The Runaway Guide

Run Away & Travel The World

Duration On The Road:

6108 days

Countries Visited:

86

Current Location:

Stockholm
  • HOME
  • START
    • START A BLOG
  • DESTINATIONS
  • TOURS
  • RESOURCES
  • RUNAWAY GEAR
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT

Coolest Street Market In The World

December 17, 2013 by The Runaway Guide 6 Comments

DSC02040As a 16 year old runaway, life solely revolved around survival. I never had the money or energy to go to museums, eat at restaurants, or explore local street markets.

But today, with a travel sustaining blog, I’m finally able to experience all those quintessential backpacker things that I missed out on as a kid.

Having the luxury to explore and even buy things at the Chichicastenango Market this weekend was one of those things. It reminded how much better travel is with a bit a cash in your pocket, and how lucky I am to be doing what I’m doing.

Although I’ve experienced some pretty cool markets around the world, notably the Chatuchak market in Bangkok and various bazaars in Tunis, Jerusalem, and Damascus, the Chichi Market in Guatemala takes the crown as the worlds coolest street market.

What Makes Chichi Market So Cool?

In the markets of South East Asia, locally produced bronze Buddha’s, offering bowels, and tapestries are too often in competition with cheaper Chinese made imitations.

In the bazaars of the Middle East, almost every other shop can be seen selling nearly identical tourist oriented souvenirs made in you guessed it, China.

You might as well just head to China Town in New York City where you will find all the same crap; a miniature replica of Tutut’s Tomb, a Great Pyramids of Giza lighter, or a Tom Yum soup packet with Thai spices.

Dias De Los Meurtas Skulls

Dias De Los Meurtas Skulls

So What Makes It So Cool?

It is pleasantly lacking in mass produced Chinese goods.

It’s geographic isolation in the Guatemalan Highlands has resulted in a market that it relatively untouched by globalization.

It has an atmosphere of authenticity, which makes you feel as though you have traveled back to the early 20th century.

While there are a few Chinese and American made products, the bulk of the goods for sale are unique, locally produced, and most notably, inspired by ancient Mayan culture.

Mayan animal masks

Mayan animal masks

Coolest Things To Buy At Chichi Market

Traditional Mayan blankets, clothes, and tapestries are definitely the highlights of Chichi market. Other cool items include ancient Mayan coins, carved wooden animal spirit masks, Mayan style jade jewelry, herbal medicines, and hammocks.

To get a better idea of the market, witness some haggling in action and to see some of the things I picked up, check out the video below.

But before that, I have to send out a huge thanks to Mark B. and GoEuro for making this adventure possible.

If you would like to receive a package of cool stuff from Chichi market and help keep me fed, check out my FEED ME page for info on the rewards of becoming a sponsor. Happy Holidays and safe travels on the road and on the road of life! – Leif

2
SHARES
FacebookTwitter

READ MORE

  • How To Enter Honduras Without Being Extorted How To Enter Honduras Without Being Extorted
  • The Guatemalan Christmas SpectacularThe Guatemalan Christmas Spectacular
  • How To Pack For Central America

Filed Under: Runaway's Blog Tagged: central america, guatemala

Let Me Know What You Think!

  1. Rebecca says

    January 12, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    great video, was really cool to see all the action going on in the background. The lady haggling is super cute and the mask are mega creative! great video.

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      January 13, 2014 at 4:20 pm

      Thanks! Yea she was great, so funny.

      Reply
  2. Catherine Todd says

    January 10, 2014 at 1:41 pm

    Wow! This is a great blog… love the photos and the travel stories. I’ve lived in Guatemala for eight years and have yet to go to the Chichicastengo market… don’t know how I’ve missed it. I keep meaning to go, and now I’ll have to!

    I’ve signed up on Facebook too. Keep up the good work!

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      January 13, 2014 at 4:17 pm

      Hey Catherine! Thanks a bunch. I took chicken busses and it only took about 2 hours :)

      Reply
  3. Rodrigo says

    December 18, 2013 at 3:02 pm

    Looks like a wicked market. Who are u traveling with?

    Reply
    • The Runaway Guide says

      December 21, 2013 at 6:09 pm

      Hey Rodrigo, yea, it really is a unique one. I’m traveling with a nice gal from Boston.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Who Is The Runaway Guide?

When I was 16 I ran away from home and traveled the world with nothing but the clothes on my back. Over 10 years later and I'm still "on the run," surviving in style, thriving off adventure, searching for that elusive road to enlightenment, and cultivating the life of travel that I want to live. More...

Run Away To Guatemala!

Nov 4th - Nov 12th, 2019

Sign Up For Airbnb & Get...

More Runaway Resources






All Runaway Resources

Best Countries For Backpacking
Visa Requirements World Map
Top World Travel Experts
Best Travel Blogs
Runaway Tours
Resources

FEED ME

Budget
Prepare
Illicit
Work
Hideouts
Gear
Books

Contact / Partnerships

If you have any questions about traveling, Runaway Tours, or anything surrounding The Runaway Guide, send me a message through my Facebook page.

If you're interested in working with The Runaway Guide in any travel related capacity, please view the Partnerships page or email me at TheRunawayGuide (at) yahoo.com

Connect With Me On:

YouTube Twitter Pinterest Facebook

LinkedIn RSS RSS RSS

© Copyright 2012 The Runaway Guide · All Rights Reserved · Terms of use · Contact