What Kinds of Gifts and Souvenirs Can I Find in Guatemala?
A variety of handicrafts and souvenirs can be found in Guatemala. Some of the best can be found at local markets, like those in Santiago Atitlán, Chichicastenango and Todos Santos Cuchumatán. Here you'll find a range of souvenirs, including jade jewelry, pottery, fabrics, wooden masks, and textiles. Guatemala is particularly well known for its weavings and fabrics.
In more touristy places, like Panajachel and Lívingston, you'll find stalls along the streets selling necklaces, bracelets, t-shirts and more.
In most markets it's acceptable (and even encouraged) to bargain, so don't be afraid to ask for the vendor's best price.
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Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango (Chichi, for short) is a rare mixture of authentic culture and unconcealed tourism. Set within the Western Highlands, Chichi is a small and traditional town that has grown into one of Guatemala’s most tourism-friendly places, largely because of its fascinating outdoor marketplace. While carousing the market, you’ll see Maya weavers right alongside photo-snapping tourists. It makes for an interesting site.
Lívingston
Lívingston is unlike anywhere else in Guatemala. For starters, it has a seriously interesting mix of Guatemalan and Caribbean cultures—it’s a hub for the Garífuna people and Q’eqchi’ Maya of the Río Dulce region. It’s also surrounded by water and is only accessible by boat.
Lake Atitlan, Panajachel
Panajachel is Lake Atitlán’s most popular traveler town. Set along the northern shores of the lake, the setting is here is gorgeous—think blue water, forested mountains, and volcanoes. The town’s culture mixes North American, European and Central American influences.
Santiago Atitlán
Santiago Atitlán is set within an inlet on the southwest corner of Lake Atitlán and lies in the shadow of the San Pedro, Atitlán, and Tolimán volcanoes. Santiago Atitlán is one of the largest lakeside villages and also one of the most traditional.
Todos Santos Cuchumatán
Todos Santos Cuchumatán is one of Guatemala’s most traditional towns. Set within the Western Highlands, this little village is a good place to experience authentic Mayan culture and shop for unique local handicrafts.
