Full Day Tour to Chichicastenango from Panajachel

5.0 (one review) 8 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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Full Day Tour to Chichicastenango from Panajachel — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Full Day Tour to Chichicastenango from Panajachel, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Panajachel is a great place to start a journey to the stunningly beautiful and culturally vibrant Chichicastenango.

Located only a short drive away through the breathtaking natural landscapes of the western highlands of Guatemala, Chichicastenango is home to the famous Santo Tomas Church, an iconic colonial structure with bright white walls and stairs at its base where many devotees burn incense, bring flowers, and show their gratitude.

Upon arriving in Chichicastenango, you will be amazed by the number of colors, textiles, street traditional food, and all kinds of sales in the market. We will visit the indoor and outdoor market, make stops to buy if you wish, and learn about the great history of this market, its people, its traditions, and its religion. Afterward, we will visit the Santo Tomas Church, and at the end of the day, we will go to the Pascual Abaj Hill, where if we are lucky, we´ll see a traditional Mayan ceremony.

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At a glance

Duration: 8 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Guat2do Travel Experiences

Ages: Adults (10–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: Guided tour to Chichicastenango´s market, Santo Tomas Church, Cementery, and Pascual Abaj Hill
Included: Certified tour guide

Not included

Not included: Food and beverages
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

Plaza y Mercado Santo Tomas

3 hours

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.
Stop 2

30 min

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.
Stop 3

30 min

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.
Pascual Abaj

1 h 30 min

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 the distance.
Chichicastenango

one hour

We will have a delicious tasty lunch
Panajachel

1 h 30 min

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