Quetzaltenango

Travel Guide

Quetzaltenango featuring a city
Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango showing interior views and heritage elements
Quetzaltenango Central Park showing a garden as well as an individual male
Guatemala
With a strong Mayan heritage, colonial architecture and huge volcanoes rising in the distance, this archetypal Guatemalan town enthralls and educates.

Quetzaltenango (or Xela) is a charming town in the heart of the Sierra Madres mountains in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. First inhabited by Mayan people, the city fell under both Spanish and German influence before becoming an important coffee-trading center. Today, Quetzaltenango’s attractive center presents an interesting insight into its colorful past. Use the town as a starting point for hiking adventures to active volcanoes.

Xela’s focal point is its pretty main square, Parque Centro AméricaOpens in a new window (aka Quetzaltenango Central Park). Admire the collection of colonial buildings, including the Iglesia Catedral del Espíritu SantoOpens in a new window (Quetzaltenango Cathedral), originally built in 1534. See items from Mayan artifacts to a taxidermy display at the Museum of Natural History. Take a break at one of the cafés lining the elegant Pasaje Enríquez.

Get an in-depth insight into the weaving industry of the Western Highlands at Trama Textiles. Shop for fresh produce, clothing and textiles at La Democracia Market. Watch a concert or play at the Municipal Theater. Enjoy sweeping city views and have fun on a 4-lane slide at Cerro El Baúl park atop a lava dome.

Find museums, dance studios and art galleries at the Centro Intercultural de Quetzaltenango. Learn about Mayan weaving traditions and see examples of regional costumes at the Ixkik Museum. Browse work by leading national artists at the Museo de Arte. Los Altos Railroad Museum documents the short-lived train service that ran between the city and Guatemala’s Pacific coast.

Experience the spectacular landscapes of the Western Highlands on hiking trips to Santa María Volcano and Tajumulco Volcano, which is Central America’s tallest point. Marvel at the tranquility of Chicabal Lake, a site considered sacred by the Mayas, and embark on a 3-day trek to Lake AtitlánOpens in a new window. Revitalize your body at Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs.

Reach Quetzaltenango by flying to La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City and catching a bus from there. Buses stop at Terminal Minerva, near Quetzaltenango’s city center. Find accommodations at the hotels and guesthouses located a short walk from the main square.

Latam Hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango
Latam Hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango
4 out of 5
Avenida Las Américas 7-04, Zona 3, Plaza Pradera Xela, Quetzaltenango
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Quetzaltenango. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (373 reviews)
Not bad..
"Overall, it was a good experience. The hotel and room were clean and comfortable. The service was good but not so friendly. We reserved two bedrooms with each holding 4 guests, when reserving I forgot to add the 8th person. At check in, there was issues because of this even though we weren’t adding ..."

Reviewed on 2025/6/27

Latam Hotel Plaza Pradera Quetzaltenango
Hotel Pensión Bonifaz
Hotel Pensión Bonifaz
3.5 out of 5
4ta. Calle 10-50 Zona 1, Quetzaltenango
The price is NT$3,088 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
NT$3,088
NT$3,767 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Quetzaltenango. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (276 reviews)
"Very convenient place"

Reviewed on 2025/6/24

Hotel Pensión Bonifaz
Hotel Boutique Casa Morasan
Hotel Boutique Casa Morasan
4 out of 5
12 Avenida 8-21, Zona 1, Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango
The price is NT$4,204 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
NT$4,204
NT$5,129 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Quetzaltenango. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Quetzaltenango Central Park and Quetzaltenango ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (127 reviews)
"Amazing place! A block away from city park. Great hotel and value"

Reviewed on 2025/6/28

Hotel Boutique Casa Morasan
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Entre Cerros
Entre Cerros
2 out of 5
Cantón Candelaria, Sector 1, Quetzaltenango, Quetzaltenango
Stay at this cabin in Quetzaltenango. Enjoy free parking, 3 outdoor pools, and hot springs on site. Popular attractions Quetzaltenango Central Park and Los Vahos ...
Entre Cerros
Sarnai
Sarnai
4.5 out of 5
123 Lake Dr, San Marcos La Laguna, Sololá Department
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in San Marcos La Laguna. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and in-room massages. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Great room. I had not hot shower for 2 days though."

Reviewed on 2025/5/19

Sarnai
Baraka Atitlan - Lake & Beach
Baraka Atitlan - Lake & Beach
3 out of 5
San Marcos La Laguna, San Marcos La Laguna, Solola
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in San Marcos La Laguna. Enjoy free parking, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and a garden. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (8 reviews)
"Place is perfect for a couples retreat."

Reviewed on 2025/6/12

Baraka Atitlan - Lake & Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Quetzaltenango

4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 54%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 8%

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

We were there on a Sunday so everything for “sightseeing” was closed. Unlike Antigua, it feels like a real place, but there’s not much to do other than sit in the zocalo and watch locals at leisure.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

People around very friendly

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

More places to visit

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The scenery is spectacular. Worth a visit for that alone.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Muy lindo lugar

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Gritty and authentic. Good base for visiting outlying villages such as Almolonga, Zunil and San Andres Xecul. People extremely kind and friendly to tourists but the city itself is not very nice. The big market by the bus terminal is wonderful.