Chichicastenango

..watch out for pick pockets…seriously

Yes, if you decide to visit Chichicastenango, it is a must that you check out the market place. Market days are held every Thursday and Sunday [this is the best day to go]. It’s a good opportunity to find great deals on arts and crafts and souvenirs. Don’t hesitate to bargain – in some cases, the sellers might ask for 100 quetzales, but you can totally lower the price to 20 quetzales.

The market place also offers good food at a low price.

When we were there, my friend and I stayed at a place called “El Teléfono”. This is a good place for backpackers. It’s safe and the restrooms are clean. The cost was 25 quetzales (about $3) a night. This was in April 2006.

If you have time, also go check out the colorful cementery.

I went to ChiChi on market day…it was crazy! There were a million stalls selling woven carpets, blankets, clothes. Food stall with all types of nibbles. Fires burning on the steps of the church. Little children holding babies – their parents probably working at the stalls. Dusty and dry…hot and sweaty…emotionally tough seeing all of the very poor people begging you to buy their wares. The woven fabric is pretty incredible, these ladies have a talent.

To fully experience Chichicastenango, you have to go there on a market day. On that day, the town becomes a mayhem of people and colours. Some of the artwork is absolutely beautiful. At both ends of the market is a church. They are worth visiting to witness how the native Maya have adapted their ancient animist beliefs to the Christian religion imposed by the Conquistadores.