Set amid the green valleys, sharp-edged mountain peaks and sprawling forests northwest of Guatemala City, vibrant Chichicastenango is famous for its rich indigenous Mayan heritage and its lively, colourful market. The atmospheric cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs lead to the massive market characterised by bright, gorgeous handmade textiles, intricate jade jewellery, and traditional wooden handicrafts. Renowned for their loyalty to pre-Christain beliefs and practices, the local Mayan people hold an array of processions, ceremonies, and other events to honour their religion, and many churches are used for both Catholic and Mayan services. Believed to be thousands of years old, the Sacrifice Stone (Pascual Abaj) stands on the town’s hilltop, and is served to this day.