Filter Tours
Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: GTQ
- Languages: Spanish, K'iche' Maya, English (tourist areas)
- Climate: Temperate highland
- Timezone: America/Guatemala
- Population: Approximately 225,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April).
- Visa Requirements Visitors from the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, and many other countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Guatemala offers visa-free entry to citizens of most Latin American countries. Some travelers may obtain a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa depending on nationality. A valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sometimes proof of sufficient funds are typically required.
About Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango, often referred to as Xela, is Guatemala’s second-largest city and a vibrant cultural center nestled in the western highlands. Its unique blend of indigenous Mayan heritage and Spanish colonial influence creates a rich tapestry of history and tradition. The city is surrounded by stunning volcanoes and mountains, offering breathtaking natural scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventure. Quetzaltenango is especially popular among travelers seeking an authentic experience, whether through exploring local markets, attending traditional festivals, or studying Spanish in one of its many language schools. The city’s cool, temperate climate makes it a refreshing alternative to Guatemala City’s tropical heat. Visitors are drawn to its well-preserved architecture, bustling plazas, and the warmth of its people. Quetzaltenango serves as a gateway to nearby natural wonders such as hot springs, hiking trails, and indigenous villages, making it a compelling destination for cultural immersion and adventure alike.
Top Attractions
1. Central Park (Parque Centroamérica) – The lively heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and a great place to experience local life. 2. Catedral del Espíritu Santo – A beautiful neoclassical cathedral located on the main square, notable for its impressive architecture. 3. Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs – Natural thermal springs nestled in the mountains, perfect for relaxation and enjoying nature. 4. Cerro El Baúl – A hill offering panoramic views of Quetzaltenango and surrounding volcanoes, popular for hiking and picnics. 5. Museo Ixkik’ – A museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Mam Maya people, showcasing traditional textiles and artifacts.
Popular Activities
Visitors can enjoy hiking volcanoes such as Santa María and Santiaguito, exploring indigenous markets, and participating in traditional weaving workshops. Language immersion programs are widespread, attracting students worldwide. Cultural tours offer insight into Mayan customs and colonial history. Adventure seekers can try mountain biking, horseback riding, and visiting nearby natural hot springs. The city also hosts vibrant festivals where visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
Quetzaltenango Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Western Highlands
- Duration Range: Visitors can enjoy hiking volcanoes such as Santa María and Santiaguito, exploring indigenous markets, and participating in traditional weaving workshops. Language immersion programs are widespread, attracting students worldwide. Cultural tours offer insight into Mayan customs and colonial history. Adventure seekers can try mountain biking, horseback riding, and visiting nearby natural hot springs. The city also hosts vibrant festivals where visitors can experience traditional music, dance, and cuisine.
- Group Size: Small groups (up to 15 people)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Recommended For: The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April). Pack layers as temperatures can vary, especially in the evenings. Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen at higher altitudes. Carry some cash as smaller vendors may not accept cards. Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance interactions. Be cautious with valuables and avoid walking alone late at night.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $55
Highest Price Tour: $180
15 Available Tour Excursions in Quetzaltenango
Embark on a full-day tour to discover Guatemalan shoe-making, where local artisans craft unique footwear using vibrant, traditional textiles.
Price: $140.00
Duration: 12 hours
During this tour, we will take you to know 3 different towns. You will explore the largest market in Guatemala, will go to the most colorful church, and end the tour by going to a small but lovely town. Each location holds something special that we want to show you and hope you like it as much as we do or even more. The first place to visit will be San Francisco El Alto and its market which is the largest one in Guatemala. Usually, it takes around 6 hours to go through all of it (that is not the case on this tour, we will be there just a fraction of all that time). Then, we will visit the famous church of San Andrés Xecul, an icon of Guatemala and a representation of religious syncretism. In the end, we will visit Salcajá, a small but very charming town with lots of history and beautiful places to visit. This is a tour you don´t want to miss, so reserve your ticket, and we will take you to one of the greatest traveling experiences of them all.
Price: $135.00
Duration: 6 hours
Spend a good half day exploring the ceremonial center of the Mam Mayan culture on your visit to the Volcano and Laguna de Chicabal. View Mayan altars where ceremonies were held celebrating important dates on the Mayan calendar. Also lots of birds to see as well as local agricultural activities . Nice and not that difficult to do with children and / or elderly people using the local 4x4 called " el torito " .
Price: $100.00
Duration: 7 hours
Visit these hot springs that emanate from the Zunil Volcano and which flow into the place known today as Fuestes Georginas. These thermal sources were discovered by two laborers from Zunil in the year 1902 and they changed it into communal bath, where people who lived around there or near the thermal baths took a bath when they considered it necessary.
