Chichicastenango Market: Indigenous Quiche Market Day Tour from Panajachel

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Guatemala with a full-day tour of the Chichicastenango Market. Explore the traditional indigenous Quiche market, witness a sacred Fire Cleansing Ceremony, and learn about Mayan traditions and history.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Pascual Abaj - A small hill on the outskirts of Chichi. There are ceremonial areas at the top, and a mask museum at the entrance.
  • Mercado de Chichicastenango - The market is in the center of town.
What's Included
  • Round-trip transport by air-conditioned minivan or coach
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (centrally located Panajachel hotels only)
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

This full day tour takes you to Guatemala’s most famous market.
This market is a traditional indigenous Quiche market, and includes a walk to the cemetery and Paschal Abaj, the Shaman Hill. You are likely to witness a sacred Fire Cleansing Ceremony conducted by a Mayan shaman. Learn about the Mayan story of creation, the Mayan ceremony, the base-20…

Location
Ferry
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(8 Ratings)
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1 star
Winfried_h
Dec 26, 2025
A colorful day in Chichicastenango - We were picked up on time at the hotel. The bus journey took about 75 minutes. In Chichicastenango we were expected by our guide. He showed us around friendly and waited when we took photos. We were lucky enough to be there on the day of the Fiesta San Tomas and then for the procession. Manuel led us into the middle of it. Even if the crowd was large - it couldn't be more authentic. It was a wonderful experience.
Review provided by Viator
Janeandroger99
Dec 2, 2025
Wonderful visit 12 years later! - We’re back 12 years later to visit Lake Atitlan and show friends how beautiful and this area is. Lee and Elaine Beal are effortlessly gracious and accommodating as always. Lee advised and helped arrange tours to San Juan, Chichicastenango, and Solola. All our guide/hosts, Alex, Mike, and Ervin were very personable and knowledgeable. We enjoyed them as much as the tour itself. We stayed at the Los Elementos bungalows- they have gotten better over the years, but still retained that special hideaway ambiance. Time passes, and the communities around the lake seem to be doing better. We are happy that our favorite people Lee and Elaine are staying put with a warm welcome and friendly visit at the end of the day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Juliegilmore7
Jun 9, 2025
Fantastic Day and Experience - We loved our tour. We were picked up by our guide in Panajachel and taken to Chichi. We had plenty of time for the market, cemetery, churches, and lunch. We would have been very overwhelmed and lost without a guide in the market because it is so big and there are so many sections. Our guide was patient with our shopping and indecisions. He also was really knowledgeable and we learned so much about things on the tour and also the Guatemalan culture. We loved our time with Manuel and highly recommend the tour.
Review provided by Viator
Stephanie_k
May 19, 2025
Manuel was a fantastic... - Manuel was a fantastic guide. We enjoyed our time at the market and getting to know him and his culture. He was very thoughtful and we all had a great time. The only downside was this was listed as a "private tour" and we did end up having others with us both in the shuttle and the tour but it wasn't an issue as the group was easy going.
Review provided by Viator
Simone_b
Apr 17, 2023
We had a great time.... - We had a great time. Emanuel did an amazing job and we definitely recommend this tour to anyone. He was very honest and authentic and asked for our personal preferences and adapted the tour to our interests and needs.
Review provided by Viator
Antigua
Apr 10, 2018
Chichicastenango Market has become a Tourist Trap of Fake Artisan Products - Chichicastenango Market Days which are Thursday and Sundays becoming an overcrowded Tourist event which has driven the local Artisans away from the market. On these days you can hardly walk through the market the crowds are so bad. I recommend going on non Tourist Market days. You will find the local Artisans have returned on these days and you will find authentic works of art, weaving and wood works.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $68
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).