In the Chichicastenango Market, the traditional market day takes place on Thursdays and Sundays. The market is considered the largest in Central America in its kind, and attracts not only local Quiché people, but also foreign sellers and buyers.
El mercado de Chichicastenango (the Chichi market) is the largest in Guatemala and one of the biggest in Latin America. Every Thursday and Sunday, hundreds of vendors put up their stalls in the central park of Chichi.
Chichicastenango is one of the most important towns in Guatemala since it treasures a lot of Mayan culture, history and traditions. It is the home of the Quiché civilization (largest group of Mayan population). Back in the days it was one of the largest trading centers in the Maya area.
Nicaraguan STREET FOOD in the LARGEST MARKET in CENTRAL AMERICA!!
What is famous about Chichicastenango?
It was a market centre for the Cakchiquel Maya before the Spanish conquest. Chichicastenango still boasts one of the largest markets in Guatemala, serving Indian villages in the neighbouring highlands. It is one of Guatemala's most-famous tourist spots.
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.
Guatemala ranks very high in biological diversity, and has numerous tropical low rainforests and mountain cloud forests. In addition to its natural treasures, Guatemala also has some of the largest and most fascinating Mayan ruins found anywhere in Latin America.
El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America, with an area of 21,000 km2 and a population of 5.7 million. It's amongst the countries in Latin America and the Caribbean with the highest levels of inequality.
What is the most dominant language in Central America?
Spanish is the dominant language of Central America and the official language in six of the countries; English is the lingua franca of much of the Caribbean coast and the official language of Belize. Many Indian languages are also spoken throughout the region.
Country Summary: Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate.
Once nominated for one of the 7 New Wonders of the World, Lake Atitlán is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Formed approximately 84,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, the lake spans 59 feet in length and is 1,118 feet deep—the deepest lake in Central America.
How long does it take to get to Chichicastenango from Guatemala City roughly?
Yes, the driving distance between Guatemala City to Chichicastenango is 142 km. It takes approximately 2h 12m to drive from Guatemala City to Chichicastenango. Where can I stay near Chichicastenango? There are 85+ hotels available in Chichicastenango.
Chichicastenango is a town in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, about 87 miles (140 km) northwest of Guatemala city. It sits at an altitude of about 1,965 m (6,447 ft) and has a population of around 72,000 people, about 99% of whom are indigenous K'iche' Maya.
Plan your visit wisely as the market is only open on Thursdays and Sundays. The hours listed online are 6am-6pm, but most of the vendors will not finish setting up their shops before 9am.
Most visitors to Guatemala head to its most famous tourist market at Chichicastenango, or to big souvenir stores in towns like Antigua and Quetzaltenango.
Chichicastenango is a K'iche' Maya cultural centre. According to the 2012 census, 98.5% of the municipality's population is indigenous Mayan K'iche. Of the population, 21% speak only K'iche, 71% speak both K'iche and Spanish, and the remaining 8% speak only Spanish.
CHICHICASTENANGO, Guatemala – Chichicastenango is a town where buying and selling is everything. Its markets are reputed to be the largest in Central America; the range of wares on offer is truly impressive. And the indigenous Maya culture adds a distinct local flavor to the town.
Corruption, inequality, and high levels of violence and insecurity in Guatemala contribute to high levels of poverty, elevated crime rates, and some of the lowest social development indicators in Latin America.
