Market Day in Chichicatenango

Indigenous culture meets modern technology in the Highlands of Guatemala.

High in the mountains, and sometimes isolated from the rest of Guatemala, Chichicastenango is home to one of the most famous markets in Central America. Its residents are also famous for their adherence to Mayan beliefs and culture, and the ceremonies are often intertwined with contemporary Christian practices.

For decades, villagers have walked many miles to sell their wares at the weekly markets. On Sundays and Thursdays, they spread their crafts, food and other merchandise in the central plaza and sell to residents and tourists from dawn until about 3:00 p.m.

The abundance of traditional textiles, ceramics and other tipica often make time seem to stand still in Chichi on market days. However, modern technology, such as young girls talking on cell phones, remind us that it is, in fact, 2010!

Paradise just outside of Panajachel

Lago de Atitlan, in the Guatemalan Highlands, is a dramatically beautiful place. The lake is surrounded by volcanoes and small Mayan villages filled with traditional culture. The town of Panajachel is a bustling market town, full of merchants and tourists buying and selling tipica, traditional Mayan crafts. There is always a frenzy of activity in Pana, so the town itself can be very tiring,

Just outside of Pana is the gorgeous Hotel Atitlan, with lush gardens and n aviary filled with tropical birds. It’s a peaceful refuge from the hustle and bustle of the market. And it’s the perfect place to enjoy a late afternoon trago of Flor de Caña rum with friends!