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Chichicastenango

Guatemala · City · GTQ · 14.933300, -91.116700
Family friendly 5.1/10 · Rank 2126 of 2 709
Best season: November-April

Best for

Suitable for Maya culture, crafts lovers and authentic atmosphere

Best season

November-April

Daily budget
$54.00 (≈ 4 860 ₽)
For 7 days
$378.00 (≈ 34 020 ₽)
Chichicastenango is a famous highland town, known for its vibrant market that draws thousands of sellers and buyers on Thursdays and Sundays. It is one of the best places in Guatemala to buy traditional textiles, ceramics, and masks, as well as to experience the syncretic religious rituals of the Maya.
Summer
26.0°C
Winter
8.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Chichicastenango residents are traditional, hardworking and proud of their Maya culture

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Largest Maya market
  • Rich culture
  • Authentic atmosphere
  • Affordable prices
  • Hospitable locals

Cons

  • High altitude
  • Pickpocketing at the market
  • Limited nightlife
  • Rainy season
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
16.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
23.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
26.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
13.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
21.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
8.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Attractions

Chichicastenango Market

Largest Maya market in Central America, operating on Thursdays and Sundays

Santo Tomás Church

Historic 16th-century church blending Catholic and Maya traditions

Textile Galleries

Shops with traditional Maya textiles and crafts

Pascual Abaj Hill

Hill with Maya ceremonial altars

Best areas

Central Square

Area around the market and Santo Tomás Church

Market Streets

Shopping streets with craft stalls

Must-try food

Tamales

Corn dough with meat and sauce, wrapped in banana leaves

Kak'ik

Spicy turkey soup with tomatoes and spices

Pepián

Traditional stew with meat and vegetables

Atol de Elote

Sweet corn drink

Where to go next

Lake Atitlán

Scenic lake with volcanoes 1.5 hours away

Panajachel

Town on Lake Atitlán 1.5 hours away

Quetzaltenango

Second largest city in Guatemala 1.5 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Международный аэропорт Ла-Аурора (GUA).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$36.00
≈ 3 240 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$60.00
≈ 5 400 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$100.00
≈ 9 000 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$80.00
≈ 7 200 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$35.00
≈ 3 150 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.00
≈ 180 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 225 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.80
≈ 72 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$7.00
≈ 630 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$2.50
≈ 225 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$60.00
≈ 5 400 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 45 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$2.50
≈ 225 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$12.00
≈ 1 080 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Chichicastenango: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Chichicastenango: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +26.0°C, during the day — up to +23.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Chichicastenango: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +8.0°C, during the day — up to +21.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Chichicastenango: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Chichicastenango: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $54.00 (≈ 4 860 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Chichicastenango: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $10.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $36.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $60.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $100.00 per night, an apartment — $35.00 per night, a villa — $80.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Chichicastenango: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $4.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.00, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.80. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Chichicastenango: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $60.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $2.50, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Chichicastenango: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Chichicastenango Market — Largest Maya market in Central America, operating on Thursdays and Sundays; Santo Tomás Church — Historic 16th-century church blending Catholic and Maya traditions; Textile Galleries — Shops with traditional Maya textiles and crafts; Pascual Abaj Hill — Hill with Maya ceremonial altars. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Chichicastenango: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Tamales — Corn dough with meat and sauce, wrapped in banana leaves; Kak'ik — Spicy turkey soup with tomatoes and spices; Pepián — Traditional stew with meat and vegetables; Atol de Elote — Sweet corn drink. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Chichicastenango: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Central Square — Area around the market and Santo Tomás Church; Market Streets — Shopping streets with craft stalls. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Chichicastenango: is a visa required?
Visa: not required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Chichicastenango: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Международный аэропорт Ла-Аурора (code GUA). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $60.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Chichicastenango: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — GTQ. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $54.00 (≈ 4 860 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Chichicastenango: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Chichicastenango: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Chichicastenango: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Lake Atitlán — Scenic lake with volcanoes 1.5 hours away; Panajachel — Town on Lake Atitlán 1.5 hours away; Quetzaltenango — Second largest city in Guatemala 1.5 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

5.1/10
Overall rank: 2126 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 868

Best season

November-April

Useful information

Currency: GTQ
Coordinates: 14.933300, -91.116700