Electronic Traveler DeclarationGuatemala Associations
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Arcas, Hawaii, Santa Rosa, Guatemala.
A few weeks ago, volunteers from “Arcas” Guatemala together with “Arcas” staff and a resource guard performed a mangrove reforestation.
ARCAS is a non-profit, non-governmental Guatemalan organization. Founded in 1989 by a group of Guatemalan citizens, concerned about environmental deterioration, especially its wildlife, which they watched disappear quickly in front of their eyes.
It was originally created for a very specific and urgent purpose: the construction of a rescue center to care and rehabilitate wild animals confiscated in the black market by the Guatemalan government. Since its establishment, the ARCAS Rescue Center has grown to become one of the largest and most complex Rescue Centers in the world. Receiving between 300 and 600 animals of more than 40 different species per year.
ARCAS and the wild animals they protect, receive the support of more than 500 volunteers per year in its Rescue Center located in Petén, in its Mangrove and Marine Turtles Conservation Program and the Environmental Education Center “Senderos de Alux”, near Guatemala City.
Volunteers support with their technical knowledge and they contribute to a self-reliance economic conservation effort of ARCAS. At the same time, volunteers will get benefit with an invaluable experience, working with wild animals and learning for the Guatemalan culture.
Religious tourism in Guatemala is one of the richest experiences for foreign visitors and can be enjoyed throughout the country. In addition, its rich history envelops visitors in a unique, mystical atmosphere.
You can participate in pilgrimages for Christians, such as the pilgrimage to visit Hermano Pedro de Bethancourt who was a Religious of the days of the Colony and who was canonized in 2002.
Holy Week in Guatemala is an awe-inspiring mix of symbols, sounds and aromas. Colorful carpets made of dyed sawdust, flowers, foliage and grains, perfumed by the smell of incense in the air, mark the way of the traditional processions of the season in cities and towns. Holy Week has become one of the tourist and religious attractions that are most memorable and sought-out by tourists from around the world, many of whom come year after year to participate in the religious liturgies or simply to enjoy the sights and sounds.
Religion in Guatemala has over 400-year-old traditions and pilgrimages that follow different paths. Central Americans and Mexicans participate in many of these pilgrimages in Guatemala.
Esquipulas is an emblematic city in religion and for religious tourism. It welcomes approximately 3 million visitors yearly. Every year, a record 32 traditional national and foreign pilgrimages to Esquipulas are organized. The Basilica of Esquipulas Cathedral is home to the Black Christ of Esquipulas, a wooden image termed “black” because, over the course of 400 years of veneration, its wood has acquired a dark coloring.
Visits to basilicas or sanctuaries are popular in departments such as Chiquimula, Alta Verapaz, Quetzaltenango and Antigua Guatemala. These visits, surrounded by an aura of mysticism, offer history, architecture and colonial beauty.
Three celebrations attract foreign pilgrims particularly:
It is a journey of spiritual and mystical reflection. Which represents the places where the Holy Brother Pedro of San José of Betancourt, carried out a diversity of works and activities to help abandoned and poor people. Which was the scene of his life; this can be known through the route of the Pilgrim of la Antigua Guatemala.
It was the first place where Saint Brother Pedro worked. He entered to the labor of fabric and rustic cloth, performing the trade of weaver, sharing his life with the almost 400 forced that came from the prisons of the city. Here he began his evangelizing task, and by example, he started teaching with love the devotional prayers and the Holy Rosary, urging his peers to rectify their mistakes to lead a dignified life. It is currently a private property and the ruins are closed to the public.
The ancient arch held a bridge that helped to cross the River “Pensativo” upon entering the city. The monument recalls the site of the original bridge, demolished in the mid-twentieth century. On February 18, 1651, Saint Brother Pedro crossed the bridge and kneeling kissed the ground, saying “Here I must live and die”. At that time coincidentally, the earth grew and an earthquake ensued; he thought it was his fault, because he was an inordinate sinner that came to town. In his writings, he stated that from that hour until one o´clock in the morning there were 49 tremors. The monument recalls the site of the original bridge, demolished in the mid-twentieth century and marks the place where the narration happened.
Founded by the first bishop of Guatemala, Monsignor Francisco Marroquin, approximately in 1553 to serve Spaniards and mulattos under the care of the religious of “San Juan de Dios”. Here the Brother Pedro was held to recover after walking the road between Puerto Trujillo in Honduras and Santiago of Guatemala. The building was severely damaged by the earthquakes of 1773, which caused its abandonment. It is currently a private property and there is no public access.
It was built in the place it occupies today. The Holy Brother Pedro attended this church to pray before the Blessed Sacrament, mainly at night. The monument can be visited every day from 08:00 to 18:00 hours. The entrance to the place is paid.
Visit the Temple: Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 20:00 hours. Saturdays and Sundays from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Free entry.
In the year 1625 operated the fourth largest school with the name of San Lucas School. This institution granted academic degrees to students in Theology and Philosophy. Brother Pedro entered the school with the intention of being a priest, but difficulties with studying, learning Latin and the lack of identification documents, made him give up. Father Manuel Lobo, a Jesuit priest was a confessor, spiritual guide and executor of the testament of Brother Pedro. T
he mural painting of the Temple is considered the most extensive in the ancient Kingdom of Guatemala. The Ibero-American Training Center and the Workshop for Workers, both of the Spanish Agency for Development Cooperation, currently operate here.
Open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
In honor of the Holy Brother Pedro, 3 trees of Esquisúchil were planted in this place, today known as the tree of the Holy Brother Pedro.
