Chichicastenango, also known as Santo Tomás Chichicastenango, is a town in the El Quiché department of Guatemala, known for its traditional Maya Indian culture.

Native market

Chichicastenango is home to what is said to be the most beautiful native market in North and Central America, perhaps in all America, which takes place twice a week. This town has been, since pre-Hispanic times, one of the largest trading centers in the Maya area.

Church of Santo Tomás

Another major attraction in Chichicastenango is the 400-year old church of Santo Tomás which is situated next to the market. It is built atop a Pre-Columbian platform, and the steps originally leading to a temple of the pre-Hispanic Maya civilization remain venerated. Shamans still use the church for their rituals, burning incense and candles. In special cases, they burn a chicken for the gods. Each of the 18 stairs that lead up to the church stands for one month of the Maya calendar year.

Other attractions

Other sights in Chichicastenango include native musicians playing in the streets, religious processions, mask carvers, antique and relic stores, the Popul Vuh Museum of Mayan artifacts, and the colorful cemetery.
There is also an ancient stone idol that can be accessed after some exploration. The idol is still in use; offerings of flowers, candles, incense and sugar cane rum are evident. Tourists are advised to stay back if there are any rituals being performed at the idol, as sometimes still happens.