Location: Quetzaltenango
Top Things to do in Quetzaltenango
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
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. Santa Maria Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By Lara S - London, England, United Kingdom
Sadly this volcano is very poorly maintained. There is trash everywhere. There was so much up at the summit that we couldn't even sit without being covered in flys and bees.
The hike was also harder than we expected. Make sure you bring enough food and water! Also, sadly it was really cloudy and we couldn't see anything so make sure you get there really early. Bearing in mind it can take 4-5 hours for a relatively fit person to climb.
2. Laguna Chicabal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Gabriella B - Berea, Kentucky
There is a reason this lake is considered sacred by the Mayan people. After a challenging hike up to the site (located inside an inactive volcano), you will find it hard to regain your breath just by looking at the sheer beauty and calm of the area. Must go in the early morning before the clouds come down and cover most of the area, and highly recommended to go with a guide during your first visit as some of the trails extend towards farms or other work areas and you may get lost. My group used Xela Adventures with Daniel (a WONDERFUL and Highly experienced bilingual tour guide). Definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a necessity. Perhaps if you are lucky, you will find the remnants of a Mayan ceremony, see an active ceremony, or see the elusive Quetzal bird!
3. Central Plaza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 179 reviews
This beautiful town square is a gathering place for locals, and is home to a Cathedral and museum.
Reviewed By TabsterInc - Los Angeles, California
This place is good spot to absorb the City of Xela. Plenty of foot traffic so great place to people watch. Also, many food options around. There's a local street food scene for cheap eats and equally good.
4. Cerro El Baul
Overall Ratings
4 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By Iamkay - Manitou Springs, Colorado
Its worth the time to hike up to Cerro El Baul and take in the beautiful view of the city. If you have time, meander over to the park and grab a cardboard or plastic sheet and slide down the concrete slides! This is a wonderful weekend activity!
5. Catedral del Espiritu Santo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Ross S
This Cathedral is very typical of those found in Guatemala. The day we were visiting, there was a wedding being performed. Very nicely decorated and there were many invited guests. The women were mostly all dressed in the native dress for Quetzaltenango. The church is on the main square of the city so we enjoyed the foot traffic and all the people.
6. Santiaguito Volcano
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By HearDoc - Seattle
Early morning departure with Queztaltrekkers is best. We departed @ 5:30am and were transported in a new van with 10 adventurers. Carlos was an awesome guide sharing the flora and fauna as we made the hike to the mirador. 1.5 hours each way. Carlos made us coffee at the overlook. This is my 2nd trip and will certainly contact the group again when I return with new folks.
7. La Ermita de la Concepcion (La Conquistadora)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By LolaGo1 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
This church was the last place we visited with Adrenalina Tours. Per our guide, this church is the oldest in Central America.
It is located in Salcaja, Guatemala, a place used by the Spaniards for their administration of conquered areas and for their residence. The baby of the Conquistador Alvarado and his Mayan princess (first Guatemalan mestisa per our guide) was baptized at this church.
This church was closed during our visit so we could not see what's inside. It is opened on Saturdays and on some special events.
8. Lxkik Maya Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By reisreus - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Located next to the railway museum, you find this very interesting Maya clothing museum. The owner gives a very extensive tour through all the rooms where costumes are displayed. They do not receive any government grant and therefor are depending on their visitors. It is worth your money.
9. Xocomil
Overall Ratings
5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By legacyLA - Los Angeles, California
If you go on Thursday, the lines are a lot shorter, and you can get a discount on tickets to the rides theme park across the road. It is NOT open Monday to Wednesday. They have water attractions for all ages and you can spend a day here easily without getting boarded and go on multiple slides many times, so the value is tremendous.
10. Centro Cultural Efrain Recinos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By MichiganZumbido - Michigan
Efrain Recinos passed some four years ago, but his acolyte Rodrigo Dias is keeping his name alive at his own small studio that lies within the confines of the otherwise nearly abandoned Estation de Ferrocarriles ( Train Station ). Pay a visit! Chat with Rodrigo, an accomplished, world traveled artist in his own right, who continues to press the local establishment to give further attention to the arts in Xela. He speaks Engish, as well as Spanish. Buy one or more of Rodrigo Diaz's paintings! He is poised for greatness himself!
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