Quetzaltenango Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Quetzaltenango which includes a city
Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango featuring interior views and heritage elements
Quetzaltenango Central Park which includes 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 Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (375 reviews)
Great hotel in Xela
"The hotel is very clean, comfortable and conveniently located. The staff at the front desk made the check in easy and quick while helping us in a professional, efficient and friendly manner. The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. The room rate included the buffet breakfast which had a decent ..."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

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 ₹9,200 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹9,200
₹11,225 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Quetzaltenango. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (281 reviews)
Fabulous, very comfortable
"Internet worked great, excellent shower, good breakfast, water available all the time, fabulous service. At elevation, climbing up the stairs to the fifth floor was honestly a challenge, but worth it."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

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 ₹7,731 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹7,731
₹9,601 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Quetzaltenango. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi 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 28 Jun 2025

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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and in-room massages. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (23 reviews)
"Excellent customer service!"

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Sarnai
Refugio del Volcan

Refugio del Volcan

3.5 out of 5
La Finca, San Pedro La Laguna, Sololá Department
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in San Pedro La Laguna. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, private hot tubs and on-site spa services. Popular attractions Lake Atitlán and Museo Tz'unun ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"Great property. Quiet, quaint, and peaceful. My only recommendations for improvement would be to do a contactless check-in like Casa Lobo. This would save time for both the management/owners and any potential guests. Then people can just check-in with a special pinpad or lockbox. Especially since ..."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Refugio del Volcan
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.

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