CHICHICASTENANGO & IXIMCHE RUINS

Departures: Thursdays and Sundays

Description:

This program is part of GA’s Traditional One Day Tours. The tour can begin from Antigua Guatemala or Guatemala City depending where you are staying. The trip consisits of a visit in the morning to the open market of Chichicastenango and in the afternoon to Panajachel & Lake Atitlan. In Chichicastenango you will be able to explore the indigenous market and be witness of the incessant exchange of fruits, vegetables and handicrafts between local people and foreigners. Then you´ll visit “Santo Tomás” church where the Popol Vuh (The sacred book of the Maya) was found and then have a beautiful afternoon watching one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Itinerary:

07:00 AM: Transfer from your Hotel in Guatemala City or Antigua to Chichicastenango.

10:00 AM: Arrival to Chichicastenango’s Market. In the center of town is the local market where you can buy wood products, ceramics and even gifts that the Mayan priests offer on their prehispanic altars. You can also admire the Church of Santo Tomas which was built by Dominicans and Kichen in the year of 1540 on a Maya altar, which even today is used on the front steps of the church. On the other side is Calvary Church, in the square you can see a high stick where they have done each year the presentation of the Palo Volador.

12:30 PM: Transfer from Chichicastenango to Panajachel.

01:30PM: Time to have lunch in one of the most exquisite restaurants of Panajachel.

02:30PM: Visit to the Santander Street of Panajachel and handycraft market of this town.

04:00PM: Transfers back to Guatemala City or Antigua Guatemala.

The tour includes: ground transportation, professional guide in your language, all entrances and taxes.