Xela – City Tour
Quetzaltenango is Guatemala’s second city and its cultural heart. Affectionately called Xela (Shay-la), over 50% of Quetzaltenango’s population is Mam-Mayan and Quiche, and it has the unofficial title of ‘Guatemala’s Mayan Capital’. The city’s central square, Parque a Centro America, is at the heart of its historic centre. Lined with beautiful colonial buildings including, a theatre and cultural centre, this relaxed, friendly city there is plenty to see and do in. Take a guided tour and get to know this fascinating place a little better with THGuatemala. Book now or please email us via our contact form.
Availability: Mon-Sun.
Total trip time: 2.5 hours.
Departure time: 9:00am from Xela.
Price: $35.00 – with a minimum of 2 people.
Included: Local guides and entrance fees.
Additional costs: Spending money to buy food and drinks if required.
What to bring: Water, Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, comfortable walking shoes.
Useful Information
Xela is one of the highest cities in Central America at an altitude of 2333m (7,546 ft)
Rum Tour
Love rum? Then this tour is for you. Visit local distillers Casa Botrán and see how this much-loved drink goes from the cane field to your glass. Learn about the history of this famous Guatemalan rum and the family behind it. Try some free rum samples that teach you about the finer aspects of rum and its flavours. Come with THGuatemala and literally raise a glass to this great drink. Book now or please email us via our contact form.
Note: Only available for visitors who are 18-years-old or over. – You will need to bring your passport or ID
Availability: Mon-Fri.
Total trip time: 3 hours.
Departure time: 09:00 am / 10:30 am / 13:00 pm / 14:00 pm from Xela.
Price: $45.00 with a minimum of 2 people.
Included: Transportation to and from the distillery, Spanish, English or Italian speaking guide, entrance fee and a cocktail
Additional costs: Spending money to buy any souvenirs if required.
What to bring: Proof of age (Passport/Driver’s Licence), water, some snacks and comfortable walking shoes.
Useful Information
Souvenirs are available and you are also able to label your own bottle of rum.
Santa Maria Hike
Santa Maria’s peak rewards you with fabulous views of the volcanic chain that has shaped Guatemala’s diverse landscape. Look out across the Pacific south coast and feel the satisfaction as you take in the epic landscape. At 3772 m (12400ft), Santa Maria is a tough and demanding hike that requires preparation and planning. With a tough 4-hour ascent and 3-hour descent, Santa Maria is ideal for experienced hikers who enjoy a challenge. Want a big challenge with big rewards? Then come with THGuatemala on your Santa Maria adventure. Book now or please email us via our contact form.
Tour DetailsTrip Summary
Availability: Mon-Sun.
Total trip time: 9 hours.
Departure time: 5:00am from Xela.
Price: $45.00 – with a minimum of 2 people.
Included: Private transport, local guide.
What to bring: Food/Snacks, 2 litres of water, appropriate clothing and shoes for hiking, sun cream, hat.
Useful Information
Overnight camping on Santa Maria is available
Please contact us for more information.
Chicabal hike
Tis the sacred heart of the Mam-Mayan Cosmovision. On a clear day, Chicabal’s highest point gives you a magnificent view of Guatemala’s Pacific coast and its other impressive volcanic peaks. It’s a gentle climb that lasts about 2 hours to get up to the top
Protected by enchanting cloud forest, you’d never believe this tranquil setting used to bubble with lava and sulphuric gas. Chicabal’s immense biodiversity is also home to a fantastic variety of birds, insects and plants. You might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Guatemala’s national bird the Quetzal.
Mam-Mayan priests still carry out rituals at Chicabal, and tourist access is restricted in May for those religious festivals. The whole site feels like its folklore was carved from the landscape and its ancient myths come to life in this magical environment. This short day trip is an excellent opportunity to see why Chicabal is so important ecologically and spiritually. Book now by clicking below or please email us via the contact form with any questions.
Tour DetailsTrip Summary
Availability: Mon-Sun.
Total trip time: 6 hours.
Departure time: 5:00am from Xela.
Total time to climb and descend: 2.5 hours to climb and 1.5 to descend.
Price: $45.00 – minimum 2 people.
Included: Private transportation local guide, entrance fee.
