Quiché

Quiché is the homeland of the K'iche' people, though other groups form the fabric of this culturally diverse region, most notably the Ixil of the eastern Cuchumatanes mountains. Most visitors who come to this largely forgotten pocket of the country are on a jaunt to the famous market at Chichicastenango. Similarly captivating commerce is conducted in the less trammeled territory of Santa Cruz del Quiché, the departmental capital to the north. On its outskirts lie the mysterious ruins of K'umarcaaj, the last capital city of the K'iche'. Adventurous souls push further north for Nebaj, heart of the culturally vibrant Ixil Triangle, with myriad hiking opportunities.

This region was at the heart of the violence of the civil war, with the Ixil people suffering greatly in reprisals from the army to such an extent that it's locally often referred to as a genocide. Be extremely circumspect about the war if it comes up in conversation.

Explore Quiché

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Quiché.

  • Market

    Market

    Some villagers still walk for hours carrying their wares to reach Chichi's market, one of Guatemala's largest and a highlight of many people's trips to…

  • Church

    Iglesia de Santo Tomás

    This church on the plaza's east side dates from 1540 and is often the scene of rituals that are more distinctly Maya than Catholic. Inside, the floor of…

  • Archaeological Site

    K'umarcaaj

    The ruins of the ancient K'iche' Maya capital of K'umarcaaj remain a sacred site for the Maya, and contemporary rituals are customarily enacted here…

  • Shrine

    Pascual Abaj

    On a hilltop south of town, Pascual Abaj (Sacrifice Stone) is a shrine to the Maya earth god Huyup Tak'ah (Mountain Plain). A stone-faced idol stands amid…

  • Church

    Iglesia de Nebaj

    This formidable church dominates the south side of Parque Principal. Inside, to the left of the entrance, is a memorial to Juan José Gerardi, who as…

  • Public Art

    Mural

    Be sure to admire the mural that runs alongside the wall of the town hall on the east side of the plaza – it’s dedicated to the victims of the civil war…

  • Museum

    Centro Cultural Kumool

    This small museum is something of an unexpected gem for a town of Nebaj's size. It displays a collection of mostly ceramic objects excavated in the Ixil…

  • Gallery

    Galería Pop-Wuj

    On the way down the hill to the shrine at Pascual Abaj, you might stop into this interesting gallery. Developed as an art institute for local children…

  • Church

    Capilla del Calvario

    On the west side of the plaza, this whitewashed church is similar in form and function to Santo Tomás, but smaller. Ceremonies go on continually in front…

  • Church

    Iglesia Católica

    The church is home to the icon of Christ of Golgotha, which is the focus of a huge pilgrimage on the second Friday of Lent – one of the biggest…

  • Landmark

    Centro Comercial Santo Tomás

    Even on non-market days, the covered market on the north side of the square buzzes with activity. The fresh produce on display is a reflection of…

  • Museum

    Museo Arqueológico Regional

    Chichi's archaeology museum holds the collection of Hugo Rossbach, a German who served as the town's Catholic priest until his death in 1944. It includes…

  • Museum

    Museo Maya Ixil

    The musical instruments, stone implements, weapons, indigenous outfits and archaeological finds crammed into this humble adobe home have been…

  • Notable Building

    Municipalidad (Town Hall)

    The block-long town hall building stands opposite the church. Though usually occupied by local citizenry taking care of their affairs, you may ascend to…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Quiché.

  • Activities