Momostenango Los Riscos

Visit Momostenango Sunday Market & Los Riscos

In Guatemala, North America, Traditional Villages & Markets by Erik @ DIY Travel HQLeave a Comment

Momostenango delivers a one-two punch with its Sunday Market & Los Riscos – see why it makes a fantastic day trip from Xela, Guatemala.

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Momostenango Sunday Market

The Momostenango Sunday market seemed very tame and a lot more village oriented than larger San Francisco de Alto Friday market.

The streets were less jammed, a live band performed in the gazebo, and people were able to chat. Even the young shoe shiners got the chance to converse with each other.

Find more inspiration in one of the Guatemala guide books below!

Momostenango Market Shoe Shiner Convention
It’s a shame these boys need to work, but at least they have some time to just be kids.

Villagers from all around Momostenango still arrived in droves, but at a less frantic pace than other weekly markets in Guatemala.

Momostenango Market Local Villagers
Markets take over whole villages making traffic a nightmare. Take public transportation instead.

Apparently the action was so slow for these spice traders that both of them decided to take a nap.

Momostenango Market Spice Vendors Sleeping on the Job
Apparently yawning isn’t the only thing contagious.

Even the young boy selling his landline minutes thought the market was rather drab.

Momostenango Market Landline Salesman
I guess this little boy didn’t hear. There is this new invention called a cell phone.

The most excited Momostenango vendors were selling Guatemalan wool blankets. They would literally stop whatever they were doing, and run up to any foreigners passing by.

I’m not sure how many tourists have blanket shopping on their Guatemala itinerary, but it probably only takes one for vendors to have a good day.

Momostenango Market Blankets and Baskets
The Guatemalan wool blanket vendors were the only ones showing life at Momostenango Sunday Market.

Compared to Guatemalan outfits, the blanket designs seemed very bland though.

Momostenango Market Wool Blankets
Who’s up for a Guatemalan wool blanket?

One vendor must be kicking themselves after putting all their eggs in one basket. They only had one customer when we walked by!

Momostenango Market Egg Vendor
Is there such a thing as a crazy chicken lady? I can’t imagine how many chickens it takes to lay this many eggs.

Other shoppers seemed happy just giving their pets a walk. Perhaps when no one is watching, they steal some food on the floor. Such pigs!

Momostenango Market Walking Pigs
One little piggy…two little piggy…three little piggy went to the Momostenango market.

Tucked away near the end of a market’s avenue were a collection of dolls that have seen better days.

Momostenango Market Dolls
These could be props for the next horror movie!

Hopefully, whoever purchases one takes it to church to see a priest to remove the evil spirits.

Momostenango Church Interior
The red drapes add a nice touch to this church’s interior.

Momostenango Market Food

It is possible to get the normal Guatemalan street food while walking around the Momostenango market. This includes fried chicken with fries (Q10 / $1.35), tacos (3 for Q10 / $1.35), and set meals (Q15 / $2.05).

Outside the market, we also found ceviche for Q10-20 / $1.35-$2.70 depending on size. We found the small size was ample, and delicious.

Momostenango Market Ceviche
Mmm…ceviche!

For dessert, you can try a frozen chocolate banana dipped in peanuts (Q1 / $0.15).

Momostenango Market Chocolate Coated Frozen Banana Dipped in Peanuts
It’s a bit weird eating a frozen banana, but still a healthy all natural snack.

Those with a sweet tooth may find the candy stalls to their liking.

Momostenango Market Candy Land
Take me to the candy shop.

The really adventurous can try the candy oranges in the mystery sauce. We weren’t brave enough to try these so early in the morning.

Momostenango Market Candy Oranges
Candy oranges…the best thing I haven’t tried? I’ll never know.

Los Riscos, Momostenango

If you plan on coming to Momostenango for the Sunday market anyhow, then Los Riscos are an added bonus. A short 5 minute walk uphill, and you are there.

These pillars were created by wind and water, as rain helped erode away the lose sediment surrounding the sandstone.

Momostenango Los Riscos and Sign
Los Riscos are a bonus on a visit to Momostenango, Guatemala.

Los Riscos are not as big as the Putangirua Pinnacles in New Zealand where part of Lord of the Rings was filmed, but pleasant nonetheless.

Momostenango Los Riscos Spikes
An excellent example of erosion from wind and water.

Los Riscos has two distinct sides to admire. The left side is more polished, and provides an excellent opportunity for photos.

Momostenango Los Riscos and Sheena
Paint these pillars red and it could be Mars.

Meanwhile, the right side is more rugged and red in color. You can even see the angled strata layers that have emerged over time.

Momostenango Los Riscos and Tree
Can you see the different beds of rock in the pillars?

How to Get to Momostenango

Getting to Momostenango, Guatemala (Q7 / $0.95) is straightforward.

Catch a chicken bus from Minerva Terminal in Quetzaltenango (Xela) in the 2nd line from the left. Walk back from the front so you catch the earliest one departing.

Los Riscos are currently not listed on Maps.me so I have included a pinned map (15:02:36.63N, 91:24:11.11W) to help you find them on your own.

Momostenago Los Riscos Map Location
Compare the pin to your map to figure out where Los Riscos are.

Otherwise, you can take a tuk-tuk for Q5 / $0.70 and walk back. They are about 5 minutes from town on foot.

Momostenango Market Tuk Tuk
It’s amazing how many countries have adopted the tuk-tuk.
You can find one of the best markets at Momostenango, Guatemala- shop for a Momostenango wool blanket and more! While you're there check out the amazing Los Ricos rock formation. Find out more in our Momostenango travel guide #guatemala #momostenango #centralamerica

*** The Final Word – Momostenango still ranks after San Francisco de Alto for markets around Quetzaltenango (Xela), but are nice to combine with a visit to Los Riscos ***

Visited in August 2016
Updated February 2020

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