Additional costs: some extra money in case you would like to buy food or drinks.
What to bring? Hiking boots, long trousers, wind or rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, binoculars, personal items and at least 2 litters of water
Useful Information
No Swimming is permitted at any time due to the religious significance of the site.
Cerro Quemado hike
A quick and easy day trip to Cerro Quemado offers fantastic views of Xela and the lush mountain valley in which it sits. Only a short journey from the centre of Quetzaltenango, Cerro Quemado offers something for tourists and serious climbers alike.
Also known as La Muela, in Almolonga, this trip gives you the chance to see beautiful landscapes and experience a bit of the local culture. Christians & Mayan people still use Cerro Quemado today for worship, and there’s a possibility that prayers and songs will provide an authentic soundtrack for your trip. Although it’s a relatively easy climb for any visitor, the mountain also has something to offer those of you looking for a more serious climbing challenge. Alongside the mountain, there is also the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing experience in the nearby hot springs. Book now by clicking below or please email us via the contact form with any questions.
Availability: Every day.
Total trip time: 5 hours.
Departure time: 6:00am.
Price: $45.00 – minimum 2 people.
Included: Helmet, harness, rope, professional guide, transport.
Additional costs: some extra money in case you would like to buy food or drinks.
What to bring? Professional shoes, wind or rain jacket, sunscreen, and at least 2 litters of water
Useful Information
There is volcanic shale on the climb which can be sharp. That means a decent pair of good climbing boots are a must along with sensible clothing.
The Hot Springs
The hot springs is a half day out for you to relax and enjoy the full benefits of Quetzaltenango’s best known hot springs. About an hour’s drive from Xela, this is a popular destination for the locals and visitors to the town. The site includes a restaurant and cabins for overnight stays while there are onsite lockers and towels available for visitors. This natural beauty spot is the perfect way for you to take the chill out of those cold highland mornings. Book now by clicking below or please email us via the contact form with any questions.
Departure time: From Xela
9:15am
14:30pm
Total trip time: 4 hours
Price: $20.00
Included: Transport and entrance fee.
Additional costs: some extra money in case you would like to buy food or drinks.
Essentials: Swimwear, sandals, and a towel (although these are generally available on site, we can’t guarantee you’ll get one)
Useful Information
The park has 7 thermal pools, a restaurant and 9 cabins for overnight stays.
A forest path that is open to the public goes around the site.
Hikes through the surrounding forest are also available but need to be arranged on site with an individual guide.
If you are staying overnight in one of the cabins, then be aware that electricity is only available up to 9 pm and there are no TV facilities or internet.
Nacimiento del Rio San Juan
Springs from the scenic Sierra Cuchamatanes. This popular attraction has a restaurant, viewing deck and a picnic area where you can relax and enjoy the setting. You can also soak up the atmosphere by taking a dip in its therapeutic waters.
You reach the river from Aguacatan. This sleepy village is known for its unique indigenous language and the colourful headdress of the local women. A great day trip that gives you an opportunity to see more of Guatemala’s unique culture and natural beauty. Book now by clicking below or please email us via the contact form with any questions.
Tour DetailsTrip Summary
Availability: Mon-Sun.
Total trip time: 8 hours.
Departure time: 7:00am – from Xela.
Price: $95.00 – minimum 2 people.
Included: Private transportation, tour guide.
Additional costs: some extra money in case you would like to buy food or drinks.
What to bring? comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, swimsuit, camera and at least 2 litters of water.
Useful Information:
A footpath from the central square in Aguacatan leads up to the river source.
The colonial church tour
This is a great day trip from Xela that takes around 4 hours. The tour takes you to the oldest Catholic church in Central America, La Ermita de Salcajá, and the vibrant, striking and unforgettable San Andres Xecul.
La Ermita de Salcajá was built in 1524 and is home to the oldest statue of the Virgin Mary in Central America. The statue was transported from Spain and is a great historical example of the colonial power’s desire to convert the indigenous people.
San Andres Xecul is a complete contrast to the traditional Spanish look of La Hermita de Salcaja. The mix of colonial Catholicism and vibrant Mayan symbolism come together to create this beautiful church’s visually captivating facade.
