Shopping in Guatemala's Markets
Best Markets to Shop for Souvenirs of your Trip to Central America
May 3, 2008
If you're traveling to Guatemala, be sure to leave room in your suitcase or backpack for souvenirs. From simple knotted bracelets or matchstick dolls at several for a dollar, to elaborate bedspreads and backstrap-woven wall-hangings, Guatemalans produce wonderful items at every price point to remind you of your trip. Here are some of the best places in the country to stock up on all things Guatemalan.
Chichicastenango Market
The market at Chichicastenango, or Chichi, as it's sometimes called, is the most famous. Held on Sundays and Thursdays, this highland market fills up the entire town square and then escapes and flows up the side streets as well.
You’ll find everything here, from household goods like bedspreads, table runners, placemats and pillow covers, to antique knives and machetes, as well as all the inexpensive Guatemala-emblazoned tourist kitsch you could want and more. Stay in Chichi overnight or take a day-trip from Guatemala City or Antigua.
Panajachel, Guatemala
Panajachel is not as great as must have been in the 1960’s when expats first took over a simple lakeside town, but it’s still a great jumping-off point for other towns around lovely Lago Atitlán. And it’s also another great place to stock up on Guatemalan souvenirs. The selection here is similar to what you will find in Chichicastenango, including some adorable clothing for children and babies. Vendors' stalls are open daily and stretch up and down the main strip and trail off toward the lake.
Sololá Market
Another popular market is held on Tuesdays and Fridays at Sololá, overlooking Lago Atitlán. The Sololá market is considered to be more authentic than the one at Chichi, and you'll see both men and women wearing their traditional Caqchikel Maya garb. Because this is still a vitally important local market, there will be fewer tourist--oriented souvenirs, but the authenticity alone makes it worth the visit. Make a day trip here from Panajachel, just nine kilometers away.
Antigua, Guatemala
If you find yourself in Antigua – and you should, because it’s lovely – you can check out their market alongside the bus terminal. Also in Antigua is Nim P'ot, an enormous indoor collective market offering a little bit of everything, from your standard souvenir t-shirts to funky bags made from grain sacks, some wooden furniture and an extensive collection of Mayan textiles.
Nim P'ot offers an advantage to the bargaining-challenged in that the prices are fixed (and quite reasonable). If you’re not ready to shop, stop in anyway to get an idea of baseline prices so you’re better informed as you shop and haggle elsewhere in Guatemala.
Besides having tons to do, Guatemala has the widest variety of handicrafts in Central America, so if you’re planning to visit multiple countries, Guatemala is the place to stock up on gifts for your loved ones and yourself.
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