Back

Visit remote Todos Santos market

Market

Visit isolated traditional market at Todos Santos Cuchumatán in the western highlands of Guatemala.

In Guatemala’s remote chilly western highlands, nestled shyly in a deep, narrow-sided gully shaded by the forested Cuchumatanes mountains is one of Guatemala’s most striking villages, Todos Santos Cuchumatán. Striking, because its isolation has caused it to retain its traditional way of life, including the men’s wearing of distinctive red and white striped trousers, the retention of its indigenous language, Mam, and its famous horse race. The race takes place in a three day festival at the beginning of November which involves plenty of dancing, marimba music, drinking and brawling.

It’s not an affluent area, but now there are a few language schools there, and the Saturday market is a draw for visitors. It is recommended that you visit that day when their intricate and brightly coloured weavings are on display: you may be tempted in a heady moment to buy the trousers, but may never put them on once you get home!  

Holidays Visit remote Todos Santos market

From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Group Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays.

ShutterStock ©

Private Journeys

Guatemala

Signature Guatemala: Mountains, Markets and Mayan ruins

12 days from £2,620pp

(based on two people sharing & excluding flights)

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

  • Paul Winrow Giffin
    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

0 1 2 3 4 5