Chichicastenango (Chichi) in the highlands of Guatemala is famous for its huge Thursday and Sunday markets, which extend in all directions from the steps of Iglesia de Santo Tomas, the church in the photo. To get a shot like this, however, you need to either stay overnight or visit Chichi when the market isn’t taking place. We wouldn’t recommend visiting on a non-market day, but staying overnight is a great idea. Not only can you see this lovely whitewashed church in all its glory, but you can also get up early and visit the market before the hoards of day-trippers arrive later in the morning.

Another advantage of spending the night in Chichicastenango is that you also get to see the market come alive with early morning flower vendors, who cascade down the steps of Chichicastenango’s two main churches…

Iglesia de Santo Tomas Chichicastenango Guatemala Iglesia de Santo Tomas, Chichicastenango

Chichicastenango Guatemala copy-EditIglesia de Santo Tomas, Chichicastenango

Iglesia de Santo Tomas, Chichicastenango