Getting to this amazing town and market will only take us around 2 hours. Chichicastenango or “Chichi” has one of the most vibrant and colorful markets in the country.

As soon as we get there you will be mesmerized by the great number of sales including fruit, vegetables, jewelry, pottery, Mayan textiles, handicrafts, and traditional Mayan dishes. This market has existed since before the coming of the Spanish conquers and has been one of the most important trading points since ever.

The market is open on Thursday and Sunday, and it is the best place to buy souvenirs for its variety of options.

*The road has twists and turns. Please make sure to bring your motion sickness pills in case you need them.

A stunning white-wall colonial structure full of color and movement at its base will be waiting for you. We are talking about the Santo Tomas Church located right next to Chichi´s market.

The church was built on top of a Mayan temple in 1540 and that is when the religion syncretism begins. You will see Catholic figures dressed in Mayan gowns. You will also see Catholic Masses and Mayan ceremonies. This is the only church in Guatemala where you will see anything like this.

On the steps of the church, you will see many people selling flowers, candles, incense, and some others praying to give thanks or ask favors to the heavenly being.

After visiting the great Chichicastenango, we will go to the Lake Atitlan area. Once here we will stop at the charming Panajachel. We will give you some free time to have lunch and we will reunite again to explore the town.

Panajachel with its cobblestone streets and colorful buildings offers visitors a unique experience that blends Mayan culture with a laid-back ambiance. Our first stop after lunch will be a peaceful stroll through the main street until we get to the stunning lakefront. This picturesque scene is framed by the majestic volcanoes of San Pedro and Atitlan, creating a postcard-perfect scene.

Panajachel is a magical place that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an immersive cultural experience, this unique town is sure to have something for you. Come and explore the charms of Panajachel – you won’t regret it!

Panajachel is a great option to spend the night and explore the town on your own with a peaceful stroll. It has a good number of hotels. Rest and get ready for day 2.

LAKE ATITLAN

Start the day by enjoying a tasty breakfast and getting ready for our adventure. We will take you to visit one of the towns in Lake Atitlan. On the shores of the lake, we can find many Mayan towns. We will take you to visit one of these:

• San Juan

• Santa Catarina Palopo

• San Antonio Palopo

Usually, if the weather allows it, the town we will visit will be San Juan, which offers great Mayan textiles and chocolate workshops. However, if the weather does not allow it, we will then decide to visit one of the other two towns.

No matter which town we visit, you will be fascinated by the beauty of the traditional costumes of the region, and you will learn about the culture and its cosmovision.

The town we will visit will depend on the weather of the lake if the wind is blowing hard, the current of the lake can become very strong, and the safety of our guests and our staff comes first.

We will return to Antigua Guatemala, our first stop for our guests staying there. After that, we will return to Guatemala City. Thank you for choosing us to have this amazing cultural experience. We are sure you will love it.

*We will make a stop for 1 hour to have lunch.