Skip to content
Voykit
Draft data. Times, fares and step counts are desk estimates awaiting field checks. How we verify
Source checked
A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
Field checked
Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
Plan calculated
Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.

Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify

Back to Chichicastenango

In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.

Voykit pocket guide · Guatemala

Chichicastenango

Spend one day for the market and church; add a second day if you want the Santo Tomás festival in December.

Chichicastenango is a highland town famous for its Thursday and Sunday market and the Santo Tomás festival in December. A single day covers the market and main sights; a festival visit needs an extra day.

AlmolongaCantelCarmelitaChimaltenangoChiquimulaCobánDoloresEl ParedónEl RemateEscuintlaEsquipulasFloresGuatemala CityHuehuetenangoChichicastenango100 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Guatemala
Best months
Nov–Apr, plus Dec for the festival
Avoid
May–Oct (rainy season)
Stay
1 night

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
GTQ
Money
Currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ, Q). Cards work in Antigua hotels and restaurants; markets, lake villages and shuttles often need cash.
Daily spend
Budget Q80–Q120 excl. bed · Mid Q120–Q200 excl. bed · High Q200+ excl. bed (estimate; check)
SIM and data
Tigo and Claro sell SIMs at the airport and shops; bring your passport.
Emergency
Police 110 · Fire and ambulance 122/123 · Tourist assistance 1500
Plugs
Types A, B · 120 V · 60 Hz · US plugs fit; power cuts in storms.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10% — check if 'propina' is already on the bill.; Guides (Tikal, volcanoes): Q50–100 per person per day.; Shuttle drivers: Q10–20.
Water
Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations in Antigua and lake hotels.
Toilets
Paper in the bin; public toilets charge Q1–5.

What things cost

ItemPrice
Coffee at a caféQ5–Q8
Handicraft (small item) at marketQ20–Q50
Taxi 5 km (3.1 mi)Q30–Q45
Bus shuttle (city‑to‑city, 2 h)Q30–Q50

Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.

Get in

By air

GUA · La Aurora International Airport
Main gateway to Guatemala; shuttle or bus to Chichicastenango takes 4–5 h

Typical fares

Guatemala City → Chichicastenango (shuttle, round‑trip)
about Q120, 4–5 h total travel (check)
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

The town is compact; walk between market, church and hotels. Buses and shuttles run from Guatemala City, Antigua and Panajachel to Los Encuentros, then a short ride to town.

See and do

Known for

  • Chichicastenango market
  • Iglesia Santo Tomás
  • Santo Tomás festival

Day trips

WhereHowTime
Lake AtitlánShuttle from Chichicastenango to Panajachel (≈2 h), then boat≈3 h total
PanajachelDirect shuttle (≈2 h) from town≈2 h

Sleep

Posada El Arco
Family‑run posada, $15–$30 GTQ, breakfast included, walk from market
Santo Tomas Hotel
Upscale hotel next to market and church

Phrase card

EnglishSay or show
Excuse me / SorryDisculpedis-kuhl-peh
Thank youGraciasgra-see-as
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?kwan-to kwes-ta
Where is the market?¿Dónde está el mercado?don-de es-ta el mer-ca-do

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Handshake and 'buenos días'; in villages a softer handshake; avoid: Rushing straight to business
  • Photography: Ask first and accept a no; avoid: Photographing children
  • Churches: Covered shoulders, quiet; avoid: Flash during ceremonies
  • Bargaining: Smile, make an offer, walk away politely; avoid: Haggling over a few quetzales with weavers

Scams and watch-outs

  • Market crowds on Thursdays and Sundays; arrive early for better prices
  • Festival fireworks can be loud and cause smoke; keep a safe distance
  • Posada phone lines often unreliable; be prepared to show up in person

Generally safe for visitors; keep an eye on belongings in the busy market and stay clear of fireworks smoke during the Santo Tomás festival.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Chichicastenango yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • Chichicastenango market
  • Iglesia Santo Tomás
  • Santo Tomás festival

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Chichicastenango

A esta dirección, por favor

To this address, please

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

US consulate in Guatemala City; other embassies in the capital.

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/chichicastenango). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.