The Best Things To Do in Xela Guatemala
Located in the Western Highlands, four hours from Guatemala City, is an off-the-beaten-path gem, Quetzaltenango, or Xela, for short. This lesser-known destination oftentimes goes overlooked on tourist itineraries. However, Xela, Guatemala, is the country’s second-largest city and has a lot to offer.
The name Quetzaltenango comes from Guatemala’s national bird, the Resplendent Quetzal, which is featured on the Guatemalan flag. The gorgeous Quetzal bird has a bright yellow bill, shimmery emerald feathers, red underparts, shaggy green plumage, and a tail feather that’s twice the length of its body. Guatemala’s currency, the Quetzal, is also named after the bird.
Xela, Guatemala, is primarily a Spanish-speaking city with fewer English speakers than you’ll find in Lake Atitlan or Antigua. It’s the perfect place to study Spanish! The city also boasts a lively local culture, providing a chance to get up close and personal with the daily way of life in Guatemala.
Although it might be a bit rougher around the edges and less aesthetically pleasing than Antigua, it has beautiful architecture, delicious food, and lively markets. Here you can experience a traditional atmosphere and explore the colonial-style historic center.
Adventure away from the typical touristy destinations, and into Xela, Guatemala, which is a crossroads for many different Maya communities. Keep reading this Naturally Smart Travel blog to discover the top 3 things to do in Xela, Guatemala!
Outdoor Activities Galore in Xela, Guatemala
Xela, Guatemala, is a hilly city surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Guatemala’s dramatic Western Highlands provide ample opportunities to get outside and explore nature on foot. So, if you like to hike, you’ll love the trails in this part of the country.
The Santa Maria Volcano is the 4th-highest volcano in the country; it’s large, and it’s active! This challenging hike is a four-hour steep trek to the summit. When you’re ready to rest your traveling bones, head to Fuentes Georgina for a soak in natural hot springs.
Looking to start on an inactive volcano?! Spend the afternoon on Laguna Chicabal, there’s a 7.6km loop trail that takes about 3 1/2 hours to complete, and there’s a huge lake in its crater. Alternatively, you can take an Uber or bus and walk 30 minutes up to the entrance.
Tajumulco is the highest peak in Central America, at an altitude of 4220 meters. Why not plan a trip to camp overnight and watch the sunrise from the top? There are also many less intense hikes in the area, including La Muela, Cerro el Baul, and Cerro Quemado.
From Xela, Guatemala, you can embark on a multi-day trek to Lake Atitlan, staying in Maya villages that are connected by footpaths. However, beyond hiking, there are other outdoor adventures to enjoy, like horseback riding, hot springs, and camping excursions.
* It’s always recommended that you hike with a group, a tour, or a guide.
Explore the Lively Markets
Street food and shopping at local markets are a must in Xela, Guatemala!
The two largest markets are La Democracia (La Demo, for short) and the Minerva Market. La Democracia is a 15-minute walk from the Parque Central (Central Park). There are four blocks of vendors selling a variety of goods from food and shoes to electronics and accessories.
The Minerva Market is located just next to Xela’s main bus terminal. This vibrant and sprawling market has both covered and uncovered stalls. Wander through, sample street food, and shop for everything from meat and vegetables to clothes and souvenirs.
In addition to these two street markets, you can also check out the Central Market’s stores, which sell handmade crafts. And, if you’re in Xela, Guatemala, on the first Sunday of the month, Parque Central has a pop-up market with a range of vendors to bargain with.
Learn Spanish
Taking language lessons is a great addition to any itinerary. It’s not only educational and interesting, but also allows you to meet a community of fellow travelers. Xela, Guatemala, has many language schools to choose from in addition to private tutors and homestays.
Learning a new language is an exciting journey, one that can come with challenges and frustrations, but overall, it’s an extremely rewarding process, particularly when the hard work starts to pay off!
If you really want to learn, consider going directly to the source and enrolling in a Spanish immersion program. Open doors, learn a new skill set, and hey, maybe you’ll even save yourself some money by negotiating in Spanish?!
