Guatemala🇬🇹 | townsSan Andrés ItzapaMaximón chapel, ritual candles, fire ceremonies, folk religion | things to do and best time to go

Walking is the easiest way to get around San Andrés Itzapa, because the center, market and Maximón chapel sit within a ten-minute stroll of each other. Streets are steep in places and the cobbles are uneven, but traffic is light apart from market days, when horns and exhaust fill the plaza. Longer links run by chicken bus and minibus along the Chimaltenango highway corridor.

• Walking: Free, and the best way to catch the smell of incense and grilled corn. Wear shoes with grip for the hills.
• Tuk-tuks: US$0.60 to 1.50 for a short hop, loud and quick, handy for the uphill streets or when carrying a pack. Agree the price first.
• Chicken buses and minibuses: US$0.40 to 1.30 to Chimaltenango, about 20 to 30 minutes. Buses run roughly from 5 a.m. to early evening, so do not count on late returns. Crowded,

… read more 👉

Walking is the easiest way to get around San Andrés Itzapa, because the center, market and Maximón chapel sit within a ten-minute stroll of each other. Streets are steep in places and the cobbles are uneven, but traffic is light apart from market days, when horns and exhaust fill the plaza. Longer links run by chicken bus and minibus along the Chimaltenango highway corridor.

• Walking: Free, and the best way to catch the smell of incense and grilled corn. Wear shoes with grip for the hills.
• Tuk-tuks: US$0.60 to 1.50 for a short hop, loud and quick, handy for the uphill streets or when carrying a pack. Agree the price first.
• Chicken buses and minibuses: US$0.40 to 1.30 to Chimaltenango, about 20 to 30 minutes. Buses run roughly from 5 a.m. to early evening, so do not count on late returns. Crowded, but a good way to meet locals.
• Shuttles and taxis: Private rides to Antigua or Guatemala City cost about US$15 to 40 depending on distance and haggling. Worth it only if you are in a group or short on time.

San Andrés Itzapa works better as a day-trip destination than a base, since Antigua and Chimaltenango sit within an hour.Antigua Guatemala: Cobbled streets, ruined convents and volcano views make this the obvious pairing with a chapel visit. Allow 40 to 60 minutes each way by chicken bus with a change in Chimaltenango, about US$1.50 to 3 total. Go on a weekday, and start before noon so you can see ruins before the afternoon haze.

Iximché: These Kaqchikel Maya ruins near Tecpán have grassy plazas, ball courts and pine forest, and are often empty. The trip takes about 1 hour each way via Chimaltenango and a Tecpán bus, with entry around US$10 for foreigners and a total of US$14 to 18. Dry season is best, and many first-timers forget a jacket for the cool highland air.

Chimaltenango Market: … read more 👉

San Andrés Itzapa works better as a day-trip destination than a base, since Antigua and Chimaltenango sit within an hour.Antigua Guatemala: Cobbled streets, ruined convents and volcano views make this the obvious pairing with a chapel visit. Allow 40 to 60 minutes each way by chicken bus with a change in Chimaltenango, about US$1.50 to 3 total. Go on a weekday, and start before noon so you can see ruins before the afternoon haze.

Iximché: These Kaqchikel Maya ruins near Tecpán have grassy plazas, ball courts and pine forest, and are often empty. The trip takes about 1 hour each way via Chimaltenango and a Tecpán bus, with entry around US$10 for foreigners and a total of US$14 to 18. Dry season is best, and many first-timers forget a jacket for the cool highland air.

Chimaltenango Market: A short ride away, this is where highland farmers sell produce, textiles and livestock. It takes 20 to 30 minutes, costs under US$3 round trip with lunch from US$3, and is best in the morning.