Price: $80.00
Duration: 5 hours
If you are already in Xela on your trip through Guatemala, take advantage of every second of your stay and discover all its history and emblematic buildings in a unique, fun, and different tour. We will take you through the most iconic places of this beautiful city in a Trolley Bus while sharing the most relevant pieces of history of each location. Fun and history are guaranteed on this tour! Some of the most relevant places that we will visit are Parque Centroamerica, the Cathedral, the Municipal Theater, some churches, just to name a few gems of this trip. This is a collective tour for Spanish speakers, but don't worry! A bilingual guide will be with you all the time so you don't miss any detail. So, wait no more and get ready to discover Xela in the best possible way. This tour is ideal if you are short on time, but still want to take a moment to visit this historic city. We will be waiting for you!
Price: $95.00
Duration: 1 hours
Experience the mystery and majesty of Lake Chicabál and life in a Mayan Village. Formed within the inactive Chicabal Volcano, this crater lake is considered sacred by the Mam-Mayan people of the region and is surrounded by cloud forests, making it a site of cultural and spiritual significance. It is the most popular visitor destination in the Quetzaltenango area. Descend 600 steps into the caldera and explore the lake's perimeter, learning about the 20 Mayan 'naguals' along the way. After the hike, engage with local culture during a village tour, visit a Mayan home, and learn from a weaving demonstration. This immersive experience is perfect for families and individuals looking to connect with nature and culture in the heart of the western Guatemalan Highlands. 80% of your activity fee supports the programs and clinics of Local Hope/Xela AID that empower local families and communities to be healthy, educated and self-reliant.
Price: $220.00
Duration: 8 hours
Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of Guatemala's natural wonders with our Wellness Tour in Xela. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and indulge in a day of serenity, self-discovery, and well-being. Engage in guided activities amidst lush landscapes, choosing from the enchanting Totonicapán Magical Forest, the warmth of Quetzaltenango's Coffee Farms, or the extraordinary adventure of Chicabal Volcano and Lagoon. Experience the therapeutic benefits of guided meditation, yoga, and stretching amidst the tranquility of nature. Select your ideal escape: Totonicapán Magical Forest or Quetzaltenango's Coffee Farms at the same price, or opt for the extraordinary Chicabal Volcano and Lagoon for a slightly different rate. Customize your Wellness Tour experience at the time of booking. To ensure your experience is seamless and extraordinary, kindly make your reservation at least 72 hours in advance. We look forward to crafting a memorable journey just for you. Thank you!
Price: $230.00
Duration: 8 hours
Here's your chance to volunteer and make a difference in a Mayan village if you have just one day. Before your hands-on community service, start your day with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast. Then go behind the scenes to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Mam-speaking Maya via a walking tour of the village and a visit to the home of a local family. After lunch and a demonstration of traditional backstrap weaving, share your skills and interests by engaging in meaningful volunteer work that will impact the lives of so many villagers. Opportunities include assembling clean water filters or emergency food bags and delivering them to people's homes; assisting in the health clinic; engaging with children on art projects and soccer play; and practicing English with the staff. 78% OF YOUR ACTIVITY FEE DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE PROGRAMS and CLINICS of LOCAL HOPE/XELA AID THAT EMPOWER LOCAL FAMILIES and COMMUNITIES TO BE HEALTHY, EDUCATED AND SELF-RELIANT.
Price: $32.00
Duration: 7 hours
Book your private Departure transfer from Quetzaltenango Thermal Resorts to Guatemala City La Aurora Airport (GUA). All Vehicles are fully licensed and insured. Our cars are equipped with all the necessary facilities for a trip to any part of the world under any weather conditions, including additional fastenings for sports and other equipment.
Price: $167.06
Duration: 3 hours
This immersive experience is perfect for those looking to connect with nature and culture in the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands. DAY ONE: Explore life in a Mayan village - engage with local culture during a guided tour, visit a Mayan home, and learn from a weaving demonstration. After happy hour and a three-course dinner, enjoy all the comforts of home in our top-rated Eco-Guest House. DAY TWO: After breakfast, discover the mysteries of Lake Chicabál, formed within the inactive Chicabal Volcano. Descend 600 steps into the caldera, explore the lake's perimeter, learn about the 20 Mayan 'naguals'. Surrounded by cloud forests, this crater lake is considered sacred by the Mam-Mayan people, making it a site of cultural and spiritual significance. It is the most popular visitor destination in the Quetzaltenango area. 78% of your activity fee supports the programs and clinics of Local Hope/Xela AID that empower local families and communities to be healthy, educated and self-reliant
Price: $237.00
Duration: 48 hours
Come on a Foodie Tour with us, where you will learn how to prepare a traditional Xela dish called Quichon, a Mayan broth full of flavor. As well as some first-quality artisan chocolate. All these from the hand of a Mayan woman who along with an association, seeks to share their ancestral knowledge with us. You will also get to know and enjoy Shecas, a traditional Mayan bread from Xela that has become very popular among national and international tourists since many years ago and that is very emblematic of this region. At the end of the day, we will enjoy a delicious cup of Quetzaltecan coffee, which due to its altitude and soil conditions, is one of the best, being exported to other countries and having a distinguished profile in Guatemala. We hope you enjoy this authentic experience with us and discover the Mayan gastronomic legacy.
