Many also climb a nearby hill to pay their respects at an ancient stone shrine. Candles and incense are often found burning in front of Pascual Abaj, and sometimes the idol is draped with parts of a chicken offered in sacrifice. If fortunate, we may see a ceremony in which an Aj Q ij, or shaman, intercedes with the gods for his client. As we climb to visit this sacred spot, stop at a mask factory to reflect upon the costumes created for the diverse dances that are part of every Maya festivity. In the afternoon, return to Antigua and the Hotel Casa Santo Domingo in Antigua.
Dinner is free to enjoy one of the city s many fine restaurants.
Travel to the nearby village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes to visit a private home. Here, see a display of antique and modern textiles woven by highland Maya and have an opportunity to purchase one for our own collection. Antigua is a peaceful and beautiful relic of bygone days with cobbled streets and whitewashed houses that look almost as they did two hundred years ago. The rest of the day is free to explore this lovely city. Suggestions include visiting the churches of La Merced, Santa Clara, the Cathedral, and walking the Via Cruz past the twelve little temples, each representing a station of the cross, to El Calvario at the end of the Avenida de los Pasos.