Market Days in Antigua Guatemala
One of the most enjoyable parts of visiting Guatemala is exploring its colourful markets. In La Antigua, the Municipal Market—located in the fields of La Pólvora—is open every day from dawn until dusk. Here you’ll find almost anything imaginable: fresh fruit and vegetables, clothing, shoes of every style, and much more.
The best days to visit are Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—market days—when traders and producers from across the country arrive to sell their goods.
A perfect Saturday morning might begin with a bag of seasonal fruit sprinkled with lime and salt, followed by a stroll through the vegetable section. Though the market may seem chaotic at first, it’s organised by areas, making it easier to navigate once you know your way around.
Beyond the vegetables lies the meat section, with an impressive variety of beef, pork, and chicken. Nearby is El Tiburoncín, the fish market, offering almost everything the sea provides.
Close to the meat section are the dining areas, alive with aromas that intensify at lunchtime. One local favourite is rooster soup—light yet full of flavour, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the world.
Finally, don’t miss the pacas—second-hand clothing stalls—near the bus terminal. It’s best to leave this stop for last so you can browse at leisure. With patience, persistence, and a bit of haggling, you can uncover real treasures at bargain prices.
Whether for food, clothing, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Antigua’s market is an adventure worth experiencing—especially on market days.
Written by Julissa Carrillo
Photos by Sofia Letona
