Chichicastenango Patron's Day
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Not yet rated
No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.
Quick answer
Is Chichicastenango Patron's Day worth booking?
Chichicastenango Patron's Day is a 7-hour experience in Antigua, Guatemala, from $180 per person. It scores 45 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 45 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $180 per person
Celebrate Chichicastenango’s Patron's Day on December 21st, honoring Saint Thomas with vibrant dances, Mayan ceremonies and traditional music a living expression of Maya heritage and culture.
What you get
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Local Tour Guide
- Breakfast
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Celebrate Chichicastenango’s Patron's Day on December 21st, honoring Saint Thomas with vibrant dances, Mayan ceremonies and traditional music a living expression of Maya heritage and culture.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Entrance fees
- Local Tour Guide
- Breakfast
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
On the drive from Antigua to Chichicastenango, we will take a 15-minute stop to stretch, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Lake Atitlán, one of Guatemala’s most sacred and storied lakes, surrounded by majestic volcanoes. This short break is a perfect moment to pause, breathe, and connect with the natural and spiritual beauty of the highlands.
130 minutes here
Upon arrival, walk about 6 blocks toward the Church of Santo Tomás built on top of a pre-Columbian temple as you admire the faith expressed in praising the saints and the joy of the 14 cofradías (religious brotherhoods). The purpose to be early inside is to witness the expressions of faith and devotion before it becomes crowded and inaccessible. With more than seven Mayan altars, each believer offers prayers and lights candles as a sign that their words transcend to the Creator with their messages. Each brotherhood presents a altar that later will become in the procession, this is actually an unusual float size as they needed to addapt the amount of groups, leaving us with a tremendeous sincretism version of colorfully decorated altars with saints images.
30 minutes here
Enjoy breakfast at Hotel Santo Tomás, the most beautiful hotel in Chichicastenango. À la carte options available.
30 minutes here
Experience the Tzijolaj, a dance representing Santiago Apóstol (Saint James) on a white horse. The ritual is performed with fireworks and concludes with the Tzijolaj being tied to a rope from the bell tower to the "palo volador" (flying pole). After the Tzijolaj, the cofradías march out, accompanied by "Baile de los Mexicanos", dancers who perform adaptation of an old Maya fertility ritual and traditional music, creating a high-spirited, colorful procession that fills the streets.
60 minutes here
Visit the local cemetery, where families get together to honor their ancestors with heartfelt offerings of flowers, incense, and prayings, a deeply rooted expression of our reverence for the spirit world.
30 minutes here
Come around and discover the sacred Oxlajuj B'aktún plaza, the 13 Bak'tun ceremonial site, where traditional Mayan rituals are performed, connecting past and present in a powerful celebration of ancestral wisdom and cosmic cycles.
35 minutes here
After the cemetery visit, enjoy the festivities in the central plaza and visit the Church of El Calvario. This stunning church offers a unique insight into the vibrant spiritual life of the local community that blends indigenous Mayan traditions with Catholic doctrines. Get captivated by the serene atmosphere.
30 minutes here
We will return to Antigua Guatemala. On the way, we suggest making a stop in Tecpán for lunch.
130 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 20 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Columbus Guatemala Travel S.A.
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 4+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Columbus Guatemala Travel S.A., who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.8.
See everything Columbus Guatemala Travel S.A. runsWhy this scores 45
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chichicastenango Patron's Day: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Antigua.
How much does Chichicastenango Patron's Day cost?
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Prices start at $180 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Antigua usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chichicastenango Patron's Day take?
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Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Antigua is not rushed.
Is Chichicastenango Patron's Day worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 45 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Antigua, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chichicastenango Patron's Day?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chichicastenango Patron's Day suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 7-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Chichicastenango Patron's Day?
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Around 0 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Antigua can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Antigua and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chichicastenango Patron's Day start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Antigua within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Antigua?
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On Outty we rank every Antigua experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Antigua ATV Sunset Tour, Authentic Guatemalan Cooking Class in Antigua, Antigua ATV Coffee Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Antigua?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Antigua?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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