The most colourful native market in all of the Americas is definitely Chichicastenango. Situated at about 140km from Guatemala City, this market draws in vendors from all of Guatemala and is a place bustling with activity. It is open on Thursdays and Sundays. There are people with different dialects, wearing all sorts of costumes and shouting out in a chorus of sounds and smells.

Organized Market:

Although it gives the look of a haphazard market to the new tourist, yet it is quite organized. Vendors start setting up their booths the night before and each different product has a specific place in the market. The flower shops have their own place, and the vegetable and fruit sellers occupy their usual ones. Similarly, there are assigned spaces for pottery, condiments, medicinal plants, wooden boxes, candles, tools, chickens and many more things. There are small eateries in the main plaza called the comedores. You can find everything over there.

Costumes:

If you are a fan of costumes, then you will find many unique ones within the market. There are bright and colorful costumes from all over Guatemala and tradition is bursting forth with every dress. For those of you who have the knowledge, every person will tell where he or she is from by the costumes they are wearing. Most of the dresses are specific to a particular group or village.

Surge in Tourism:

Initially, the market only occupied the central plaza but over the years more and more tourists have started landing here. Read the full story