Chichicastenango, an hour north of the lake, holds the largest traditional indigenous market in Central America on Thursdays and Sundays — the market spills through the streets around the colonial church where Maya and Catholic rituals are performed side by side. Antigua, the beautifully preserved Spanish colonial capital, is about two hours from Panajachel by shuttle. For a longer excursion, the ruins of Iximché near Tecpán — the post-Classic Kaqchikel Maya capital, set on a wooded plateau — are less visited than Tikal but serene and historically significant.