Quetzaltenango, Guatemala: travel guide
Highland city of Spanish schools, volcano hikes and Maya markets
Guatemala's second city, known locally as Xela; a highland hub for Spanish schools, volcano hikes and access to K'iche' Maya market towns.
About Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango, known by almost everyone as Xela, is a high Andean-style city of the western Guatemalan highlands, ringed by volcanoes. It feels more lived-in than touristy, with Spanish schools, cafés and a student-friendly atmosphere around its central park.
The Parque Centro América and the cathedral anchor the centre, while the surrounding landscape offers most of the activity. Climb Volcán Santa María for sunrise views, soak in the hot pools at Fuentes Georginas, or walk to the crater lake of Laguna Chicabal. Market towns of the K'iche' Maya are within easy reach, and the church at San Andrés Xecul is notable for its brightly painted facade.
Xela suits language learners, hikers and longer stays. Nights are cold at altitude, and the dry season from November to April gives the clearest mountain views.
- Country
- Guatemala
- Currency
- GTQ
- Time zone
- America/Guatemala
Last updated
Top places to visit in Quetzaltenango
Laguna Chicabal
crater-lake · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate
Sacred crater lake in cloud forest on Volcán Chicabal, an important Maya ceremonial site reached by a forest hike.
Parque Centro América
plaza · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
Xela's grand neoclassical central plaza, lined with the cathedral, municipal theatre and colonnaded civic buildings.
Catedral del Espíritu Santo
cathedral · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Cathedral on the central park combining a surviving ornate colonial facade with a newer neoclassical church behind it.
Fuentes Georginas
hot-spring · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Steaming thermal pools set in cloud forest on the slopes of Volcán Zunil, the most popular hot springs near Xela.
Volcán Santa María
volcano · about 10 h · check the fee at the gate
3,772 m volcano overlooking Xela; a demanding pre-dawn hike rewarded with views of the active Santiaguito dome below.
San Andrés Xecul Church
folk-baroque · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Startling bright-yellow church covered in colourful stucco figures, angels and climbing vines; a unique piece of Maya-Catholic folk art.
Zunil & Almolonga Market
village · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Highland K'iche' market towns famous for terraced vegetable fields and the folk saint San Simón (Maximón) at Zunil.
Things to do
- Santa María Volcano Sunrise Hike Hiking · 10 h · from GTQ 220 per person
- Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs Trip Wellness · 4 h · from GTQ 160 per person
- Laguna Chicabal Sacred Lake Hike Hiking · 7 h · from GTQ 180 per person
Day trips and tours
- Fuentes Georginas & Zunil 6 h · from GTQ 260
Where to stay in Quetzaltenango
- Zona 1 (Centro) about GTQ 350 per night
Around Parque Centro América, close to Xela's sights, schools and restaurants.
Hotels
- Hotel Casa Mañen 4-star
- Black Cat Hostel Xela 2-star
Where to eat
- El Balcón del Enríquez Guatemalan, Cafe · about GTQ 90 per person
- Sabor de la India Indian, Vegetarian · about GTQ 70 per person
- La Luna Cafe · about GTQ 45 per person
Getting to Quetzaltenango
Nearest airport: Guatemala City (GUA), about 110 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Minibus
- Taxi
- Walking
More in Guatemala
Frequently asked questions about Quetzaltenango
- What are the main places to visit in Quetzaltenango?
- Places covered in our Quetzaltenango guide include Laguna Chicabal, Parque Centro América, Catedral del Espíritu Santo, Fuentes Georginas, Volcán Santa María.
- Where should I stay in Quetzaltenango?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Quetzaltenango: Zona 1 (Centro).
- How do I get around Quetzaltenango?
- Ways to get around Quetzaltenango covered in our guide: Minibus, Taxi, Walking.