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Antigua, Guatemala

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Explore The Local Market

Explore The Local Market

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Price

$45
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Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market
Explore The Local Market

MORE INFORMATION

Highlights

-Getting to know a local market that is truly a maze, a huge market in the heart of Antigua
-Riding a chicken bus to get to the market and taking pictures with these colourful ways of local transport is a true highlight for anyone visiting Guatemala
-Seeing and experiencing a local market day full of fresh fruits, veggies and so many aromas of spices and herbs delights the senses
-Trying out a local firewater at the Cantina (on own but is an option)
-Trying local food (at your own risk)

 


Description


Ever think of riding on a Guatemalan Chicken bus? this is your once in a lifetime chance! Upon meeting the guide at the meet point, we walk to where the chicken buses pass by, we ride it to the main terminal behind the market, and this guarantees that the bus doesn't go as fast as they normally do, as they are famous for going pretty quick, when arriving to the market, well, this is not just an average market or tour.

It was Built by a Guatemalan dictator to give back to the community, this market is a maze! You can literally get lost in it! We want to make sure you see the best it has to offer, including the locals only cafeteria area sheltered within. We take a quick brake there and enjoy a small smoothie at a tourist friendly juice bar (not included but part of the options). We love our markets and it's a hub for all the family not just to buy produce but to grab a bite to eat or a smoothie or juice before going back to daily chores. 
While open every day and of course you can go by yourself, we’ve chosen this day due to specific fresh produce vendors only available early hours of the weekdays, which are a great opportunity to both taste and to photograph.. (always ask the guide if pictures are ok to take as some vendors do not like pictures in these parts of the world). Also, we’ll  visit parts of the market which are not readily accessible to the public.

Our Antiguan (but fluent in English) guides may have been born here, but are licensed for the whole of Guatemala and offer a huge wealth of historical knowledge to share with you, so feel free to have your questions ready.

At the end, you’ll no doubt have full shopping bags, or be totally delighted by the experience to come back on your own and do your fruit and veg shopping for the month or even show other remotes where the good vendors are. 

 

Who this experience is good for

-Foodies and market lovers
-Curious for local different food and ways of life
-Whoever wants to ride a chicken bus and experience some hours of local daily life

 

Meet our local host

A local Guide with experience of the city will show us around. They are from Antigua or close by towns and know the ins and outs of the market. You can go visit the market on your own, but never see the full depth of the market and all the ins and outs, also for safety precautions its best to use a local guide. Apart from getting all the good tips for best vendors, amazing avocados and veggies, you gotta have a local for this!


Whats included


-Local Guide - With amazing expertise
-Food - Snacks - 
Tostadas & Guacamole 
-Ride in a local chicken bus

 

Whats not included


-Smoothy option
-Additional food & drinks

-Transportation (this is a walking tour within Antigua)
-Tips for guide

 

Know before you go


-Weather dependent (experience could be postponed)

-Bring personal  water bottle
-Difficulty Level - Easy - but some culture shock could be experienced 
-Special clothing required - Wear Athletic & comfortable clothing and shoes
-Be wary of pick pockets - so no valuables or flashy jewellery should be worn
-Tips for guide not included, also bring change for your smoothie and or extra drinks
-Minimum to operate: 5 people
-Maximum to operate: 30 people
-Deadline to book: 3 days prior to experience 

     

    fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    NATION REVIEWS

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 6 reviews
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    M
    Maria
    Really fun to get a local's take on the many offerings at the market

    Really fun to get a local's take on the many offerings at the market. It is like a labyrinth and our guide was excellent in explaining the various items with which we were not familiar. I loved hearing about the "chicken" buses (we took one to get to the market). Enjoyed the guacamole we made together at the end of the tour, as well. Thanks, RY!

    L
    Lewis
    This is a great tour for seeing an authentic Guatemalan marketplace where the locals...

    This is a great tour for seeing an authentic Guatemalan marketplace where the locals come for produce, meat, and basically anything else needed for local life in Guatamala. This was my second tour with Nancy, one of RY's local guides. Nancy is terrific, and the tour was enlightening and informative.

    S
    S.R.
    Everything

    Riding the chicken bus like a local was pure entertainment. You've gotta be fast. & You've gotta be down for loud energetic music. It's what helps you decide all the things you'll buy at the market haha. In terms of the market, I've never seen a market like this, absolutely everything you need- you can find it here or at least I would like to think so.At the very least you can get lost in just how big the market is. I was tempted to buy much more than I needed and as a lover of flowers- I was so happy they have big, bright, gorgeous flowers I have never seen before. The tostadas at the end that we had a hand in making, muuuuah! delicioso!

    D
    David
    So glad I did this

    I almost didn't sign up for this, and I'm so glad that I did. Since the tour, I have been doing all my shopping (food and other products) at the market. Plus, it was a very fun and educational day. Nancy is a fantastic guide.

    M
    Maria Leonard Olsen
    Nancy is an Excellent Guide!

    Really enjoyed this insider's look at the local market. We took a "chicken bus" (colorful local transportation) to the market and learned about them (I may not have ridden on one of these buses otherwise). The market was vast. We made guacamole at the end, and the group stopped at a local watering hole to sample local flavored drinks, as well. Enjoyed learning about the various produce offerings and spices we do not see often in the U.S. Nancy was very knowledgeable and generous with answering our questions. She has warm, welcoming energy. Definitely recommend if you want to know more about life in Antigua from a local's point of view.