Location: Quetzaltenango
Top Things to do in Quetzaltenango
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7 Free Things to do in Quetzaltenango That You Shouldn't Miss
Quetzaltenango, also known by its Maya name, Xelajú [ʃelaˈχu] or Xela [ˈʃela], is the second largest city of Guatemala. It is both the capital of Quetzaltenango Department and the municipal seat of Quetzaltenango municipality.
Restaurants in Quetzaltenango
1. Trama Textiles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
We are Trama Textiles, a 100% worker-owned women's weaving cooperative in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. We have a local shop in Xela, where we sell our handwoven accessories, homewares and clothing, and offer weaving classes to teach people the ancient art of Mayan weaving. We work with over 400 women, in 17 weaving groups, across five regions in Guatemala's Western highlands. We pay our artisans a fair wage, which they determine, meaning they can provide a sustainable income for themselves and their families. VISIT OUR STORE: Our products are all handwoven by our women artisans, using traditional Mayan weaving techniques. All our products are made with 100% cotton, pre-washed, and double woven with premier grade thread, to make sure they are the highest quality and won't shrink or fade. By buying our products, you help women in our region earn a sustainable income, while maintaining their beautiful Mayan weaving traditions. LEARN TO WEAVE: We offer weaving classes, so you can learn how to weave directly from our artisans. Our classes vary in price and time, depending on what you want to make, from a 1 hour demonstration from $5 USD to making your own scarf or table runner from between $23 USD and $79 USD. FREE TOUR AND VIDEO: WE offer a free tour and video, including a chat with our artisans, and a 25 minute documentary about the history and inspirational stories of our weavers. VOLUNTEER WITH US: We offer free-free long and short term volunteer positions, allowing you to experience Guatemalan culture, gain new skills and practise your Spanish.
2. Ketzali Accessories
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
3. Yabal Handicrafts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Y'abal Handicrafts offers high quality artisanally made bags, purses, scarves, home accessories, stuffed animals, and more. We are a Fair Trade social enterprise that supports two cooperatives of indigenous women weavers through the sale of their textiles. Our products are a mix of contemporary and traditional Mayan design. All profits are re-invested in social programs for rural communities.
4. Catedral del Espiritu Santo
5. La Ermita de la Concepcion (La Conquistadora)
6. Central Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 206 reviews
This beautiful town square is a gathering place for locals, and is home to a cathedral and museum.
Reviewed By medywawa
Beautiful square surrounded by some fantastic architecture and stunning mountain view. Always something going in, especially lively on Sundays! Parades, street food, people watching, all in all a wonderful spot to hang out.
7. Cerro El Baul
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 94 reviews
Reviewed By chey_baybee - Fort Collins, United States
I hiked this early on a Sunday morning. I had been warned about the ladron's on the trail, but luckily I did not run into any of them. It is an easy hike from Xela and sitting on the top reading a book was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning. If you get hungry, there are tortilla-ladies selling tortillas, meat, chips and soft drinks. Carry a rock or stick to scare off the dogs.
