Welcome to Quiché
The road into Quiché department leaves the Interamericana at Los Encuentros, winding northward through pine forests and cornfields. 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 Santa Cruz del Quiché, the departmental capital to the north, and it is less trammeled territory. 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.
Top experiences in Quiché
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Quiché activities
Day Trip to Chichicastenango and Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City or Antigua
One of our representatives will pick you up in the designated place to start your journey to the town of Chichicastenango.This highland town is famous for its market which attracts a lot of tourists visiting Guatemala. It has a population of around 120,000 people. Most of the population is indigenous Quiché ethnicity. Chichicastenango is also famous because it is the place where the Popol Vuh, a Mayan religious book about the origin of mankind, was found. Chichicastenango is certainly a valuable destination for the colorful and noisy market days, people’s costumes and especially for its rich culture and history.Religious rituals are done for different reasons, from health or work, up to marriages and general life instructions. We will visit the outdoor market, the local Church of Santo Tomas where you can observe local shamans performing Mayan rituals. Atitlán is technically an endorheic lake, as it does not drain into the ocean, but substantial seepage feeds two nearby rivers. It is shaped by deep surrounding escarpments and three volcanoes on its southern flank. The lake has 12 Maya Indigenous villages around and its names are from the 12 apostles from the bible. Lake Atitlan is considered one of the most beautiful in the world by many including the famous novelist Aldous Huxley. Three spectacular volcanoes, Toliman, Atitlan and San Pedro, are the natural setting of the lake. It has an area of 125 square kilometers and 1,560 meters altitude above the sea level.
Full Day Tour: Chichicastenango Maya Market and Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City
You will be picked up from your hotel in Guatemala City. We will take road to The Western Highlands, the region of Guatemala that most travelers think about when daydreaming about a trip to this country. The region is home to quaint and colorful mountain villages, highland lakes, pine forests and the majority of Guatemala’s indigenous peoples.Arriving at Chichicastenango Market we will begin our walking tour inside the market. It is the center of the town and heart of commercial life for “maxeños” (name given to the natives of Chichicastenango, derivative from Max that means Tomás in Quiché language). The merchants go down every Thursday and Sunday to the central plaza to sell their products in this impressive indigenous market that has changed very little throughout the centuries. Explore the pathways of the market and view the colorful handicrafts and produce offered by the local people of the region.In Chichicastenango, we will also visit Santo Tomás Church, built in 1540 over the base of an archaeological pre-hispanic temple. This church is a splendid example of colonial architecture, as the Mayan and Latino influence is mixed throughout both the interior and exterior of the building.After exploring the market you will enjoy a delicious lunch (included if option selected).Then, continue to the town of Panajachel, which sits on Lake Atitlan. Visit Santander Street and enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Three spectacular volcanoes, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro form the natural frame of the lake itself. It has a surface of 125 square kilometers and sits 1,560 meters above sea level.In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing return transfer back to Guatemala City.
Private Tour: Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan from Antigua
You will be picked up from your hotel in Antigua. We will take road to The Western Highlands, the region of Guatemala that most travelers think about when daydreaming about a trip to this country. The region is home to quaint and colorful mountain villages, highland lakes, pine forests, and the majority of Guatemala’s indigenous peoples.Arriving to the town of Panajachel, which sits on Lake Atitlan. Visit Santander Street and enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Three spectacular volcanoes, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro, form the natural frame of the lake itself. It has a surface of 125 square kilometers and sits 1,560 meters above sea level.Continue to Chichicastenango Market and begin your walking tour inside the market. It is the center of the town and heart of commercial life for “maxeños” (name given to the natives of Chichicastenango, derivative from Max that means Tomás in Quiché language). The merchants go down every Thursday and Sunday to the central plaza to sell their products in this impressive indigenous market that has changed very little throughout the centuries. Explore the pathways of the market and view the colorful handicrafts and produce offered by the local people of the region.In Chichicastenango, we will also visit Santo Tomás Church, built in 1540 over the base of an archaeological pre-Hispanic temple. This church is a splendid example of colonial architecture, as the Mayan and Latino influence is mixed throughout both the interior and exterior of the building.After exploring the market you will have time to enjoy a delicious lunch (not Included). In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing return transfer back to Antigua city.
Private Tour: Chichicastenango Market and Lake Atitlan from Guatemala City
You will be picked up from your hotel in Guatemala City. We will take road to The Western Highlands, the region of Guatemala that most travelers think about when daydreaming about a trip to this country. The region is home to quaint and colorful mountain villages, highland lakes, pine forests, and the majority of Guatemala’s indigenous peoples.Arrive to the town of Panajachel, which sits on Lake Atitlan. Visit Santander Street and enjoy a spectacular view of Lake Atitlan, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Three spectacular volcanoes, Tolimán, Atitlán and San Pedro form the natural frame of the lake itself. It has a surface of 125 square kilometers and sits 1,560 meters above sea level.Then Continue to Chichicastenango Market and begin your walking tour inside the market. It is the center of the town and heart of commercial life for “maxeños” (name given to the natives of Chichicastenango, derivative from Max that means Tomás in Quiché language). The merchants go down every Thursday and Sunday to the central plaza to sell their products in this impressive indigenous market that has changed very little throughout the centuries. Explore the pathways of the market and view the colorful handicrafts and produce offered by the local people of the region.In Chichicastenango, we will also visit Santo Tomás Church, built in 1540 over the base of an archaeological pre-Hispanic temple. This church is a splendid example of colonial architecture, as the Mayan and Latino influence is mixed throughout both the interior and exterior of the building. After exploring the market you will have time to enjoy a delicious lunch (not included). In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing return transfer back to Guatemala City.