The Chichicastenango Market

The market at Chichicastenango, high in the Guatemalan highlands, is the largest and most famous indigenous market in Central America, a dazzling institution that fills the narrow streets of the Maya town every Thursday and Sunday. A riot of colour, it overflows with handwoven textiles, embroidered huipil blouses, wooden masks, pottery, jade and mountains of fresh produce, while at the church of Santo Tomas, Maya and Catholic rituals blend in clouds of copal incense on the steps.

What you actually see

• The textiles and crafts - the handwoven textiles, masks and pottery.
• The market colour - the vast, dazzling market filling the streets.
• Santo Tomas church - the steps where Maya and Catholic rites blend.
• The produce market - the mountains of highland fruit and vegetables.

When to go

The great market is held on Thursdays and Sundays, so time a visit for one of those days; Sunday is the biggest. Go early to see it come alive before the tour groups arrive from Antigua and Lake Atitlan. The dry season, November to April, is the most comfortable.

Honest expectations

The famous market runs only on Thursdays and Sundays, so timing is essential; on other days the town is quiet. It is touristy and geared to selling, so haggling is expected and part of the experience. It can be crowded and, in the crush, calls for care with valuables. The blend of colour, craft and living Maya ritual, though, is genuinely spectacular.

Nearby

Lake Atitlan, the highland towns and Antigua are within reach.