I must preface this by saying this was my last day of 7 in Guatemala and I was feeling a bit 'markete out' because you mostly see the same stuff everywhere. However, if you can find the parts where the locals buy their fruit & veg, meat and live poultry etc then it is worthwhile as people really do their... More

I visited Chichi market on a Thursday, which was a market day. The market is busy and crowded, with many of the merchants offering the same or similar goods. Vendors, particularly street vendors, can be very aggressive and you have to overcome your natural tendency to not be rude and simply say, " No, gracias." Keep walking and don't make... More

Everyone knows about the regular Chichi market, designed for buying tourists and locals, in that order. But the secret market is what brings me back each year. It sells only huipiles and cortes at wholesale prices. You have to be sure footed, because you are in a tiny alley flanked by stacks of textiles that you have to wade through... More

It is a week of celebration to the city patron Santo Thomas, form 14.12.-21.12. We scheduled our visit to ChiChi for 21.12 the last day that is concidered the climax. The main events are in the square between the two churches the Santo Thomas on one side and the Calvario on the other. The celebration provide a unique experience of... More

I have done this market a couple of times, but would prefer to never do it again. My last trip to the market made me feel like I was in a local tourist trap designed to get me to buy useless merchandise that I would regret once I return home. How big is the market to Guatemalan street vendors? During... More

Chichi is worth the trip just to experience the market and the churches, but don't plan to buy much there. I think that the quality and prices are better in Quetzaltenango (Xela) or Solola, and there aren't as many kids aggressively trying to sell you stuff you don't want. Chichi is, however, a good place to get copan incense. Overall,... More

My husband and I made it to Chichicastenango on a market day. Thursday and Sunday are the only market days. Sunday was a great day to visit because we had the opportunity to witness the mayan culture/customs in action at the churches and the cemetery... mayan rituals, many flowers, dress and prayers. We didn't have much time at Chichi so... More

Pretty much all the usual stuff you see everywhere else. Good fun to wander around, good shopping for tat. Did the day trip from Panajachel. Even if you do a lot of shopping, 4-5 hours is plenty. We also went to the cemetary (by tuktuk, didn't know where to go!), which was awesome, so different, big, bright & colourful (altho... More

As a market we much preferred the one at Solola which is almost exclusively for the locals. The Chichicastenango market with all the stalls selling textiles, carved wooden masks and jade (we were advised that much of the jade bought on the streets isn't real) is clearly targeting tourists who flood the streets. We, fortunately, visited the Sunday market and... More