Chichicastenango Market, Guatemala
An Authentic Souvenir-Shopping Experience in Central America
Jan 16, 2008
One of the biggest markets in Guatemala, for locals and tourists alike, takes place on Sundays and Thursdays in the highland town of Chichicastenango.
What You Can Buy at Chichicastenango Market
The market at Chichicastenango originally existed for the day-to-day needs of locals and it still does, but it has expanded (drastically!) to cater to tourists shopping for souvenirs. You'll find examples of gorgeous Mayan textiles in the form of woven pillow covers, placemats, table runners, wall hangings, and bedspreads. Some vendors deal in antiques, some in kitschy plastic trinkets emblazoned with the word "GUATEMALA" and some in new things meant to look old. You'll find coins, knives, machetes, lighters, knicknacks, jewelry and beadwork purses. You can also purchase Mayan huipiles (blouses) and cortes (skirts).
Tips on Haggling and Bargaining at Chichicastenango Market
When shopping at the Chichicastenango market, you're expected to bargain - the first price quoted to a foreigner can range from merely double the local price to some fantasy price way up in the stratosphere. Respond by simply suggesting a price you're comfortable with. You and the seller will probably go back and forth a few times before coming to an agreement.
Whatever you do, remain calm and take things lightly. Bargaining is the norm, but bursting a blood vessel over a few cents is not, especially given the (likely) economic disparity between you two. If you genuinely do not wish to pay the price being asked, it's ok to smile, say gracias, and walk away. If the seller chases after you, you have some wiggle room. If they don't, you don't. The most important thing to remember is that the "best price" is one that both you and the seller are happy with.
If you're on a tight budget, you can buy bundles of low cost souvenirs in the form of tiny dolls or magnets or keychains for a few quetzales from children who roam the crowd.
Eating at Chichicastenango Market
For a truly authentic Guatemalan market experience, head deep into the market to the very center, where the food stalls are. As you draw closer, you'll hear the slap-slap-slap of local women making tortillas by hand. These will be tossed onto makeshift grills and served up to you minutes later, as accompaniment to your meal - chicken soup, fried chicken and "papas," or maybe pepian, a thick Mayan stew flavored with ground pumpkin seeds, all spiced up from bowls of communal green salsa set along the simple, picnic style tables. You'll share a table with others - be sure to offer a "Buenos dias" or "Buenas tardes" to your neighbors.
Those with less adventurous palates can dine at one of several indoor restaurants lining the streets surrounding the markets. Meals here will be about twice the cost of a market meal - expect to spend about $4 USD per person.
How to get to Chichicastenango
It's possible to visit the Chichi market as a day trip from Guatemala City or Antigua - just vist any travel agency and sign up for a minibus trip. Trips are three hours to and another three hours back, so it's a long day, but it's possible. If you have more time, you can take a tourist minibus or chicken bus and stay in Chichi overnight at one of several hotels. A trip to Chichi is a great side trip if you're taking Spanish classes in Antigua.
Read about more things to do in Guatemala and more of Guatemala's markets.
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