At 6,800 feet above sea level and home to over 150,000 inhabitants, Santo Tomás Chichicastenango, also known as “Chichi,” is a unique and vibrant Maya-K’iche’ town located in Guatemala’s western highlands, rich in history and culture.

Chichi is known for its large open-air market with cobblestone streets and a colorful cemetery. Surrounded by mountain landscapes and traditions it is a place where Maya beliefs and faith deeply intertwine. Though stunningly beautiful, the community is also shaped by a complex history and ongoing daily challenges.

Recommended Resources

These resources can help visitors better understand Guatemala’s history and culture while preparing to serve with humility, mutuality, and respect for local leadership.

A Note for Viewers and Readers

Some of these resources address difficult and intense subjects, including war, genocide, racism, poverty, displacement, sexual violence, and the loss of life. Please consider the content and age appropriateness of each resource before reading or viewing it.

As you engage with these stories, we encourage you to do so with humility, remembering that Guatemala is not defined only by hardship. It is a country filled with beauty, faith, resilience, wisdom, strong communities, and local leaders who are shaping its future.