Plaza y Mercado Santo Tomás: A Cultural Heartbeat
Experience the vibrant culture of Guatemala at Plaza y Mercado Santo Tomás, Chichicastenango's bustling market, a feast for the senses.
Plaza y Mercado Santo Tomás is the vibrant heart of Chichicastenango, Guatemala, renowned for its bustling market days on Thursdays and Sundays. It's a cultural hub where locals and tourists converge to experience the rich traditions of the Guatemalan highlands, offering a kaleidoscope of colors, sounds, and aromas.
A brief summary to Plaza y Mercado Santo Tomás
- WVVQ+486, 5a Avenida, Chichicastenango, GT
- Monday 8 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
- Thursday 6 am-6 pm
- Friday 8 am-6 pm
- Saturday 8 am-6 pm
- Sunday 6 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Thursdays or Sundays for the full market experience, but be prepared for larger crowds.
- Bargain respectfully when purchasing goods; it's part of the culture.
- Arrive early to avoid the midday rush and secure the best deals.
- Be mindful of your belongings and surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Try the local street food, but choose vendors with visibly clean preparation practices.
Getting There
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Walking
The Plaza y Mercado Santo Tomás is located in the heart of Chichicastenango, making it easily accessible on foot from most points in the town center. From the Iglesia de Santo Tomás, simply walk one block east. The market surrounds the church and extends along 5a Avenida. No costs are associated with this approach.
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Public Transport
If arriving from outside of Chichicastenango, 'chicken buses' and tourist shuttles are common options. From Lake Atitlan, take a bus or shuttle to Panajachel, then transfer to a bus or shuttle to Chichicastenango. From Guatemala City or Antigua, direct shuttles are available. Once in Chichicastenango, the market is a short walk from the bus drop-off points. Shuttle costs from Lake Atitlan are around $30 round trip. Chicken buses from Lake Atitlan cost around $2-3 USD with 3 transfers. Shuttles from Antigua cost around $60 round trip.
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Taxi
Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in Chichicastenango. A short taxi ride within the town to Plaza y Mercado Santo Tomás should cost between Q10-Q20. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Taxis are a convenient option if you have heavy bags or are coming from accommodations outside the town center.
Discover more about Plaza y Mercado Santo Tomás
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Chichicastenango Market
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Mayan Inn
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Hotel Santo Tomas, Chichicastenango
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Cementerio General
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Cementerio De Chichicastenango
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CASA MASH
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Torre Centroamericana
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Mirador del Lago Atitlán
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Hotel La Riviera de Atitlán
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Atitlan Hotel
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Hotel San Buenaventura de Atitlán
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GR TRAVEL
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Hotel - Villas JABEL TINAMIT
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Multicolores
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Atitlan Solutions Real Estate
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Unmissable attractions to see
Chichicastenango Regional Museum
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Capilla del Calvario
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Iglesia de Santo Tomás
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Moreria Santo Tomas Fabrica De Mascaras
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Arco Gucumatz
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Chichicastenango
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Casa Diego Ignacio
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Museum Masks
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Plaza Baktun
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Pascual Abaj
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Parque de camping, RV y ecológico Casa Tzocomá
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los senderos del abuelo Ecological Park
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Mirador De Chichicastenango
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Riquiac Wonderland Resort
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Essential places to dine
La Casa Del Pollo
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Comedor Wendy
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Regi
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Bella Vista Restaurante
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POP WUJ
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Las Brasas
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Comedor El Abuelo
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Restaurante Café y Letras
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Restaurante la Casa de los Churrascos
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Restaurante Los Asados
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Restaurante La Villa de Don Tomás
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Restaurante La Chichicasteca
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Comedor Antigüeño
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Comedor La Cuevita
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Villa Cofrades Coffeeshop
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Turquesa Chichicastenango
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Atrio Kpe
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Tienda Típica El Guipil
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Family designed and created tourist shop
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Martins Typical Chichicastenango
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Casa San Juan Restaurante
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C&J BOUTIQUE
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Tipica la moderna
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Tienda El Tzijholaj
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Tienda Estrellita
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Boutique EDWARD 2
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GeMma SHEIN COMPANY
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Regalos Etc
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Mia - Seleccionado para Ella
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Calvario PUB
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TECOLOTE'S CAFE Y BAR
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Posada el Arco
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Herrería HARRY
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Arisol
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La Villa Cerveceria
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COFFE LITA - Chichicastenango
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Casa Del Rey Hotel
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Casa Montana
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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