Chichicastenango, Guatemala

Day 3 we got up early again to head to the markets in Chichicastenango. This is Guatemala's most famous market and it was incredible. The indigenous people travel overnight with their crafts and food on an A frame on their backs only to have their "booths" set up by the morning.

The cultural experience could not be beat as the Guatemalans were wearing the traditional Mayan clothing and spoke a combination of Spanish and Mayan dialects. The center of the market is reserved for the everyday needs of the Guatemalans (food, toiletries) and the outer edges of the market offer more of the touristy things. I bought a fabulous patchwork blanket (and had to haul around all 10 lbs of it for the rest of the trip!) and a few other really special items. The bartering was fun and I think I finally got the hang of it by the end of the day!
Santo Tomas Church still combines many of the Mayan traditions (i.e. sacrificing chickens) those of the Catholic faith.

Apparently Sarah was a tiger in another life because this mask fits her too well... even her eyes line up!
Back to Antigua we go... we couldn't get enough of Hotel Don Ismael :)