When choosing the right language school or intensive program, it’s important to consider what your goals are. Are you looking to pass a language test? Become fluent? Do you just want to learn the basics? Is it for business reasons? Or, maybe expand on the foundation that you’ve already built?
It’s wise to be clear on your goals and research the language schools before committing.
Make sure the school focuses on talking time in the target language; this is essential. Your teacher should communicate solely in Spanish during class. While this can be challenging at first, and your brain may get tired, it’s the best way to learn.
Since little English is spoken in Xela, Guatemala, it’s an ideal place to study Spanish! You’ll be forced to use Spanish outside of the classroom in your daily interactions. Nothing like going all in to really make the most out of your time!
A Few Important Questions to Ask Yourself
What’s your budget?
What are your learning goals?
How much time do you want to spend learning each day?
How long of a program are you interested in doing?
Top Spanish Schools in Xela, Guatemala
Casa Xelajú - Founded in 1987, this locally owned and accredited language school offers a wide variety of Spanish courses.
Proyecto Lingüístico Quetzalteco - The in-person lessons include one-on-one instruction for five hours a day, with the option for career-specific courses and homestays.
Utatlán Spanish School - Welcoming all levels, this school was founded in 1990 and offers classes tailored specifically to your language learning needs.
In addition to Spanish lessons, why not continue with fun and educational classes! Check out the different art classes and workshops in Xela, Guatemala. Learn about traditional weaving or try your hand at chocolate making. Learn something new, make friends, and support local businesses.
Getting Around Town
Luckily, the best accommodations, restaurants, and bars in Xela, Guatemala, are all located within a few blocks of one another. So, if you’re located in the center of the city, you can easily get around on foot, Uber, or microbuses.
Xela’s main bus terminal is the Minerva Bus Terminal, with connections to the surrounding towns and villages. Even if you don’t travel through this station, it’s fun to watch the colorful “chicken buses” traveling through the city.
We’ll See You in Xela, Guatemala
Thanks for reading this guide for the top 3 things to do in Xela, Guatemala. We hope that you’re inspired to add this off-the-beaten-path destination to your Guatemala itinerary.
Come and discover Xela’s natural beauty, outdoor adventures, artisan shopping, and authentic vibes. And, if you’ve been daydreaming of learning Spanish, Xela, Guatemala, is the ideal place to study. Additionally, this city is a great travel hub, especially if you’re planning to check out some of Guatemala’s lesser-visited locations like Totonicapan, Huehuetenango, and San Marcos.
As always, we’re here at Naturally Smart Travel to help you curate a dream adventure to Guatemala. Get in touch!
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The capital of Guatemala is Guatemala City. It’s located in the southwestern part of the country and is the largest city in Central America.
Guatemala City’s population is over two million people, and it’s where the La Aurora International Airport is located.
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The time zone in Guatemala is Central Standard Time (CST) year-round, and there is no Daylight Saving Time in Guatemala.
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Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. Spanish is spoken by 93% of the population, and is the dominant language used in government, education, and business.
There are 24 different languages, many of which are Mayan-based, including Q’eqchi’, Kaqchikel, Tz’utujil, and K’iche’, that are spoken in indigenous communities.
Many people who work in tourism speak English as a second or third language. However, learning a few basic Spanish phrases will go a long way and enhance your experience while traveling in Guatemala.
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Guatemala offers a plethora of outdoor activities and natural wonders to explore. This includes the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, hiking active volcanoes, and natural wonders like cloud forests and Semuc Champey. The picturesque villages of Lake Atitlán offer kayaking, swimming, and adventuring!
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Guatemala is generally safe to travel through, especially in the touristy areas like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and Tikal.
Always remain mindful of your belongings and surroundings, as petty theft, like pickpocketing, may occur.
Hiring a local guide can enhance your overall experience, safety, and confidence.
Take standard precautions, such as using caution on public transportation, opting for licensed taxis or ridesharing services like Uber. As well as avoiding walking alone at night, keeping valuables secure, and staying informed about local news.
