Guatemala Guide
Around Guatemala City
San Juan Sacatepéquez
The first of the two villages you come to in the hills northwest of Guatemala City is SAN PEDRO SACATEPÉQUEZ, which had to be almost completely rebuilt after the 1976 earthquake. The Friday market here, though not very large, is still worth a browse. Another 6km takes you over a ridge, past a profusion of makeshift greenhouses and into the village of SAN JUAN SACATEPÉQUEZ, famous for its flower cultivation industry. By far the best time to visit is for the Friday market, when the whole place springs into action and the village is packed. Keep an eye out for the huipiles worn in San Juan, which are unusual and impressive, with bold geometric designs of yellow, purple and green. Buses to both villages run every fifteen minutes or so from 41 Calle and 8 Avendia, Zona 7, in Guatemala City.