Religious site
Iglesia de Santo Tomás
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Iglesia de Santo Tomás stands on the site of a pre-Columbian pyramid, its steps once used for Maya ceremonies. Today, the church is a powerful symbol of religious syncretism: inside, Catholic masses are held, while outside, Maya priests burn incense and perform rituals on the church steps. The interior features ornate altars and wooden saints, but the most striking sight is the smoke rising from copal incense as worshippers pray in their ancestral language. Visitors can observe these practices respectfully, gaining insight into Guatemala's layered spiritual heritage.
Don't miss
- Observe Maya rituals on the church steps, with incense and flower offerings.
- Admire the blend of Catholic and Maya iconography inside the church.
- Climb the steps for a view of the market and surrounding highlands.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Iglesia de Santo Tomás
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inSan Juan Chamula and Zinacantán Indigenous Communities4.5★ · 22 travelers~5 hoursFree cancellationFrom$20 per personSee dates →
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Private & flexibleChichicastenango and Iximche Pyramids Private Day Tour from Antigua5★ · 30 travelers10–11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$120 per personSee dates →More attractions in Chichicastenango