Location: Chichicastenango
Top Things to do in Chichicastenango
The 10 Best Things to do in Chichicastenango, El Quiche Department
Chichicastenango, also known as Santo Tomás Chichicastenango, is a town in the El Quiché department of Guatemala, known for its traditional K'iche' Maya culture. The Spanish conquistadors gave the town its name from the Nahuatl name used by their soldiers from Tlaxcala: Tzitzicaztenanco, or City of Nettles. Its original name was Chaviar.
Restaurants in Chichicastenango
1. Casa Tzocoma
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The initiative of this project is to present the culture of the people of Chichicastenango through the preservation and exhibition of indigenous crafts and costumes.Tzocoma home is a Maya altar and is one of the four major Mayan altars in the village north corresponding point; according to the 4 cardinal points in the Maya cosmology
2. Casa Diego Ignacio
3. Chichi Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
All the tombs are above ground at this cemetery which marks graves in a variety of ways, some with brightly colored miniature churches and others as mounds with name-bearing crosses or piles of fire-blackened rocks.
Reviewed By colonial23 - County Galway, Ireland
Not a cemetery chaser and did not walk the trail to look at the tombs but I saw this cemetery fromone of the many hills of chichicastenango and it is so pretty and cheery compared to European and American cemeteries that I have to say it is THE BEST cemetery I have ever seen. The colors are magnificent and representative of what I think of the next life being. I believe we go with peace and this certainly is upbeat so I have to say though I do not hang out in cemeteries like some people who actually went and visited , this is a wonderful place compared to the macabre cemeteries everywhere in Europe -except Romanias Satu Mare and the States. Definitely worth a look form the hill if not a visit-lol!
4. Santo Tomas Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Mayans enter through the front door, but others are relegated to the side door of this unusual 1540 church which combines Catholic and Mayan spiritual practices.
Reviewed By BRodrig - Hillsboro, United States
We had an “authorized guide” (with a special guide vest) take us through both churches and the murals by the museum. It was totally worth the cost. She was very thorough and was able to answer all our questions. It makes more sense to go through the main church with someone explaining the Catholic and Mayan traditions held within and outside the church.
5. Mercado de Chichicastenango
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 611 reviews
Thursdays and Sundays, this mountain village is transformed into the world's largest handicrafts market, where you'll find pottery, colorful textiles, carved wooden masks, flowers, incense and other Mayan goods for sale.
Reviewed By maritimeexplorer - Nova Scotia, Canada
It is the largest market in Central America and is a tourist attraction, but most definitely not a tourist market. The population of Chichicastenango and surrounding area is overwhelmingly K'iche' Mayan and the products offered for sale are almost all primarily for the locals. The market spreads over a number of blocks and includes indoor and outdoor elements. It appears to be at the highest point in the town with the result that everything needs to be hauled up here, much of it by human foot power. I am amazed at the size of the loads that the people, mostly women, are carrying on their backs. There are many aspects to the market including poultry, limestone for making tortillas, textiles, flowers, vegetables, musical instruments, pottery, hot food - you name it. You will feel like a giant in this land of the smallest people on Earth. The best thing is just to look at the photos and hope to get there someday.
6. Pascual Abaj
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 39 reviews
This ancient and sacred shrine is lavished with offerings of food, candles and the occasional live chicken. It is hoped that these gifts, accompanied by prayer, will bring prosperity and good luck.
Reviewed By CasaDiegoIgnacio - Chichicastenango, Guatemala
You have to take the second access to the sacred hill named Turkaj where you can find a ritual place called Pascal Abaj, crossing Casa Diego Ignacio
7. Museo de Mascaras Ceremoniales
8. Museo Arqueologico Rossbach
9. Moreria Santo Tomas Fabrica De Mascaras
Moreria Santo Tomas was founded in the year 1880, we are one of the oldest with the elaboration of traditional costumes, wooden masks, souvenirs and we have the restaurant service with live marimba music. Miguel Angel Ignacio Ventura will attend you kindly.
10. Parque Ecologico Los Senderos del Abuelo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
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