The famed market of Chichicastenango

Santo Tomas de Chichicastenango is a small, highland city with perhaps the most impressive, and certainly the most famous open air market in all of Guatemala. Although the twice weekly market and city have adapted to the flood of tourists, they both maitain a sense of tradition and the indelible mark of Maya culture that stretches back for millenia. The city center is made of narrow, cobblestone streets, and just outside the center, the landscape is one of deep ravines and sparsely populated hillsides. Maya craft sellers from across the highlands set up makeshift booths around the central plaza, spilling over on to sidewalks, the church steps, and up varios side streets. A broad selection of guatemalan handicrafts is available.

I love this place, bargaining has become my specialty. You also need to be very careful, i purchased a holy family wood carving, and this market guy was wrapping up the pieces quickly that made me suspicious, and so when i opened up the merchandise that i bought, one piece was missing.