Price: $160.00
Duration: 6-7 hours
Visit an archeological site + one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Guatemala and a small town, all in one day with the best company by your side. Our first stop will be the archeological site of Zaculeu, known for its restored ruins. This place belonged to the Mam Mayan kingdom but was conquered by the Spanish and their allies in 1525 after an intense war. Then we will visit El Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri. Get amazed by all the beauty surrounding this place. This is one of the highest points in Guatemala and has some of the best views. There is an abandoned country house in the mountain, and it is a great stop for a picture, as well as the views of the entire valley. Lastly, don´t miss the chance to visit a small town in between Zaculeu and El Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri, it is a picturesque town that you will definitely like. This is the perfect circuit if you´re looking to do different activities in one day.
Price: $290.00
Duration: 8-9 hours
Guatemala is a megadiverse country as well as a multi-ethnic one as we hold more than 22 ethnicities. Guatemala is mostly Mayan, and if you are on the West side of the country, this is not the exception. During your visit to Xela, don´t miss the chance to visit one of the most important spots: Fuentes Georginas, natural hot springs located at the base of Zunil Volcano. Enjoy paradise submerged in hot relaxing water while appreciating the calmness and sweet sounds of nature. Also, visit 2 Mayan towns, learn about their language, traditional clothing, and traditions, and visit their nation-acclaimed vegetables markets. Don´t miss this chance to take a diverse, relaxing, and cultural tour, all in one.
Price: $160.00
Duration: 4-5 hours
The Volcano and Lagoon of Chicabal are a must on your visit to Xela. Go on this easy hike and visit the volcano´s crater full of water, now considered a sacred place for the Mayans. In Guatemala, there are only two volcanoes with a lagoon on their crater, and this is one of them. Many Mayans come to the crater lagoon to practice ceremonies, have direct communication with their ancestors and gods, and be surrounded by nature. Because this is considered a sacred place, it is not permitted to swim in the lagoon, however, you will appreciate up close the Mayan beliefs whether you see a ceremony or not. If you don´t see one, you will not miss the chance to see all the bouquets on the shore, left there by people as offerings or to say thanks for a favor answered. We will coordinate everything for you, so you just enjoy the experience.
Price: $165.00
Duration: 5-6 hours
An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. What legends are hidden in Quetzaltenango Cathedral? You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. In This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!
Price: $488.34
Duration: 2 hours
1. Choose Your Tour
Browse our curated selection of tours and select your perfect adventure.
2. Check Details
Review tour inclusions, duration, and meeting points carefully.
3. Book Online
Complete your booking securely with instant confirmation.
4. Enjoy Your Experience
Join the tour and create unforgettable memories in Quetzaltenango.
Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Quetzaltenango’s cuisine features traditional Guatemalan dishes with a strong indigenous influence. Signature foods include pepián (a rich meat stew with spices), kak'ik (a spicy turkey soup), and tamales wrapped in banana leaves. Street food such as atol (a warm corn drink) and chuchitos (small tamales) are popular snacks. Dining customs emphasize communal meals and fresh ingredients. Noteworthy restaurants include Café La Luna, known for its cozy atmosphere and local dishes, and La Cueva de Pancho, offering traditional Guatemalan fare in a rustic setting.
Getting Around
Quetzaltenango is accessible by bus and shuttle services from Guatemala City and other major towns. The city has a central bus terminal with connections to regional destinations. Local transportation includes tuk-tuks, taxis, and colectivos (shared vans). Walking is common in the city center due to its compact size. Transportation costs are generally affordable, with tuk-tuk rides costing a few dollars and buses even less.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April). Pack layers as temperatures can vary, especially in the evenings. Respect local customs by dressing modestly and asking permission before photographing people. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen at higher altitudes. Carry some cash as smaller vendors may not accept cards. Learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance interactions. Be cautious with valuables and avoid walking alone late at night.
Culture & Customs
Quetzaltenango has a strong indigenous presence, with many residents belonging to the K'iche' and Mam Maya groups. Social customs include greeting with a handshake or a nod, and showing respect to elders. Traditional festivals such as the Feria de Independencia in September feature parades, music, and dance. Visitors should be mindful of local religious practices and avoid disruptive behavior. Gift-giving and polite conversation are appreciated in social settings.
