A major market center for the Indians of the western highlands, Chichicastenango becomes inundated on Thursdays and Sundays with traders who bring their wares, textiles and handicrafts from all the towns of the region. With all the hustle and bustle of market day, and the outside merchants who come to town, it is often difficult to see through the activity and focus on the town itself. If a visitor arrives a day early or stays a day after the market, he or she will be able to enjoy Chichicastenango at peace. Noteworthy in Chichicastenango, in addition to the spectacular market, are THE CHURCH OF SANTO TOMAS: On the east side of the plaza, this is a whitewashed colonial structure built around 1540. On the steps, praying people burn copal incense. Once inside the church, they offer candles and flowers to the souls of the departed, while they call on the saints and the lords of all the natural forces.
THE MUSEUM: Is located on the south side of the plaza and contains a beautiful collection of jade, ceramic figures, household objects and incense burners. It is open every day except Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. PASCUAL ABAJ: This is a stone idol located on a hilltop about one half-mile from town. Legend has it that Pascual was a very poor hunchback who knocked on doors asking for shelter, but nobody helped him. Finally, when a compassionate man offered him his roof, Pascual promised him that he would be rich some day as a result of his good deed. The man paid no attention, but when Pascual left, his fortune did indeed change for the better.
The view of Chichicastenango from some spots on top of the hill is beautiful.