Full Day Trip in Chichicastenango

Embarking on the Full Day Trip to Chichicastenango promises an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Guatemala. Travelers will explore the vibrant Chichicastenango market, uncover the rich history of the Santo Tomás Church, and capture stunning vistas of Lake Atitlán. With a maximum of 18 participants, this tour ensures an intimate atmosphere, led by knowledgeable guides. Lunch, transportation, and all necessary logistics are included, making it a seamless way to engage with local traditions. But what awaits beyond the market stalls and historic sites? The day’s journey holds the potential to unveil deeper insights into the captivating Guatemalan culture.

This experience made our list of the 5 Best Full-Day Tours In Guatemala City.

Key Points

• The full-day guided trip includes a visit to the vibrant Chichicastenango market, the historic Santo Tomás Church, and a photo stop at the scenic Lake Atitlán.
• The tour provides an intimate experience with a maximum capacity of 18 travelers and offers the opportunity to witness local cultures and rituals.
• Pickup service is available from two centrally located hotels in Guatemala City, and the tour concludes at the same locations.
• The tour package includes taxes, fees, lunch, a professional guide, and drinks, offering excellent value for money.
• The tour is not suitable for all travelers, as it is not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for individuals with back problems due to the walking requirements.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day guided trip to Chichicastenango market (Mercado Santo Tomás) and Santo Tomás Church offers travelers insights into local cultures and rituals, with transportation logistics, lunch, and a photo stop at Lake Atitlán included.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 18 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized experience.

At the colorful open-air Chichicastenango Market, visitors can explore as locals barter goods, while the 400-year-old Santo Tomás Church offers a chance to witness religious ceremonies.

Along the way, a quick photo stop at the scenic Lake Atitlán provides breathtaking views.

With all taxes, fees, lunch, and a professional guide included, this comprehensive tour promises an immersive cultural experience in the heart of Guatemala.

Chichicastenango Market

Nestled in the Guatemalan highlands, Chichicastenango’s vibrant open-air market draws hundreds of locals who barter a diverse array of goods, from indigenous textiles and handicrafts to fresh produce and traditional wares.

Visitors can enjoy the lively atmosphere, wandering through the maze of stalls and interacting with the friendly vendors.

The market is a riot of color, with hand-woven fabrics, intricate wood carvings, and vibrant displays of fruits and vegetables.

Haggling is expected and part of the fun, as shoppers negotiate prices with the skilled merchants.

This cultural experience offers a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the local Mayan communities.

Santo Tomás Church

Santo Tomás Church stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Chichicastenango, its 400-year-old walls bearing witness to centuries of religious devotion and indigenous traditions.

Visitors can witness religious ceremonies unfolding within its hallowed halls, where local Mayan communities gather to practice their age-old rituals, seeing a profound spiritual experience.

The church’s strict dress code prohibits the wearing of shorts or bathing suits, ensuring a respectful atmosphere.

While photography isn’t allowed inside, the exterior’s impressive architecture and vibrant Mayan influences provide ample opportunities for capturing the essence of this cultural gem.

Tourists are encouraged to observe quietly, allowing the sacred ambiance to envelop them as they gain insights into the deeply rooted beliefs of the Chichicastenango community.

Lake Atitlan Photo Stop

On the way to Chichicastenango, the tour includes a quick stop at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the stunning Lake Atitlan, where travelers can capture breathtaking photos of the serene waters and the majestic mountains that surround this natural wonder.

The lake, formed in a volcanic crater, is known for its picturesque settings and vibrant Mayan communities that dot its shoreline.

Though the stop is brief, it offers a chance to admire the picturesque landscape before continuing the journey to the renowned Chichicastenango market.

While some travelers may have hoped for more time at the lake, the photo opportunity provides a memorable glimpse of this iconic Guatemalan destination.

Pickup and Meeting Points

The tour typically provides pickup service from two centrally located hotels in Guatemala City – the Westin Camino Real Hotel at 6:45 a.m. and the Barceló Guatemala City Hotel at 7:00 a.m.

Travelers can choose their preferred meeting point for the start of the full-day excursion to Chichicastenango. The tour ends back at the same pickup locations, making it convenient for participants to return to their hotels.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems, as the itinerary involves some walking and uneven terrain.

Precise timings and logistics ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

Tour Inclusions and Costs

The tour package includes all necessary taxes, fees, lunch, a professional guide, and drinks – with alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Priced from $62.00, the tour provides excellent value for money. Gratuities aren’t included, however, allowing travelers to tip their guide at their own discretion.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the experience, providing flexibility for last-minute changes in plans.

Traveler Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this Chichicastenango tour, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars based on 10 reviews.

Positive feedback particularly highlights the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, as well as the vibrant and immersive experience at the local market.

However, some visitors noted a discrepancy between their expectations and the actual Lake Atitlan stop, which they described as merely a viewpoint rather than a full visit to the lake.

While the majority of travelers were satisfied with the tour, a few felt that the Lake Atitlan component didn’t fully align with their anticipated experience.

Tour Accessibility and Recommendations

This tour may not be suitable for all travelers, as it isn’t wheelchair accessible and not recommended for those with back problems.

The market and church visits require a good amount of walking and navigating uneven terrain.

Plus, the church has strict dress code requirements, prohibiting shorts and bathing suits.

Visitors should be prepared for a relatively fast-paced tour with multiple stops.

However, the tour does provide flexibility, with pickup available from two central hotels in Guatemala City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Market on My Own Without the Tour?

Yes, visitors can explore Chichicastenango Market on their own without booking a tour. The open-air market is free to enter, and travelers can wander through the vibrant stalls and interact with local vendors at their own pace.

What Are the Best Items to Buy at the Market?

The Chichicastenango market offers a wide variety of traditional Guatemalan crafts, textiles, and artwork. Visitors can find handwoven clothing, vibrant textiles, carved wood figurines, and colorful pottery – all excellent souvenirs to bring home from this lively open-air marketplace.

Is There an Option to Extend the Visit at Lake Atitlan?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option to extend the visit at Lake Atitlan. The itinerary includes a quick photo stop at the lake en route to Chichicastenango, but there’s no opportunity for a longer visit or activities at the lake itself.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Fit My Specific Interests?

The tour company likely can customize the itinerary to fit your specific interests. They may be able to extend the Lake Atitlán stop or incorporate additional activities, though this may incur an additional fee. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour operator.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

The tour operator offers discounted pricing for seniors (65+) and children (12 and under), typically around 10-15% off the standard adult rate. However, specific discount amounts may vary, so customers should inquire about available savings when booking.

Recap

The Full Day Trip to Chichicastenango provides an immersive cultural experience, offering visitors the opportunity to explore the vibrant Chichicastenango market, the historic Santo Tomás Church, and capture the stunning scenery of Lake Atitlán.

With a small group size and a professional guide, travelers can engage with local traditions and customs, making it an enriching and memorable adventure in the heart of Guatemala.