During the church tour, you can enjoy some ‘Caldo de Fruta’ which is a refreshing local eggnog style drink. Originally taken over by the Spanish it has been adapted and (in our clearly unbiased opinion) improved by the locals. A fascinating day that shows you the mix of cultures that have defined Guatemala’s history. Book now by clicking below or please email us via the contact form with any questions.
Tour DetailsTrip Summary
Availability: Mon-Sun.
Total trip time: 4 hours.
Departure time: from Xela.
8:00am
2:00pm
Price: $55.00 – minimum 2 people.
Included: Private transportation, tour guide, entrance fee to the churches, a taste of “Caldo de Frutas”.
Additional costs: some extra money in case you would like to buy food or drinks.
What to bring? comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and water.
Useful Information
The tour is available all year round and has a flexible schedule. A local family sells Caldo de Frutas if you would like to buy it.
Takalik Abaj – archaeological tour
Has a Mayan royal tomb, some of the earliest recorded Mayan hieroglyphics and over 300 stone sculptures. Now a national park it’s one of the oldest and largest archaeological sites of its type in Central America. With a travel time of around 4 hours, the site has plenty to see for those interested in archaeology and pre-Colombian history. As an important site for both the ancient Olmec and Maya, this genuinely fascinating place holds many clues about both cultures.
Modern Guatemalan history is seen through the lens of the colonial Spanish invasion and defeat of the Mayan people. Takalik Abaj is evidence that the country’s history goes back much further. The site has plenty to offer those who want to know a little more about the richness of Guatemala’s past. A visit to Takalik Abaj will let you experience thousands of years of ancient Guatemalan history and culture. Book now by clicking below or please email us via the contact form with any questions.
Tour DetailsTrip Summary
Availability: Mon-Sun
Total trip time: 7 hours
Departure time: 6:00am
Price: $95.00 – minimum 2 people
Included: Private transportation, Local guide, entrance fee to the reserve, box lunch,
Additional costs: some extra money in case you would like to buy food or drinks.
What to bring? comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, camera and water.
Useful Information
Take a good and trusted insect repellent with you as you will be in a tropical forest environment.
Take a range of clothing suitable for the time of year, e.g. hot, humid and wet conditions.
Zaculeu – archaeological tour
Has over 43 structures including palaces, sacrificial temples and Mayan ball courts. An onsite museum lets you discover more about the site’s history, ancient and modern. Originally the Mam-Mayan capital, it was conquered by the Quiche Maya and has a mix of both these culture’s styles.
Controversially restored by the United Fruit Company in the 1950s, the results from a modern archaeological viewpoint may not be ideal. However, it does give you an opportunity to see up close the various buildings and layout of this once grand Mayan capital.
Zaculeu is a great day trip if you have an interest in Mayan culture and history. Book now by clicking below or please email us via the contact form with any questions.
Tour DetailsTrip Summary
Availability: Mon-Sun.
Total trip time: 5 hours.
Departure time: 8:00am.
Price: $80.00 – minimum 2 people.
Included: Private transportation, guide, entrance fee to the reserve, box lunch,
Additional costs: some extra money in case you would like to buy food or drinks.
What to bring? comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and water.
Useful Information
We can combine this trip with other attractions in Huehuetenango. Ask for more info sending us a email.
Necro Tour
The striking colours and size of Xela’s ‘El Calvario’ cemetery are the first things you’ll notice. Home to Xela’s great, good and possibly not so good since 1840, it’s a short 10-minute walk from the city centre. It has an astonishing variety of architectural styles with some tombs and mausoleums coming from as far away as Italy. With shrines that look like miniature castles, pyramids and chess pieces, there is plenty to see on this short tour.
Although not always first on the itinerary, a cemetery tour is a great way to delve into the history of any town. Book now by clicking below or please email us via the contact form with any questions.
Tour DetailsTrip Summary
Availability: Mon-Sun.
Total trip time: 2.5 hours.
Departure time: 7:00pm in front of the cemetery.
Price: $20.00 – minimum 2 people.
Included: Expert guide.
Additional costs: trips.
What to bring? comfortable shoes, sweater.
Useful Information
If you have a lamp would be useful, and the point meeting is always at the cemetery and the expert guide only speaks Spanish but if you need a translator, please just send us a message and we can arrange it for you.
