Guatemala
POSTED 16.12.2009 @ 14:51
Move over Mexico, there's a new bargain centre in Central America.
Chichiastenango
Chichiastenango Market"Known as Chichi, it's the largest indigenous market in Central America, and the thousands of vendors - selling their handcrafted textiles, brilliant fabrics and other wares on Thursdays and Sundays - prove it. Shuttle buses take you from most popular tourist towns, and it's well worth the day trip to see the local indigenous tribes in action. There are many bargains to be had, especially if you have your eye on huipiles, but be prepared, crowds like this are only for the brave. Get there early." Between 7a & 8a Calle Chichicastenango.
Antigua
Maya Spa"Along with manicures, pedicures and surprisingly painless waxing, this conventional spa offers two-for-one herbal steam sauna packages on Mondays and Wednesdays." 6 Avenida Norte No. 7, +502 7832 1919.
Chocolala
"Guatemalan chocolate, like most things in this country, is not for the faint-hearted. Strong and aromatic, it is dark, sweet, thick and spicy. Here, they flavour it with cardamom or ginger. It's the sort to be enjoyed rather than devoured." 6 Avenida Norte No. 22.
Nim Po't"If you don't mind skipping the cultural experience of trekking all over Guatemala to see the various cultural dresses, entering this place is like walking into King Solomon's mines. It's categorised according to geographical area and well priced - I picked up a pair of striped workers' trousers worn by the men in the highlands. Courtesy of their short legs, I now have the perfect pair of capri pants." 5a Avenida Norte No. 29, +502 7832 2681.
For more on Guatemala, get your copy of the January issue of Shop Til You Drop, on sale now.