natural wonder
Lake Atitlan
A breathtaking volcanic lake surrounded by three towering volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, often called the most beautiful lake in the world.
23 km · about 25 min drive
North AmericaGuatemalaQuiché
Chichicastenango
Quiché, Guatemala · North America
About Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango is worth a stop: 15 minutes from Chiché, 23km from Lake Atitlan.
Chichicastenango is in Quiché, Guatemala, with about 140,000 people. The nearest town is Chiché, about 9 km away.
Chichicastenango, also known as Santo Tomás Chichicastenango, is a town, with a population of 71,394 (2018 census), and the municipal seat for the surrounding municipality of the same name in the El Quiché department of Guatemala.
Situated on a high-altitude plateau of the Guatemalan Highlands at an elevation ofRead more
1,965 metres (6,447 ft). above sea level, the town historically served as a vital K'iche' Maya ceremonial and regional center. It is notably recognized as the historic location where the original manuscript of the Popol Vuh, the sacred narrative of the K'iche' people, was preserved and transcribed in the early 18th century. The Spanish conquistadors named the town Tzitzicaztenanco (meaning "place of nettles") using the Nahuatl language of their Tlaxcalan allies, replacing its original K'iche' name, Chaviar.
Chichicastenango is a K'iche' Maya cultural centre. According to the 2012 census, 98.5% of the municipality's population is indigenous Mayan K'iche. Of the population, 21% speak only K'iche, 71% speak both K'iche and Spanish, and the remaining 8% speak only Spanish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Chichicastenango?
Within an hour or so of Chichicastenango: Lake Atitlan (23 km), San Pedro La Laguna (33 km), Acatenango (55 km), Antigua Guatemala (59 km).
Where is Chichicastenango?
Chichicastenango is in Quiché, Guatemala, about 9 km from Chiché.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 141,567
- Continent
- North America
- Country
- Guatemala
- Region
- Quiché
- Timezone
- America/Guatemala
- Coordinates
- 14.9433, -91.1112
Tags
Worth the detour from Chichicastenango
4 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
San Pedro La Laguna
A backpacker and artist hub on Lake Atitlán's shores beneath San Pedro Volcano, known for Spanish schools and Tz'utujil Maya culture.
33 km · about 40 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Acatenango
A 3,976 m stratovolcano near Antigua climbed overnight so hikers can camp on the ridge and watch neighbouring Volcán de Fuego erupt through the night: one of the most reliable live-eruption views on earth.
55 km · about 65 min drive
landmark
Antigua Guatemala
A UNESCO colonial city framed by volcanoes, filled with cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and stunning ruined churches.
59 km · about 70 min drive
Driving roads near Chichicastenango
- 55 kmAcatenangoA 3,976 m stratovolcano near Antigua climbed overnight so hikers can camp on the ridge and watch neighbouring Volcán de Fuego erupt through the night: one of the most reliable live-eruption views on earth.
When to drive here
Year-round
Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.
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