heart of the market you'll find the local fondas where you can get a plate of food for around 25q. At the heart of the market is a mayan church and there are plenty of guides on hand who will tell you about the history and show you around the market (in English). Definitely visit this place if you're looking for souvenirs or something with a mayan influence. And definitely haggle! It's part of the market spirit and as you start walking away the price will drop dramatically!! Expect lots of colour, people, crowds, culture and noise! Good,...