The current building was inaugurated in November of 1743, at the site where the previous buildings of the city council were. On April 7 of 1799, it became the headquarters of the municipality of La Antigua Guatemala. On the top floor of the palace is the Main Hall or Hall of the Cabildo, whose main furniture is of the chairs and table that the Municipal Corporation occupies during the ordinary sessions and protocol acts.
The chair for the Municipal Mayor has a carved backrest with a commemorative inscription to the Holy Brother Pedro who exalts his life, virtues, and works.
Hours: from 8:00 AM to 12.00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
The Cathedral witnessed the expressions of fervor of Saint Brother Pedro towards the Blessed Sacrament, during the procession of the Eight of Corpus Christi, which crowned the Main Plaza, revoked his cloak tied to a pole while dancing and reciting couplets in honor of Sacred Jesus.
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00 hours. Saturday from 8:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 19:00 hours. Sunday from 6:00 to 19:30 hours.
It runs from North to South from the “San Francisco El Grande” Church to the Hermitage of “Santo Calvario”. It houses 10 chapels that mark the Via Crucis stations established according to the Franciscan tradition. It measures 1,322 steps, the same distance that Jesus traveled with the cross on Good Friday, from the Praetorium to Calvary.
The Holy Brother Pedro had a great devotion to the Passion of Jesus, as a penance on Friday nights, he dressed as Nazarene and carrying a heavy cross on his shoulders, he made his Way of the Cross, in the Street of Bitterness. Which currently is called the Street of the Steps, where he pondered the mystery of the Redemption.
Father Bernardino de Ovando, lived here, who was the spiritual guide of Saint Brother Pedro. When he died, many people wanted to express his veneration before his body, but since the nursing room of the House of Bethlehem was very small, Bishop Payo de Rivera determined that it was more convenient to guard it in the School of Christ Church.
The next day the procession went out through the Street of the Steps towards the Church of “San Francisco El Grande” to celebrate the Eucharist and bury it according to its will. Currently, the School of Christ is the seat of the Parish of “Nuestra Señora de los Remedios”. In its plaza, there is an Esquisúchil tree, planted in 1994.
Hours: Monday from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Wednesday is closed.
It was built at the southern end of the Street of the Steps by the Franciscan tertiary in the mid-seventeenth century. In addition to living there for some time, the Holy Brother Pedro actively participated, performing the duties of supervisor and promoter of the work. In 1657, Pedro de la Rosa concluded the sculpture of the Holy Christ for the hermitage; the popular tradition calls him “The Christ of Brother Pedro”. On March 19 of that same year, Saint Brother Pedro planted the Esquisúchil tree in his gardens.
Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
In this place, was founded the first hospital for convalescents in Latin America and the first school of first letters for poor children and adults. Site where love and care were lavished on the sick and destitute who came, searching for comfort.
At the west is located the old Plaza, where afterwards the Plaza of Peace and the monument to Saint Brother Pedro with a plaque containing a prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi were built.
Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
In this temple of the Beatas, settled down the Betlemite Sisters. The front of the temple has in the niche the figure of the Holy Brother Pedro in an attitude of devotion towards the birth of Jesus.
Inside the Temple is the sepulcher of the Holy Brother Pedro, today it is a place of pilgrimage to thank or request intervention. At the south of the Temple, you can see the Franciscan Museum of Saint Hermano Pedro. It consists of three rooms: the colonial hall, the hall of miracles and the room of Saint Hermano Pedro.
The first contains vestiges of the splendor of the Franciscan Temple; the second has the offerings that the faithful people dedicated to him and the third keeps the relics and the portrait painted by Antonio Montufar, considered the oldest and most faithful in terms of physical appearance.
Hours: Museum and colonial monument: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Temple: Monday to Sunday from 6:15 to 18:15 hours.
Today the social works occupy the old hospital for the clergy of St. Pedro the Apostle. Here, the Holy Brother Pedro visited the clergy who were in poor health. The social works are administrated by the Order of the Franciscan friars, where medical assistance, educational-spiritual-religious-moral and social training is provided to low income people, which is why today it is the heart of evangelical inspiration of faith.
Esquipulas: Mesoamerican religious destination since the beginning of the colony, it receives a big number of group excursions and pilgrimages that have a common purpose (devotion or penance). It offers different accommodation options, places to visit, food services and handicraft sales in general. Within the traditions of pilgrimage marked for years, this pilgrimage has been recognized as the Pilgrim´s Holy Route, where the faithful devotees have made walks with songs and prayers until they meet their Lord of Esquipulas.
Holy Pilgrim Route: Very old route, it begins in the Municipality of San Agustin Acasaguastlán of the department of El Progreso, then the department of Zacapa and concludes in the Basilica of the Lord of Esquipulas in the department of Chiquimula. During this way of manifestation of faith, temples, churches and hermitages are visited; finalizing the pilgrimage in the Sanctuary of the image of the Black Christ, the Lord of Esquipulas.
With tradition of more than 400 years of Pilgrimages, they have arrived from various geographical points of Mesoamérica towards the Religious Destination of Esquipulas. Using different access routes and different means of mobilization. Being the most traditional and recognized in recent years and since the decade of 1970, the asphaltic route to the Atlantic that covers much of the old Royal Road used during the colony.
With an annual average visit of 1.2 million Pilgrims who pass in front of the Camarín of “Santo Cristo” in the Basilica and an estimated 3 million annual visitors to the city of Esquipulas in general, 32 traditional national and foreign pilgrimages are registered. An estimated of 60% of them pass through the CA-9 and CA-10 routes, considering the traditional points of their origin and arriving from various points of Guatemala, in addition to the neighboring countries of Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador throughout the year.
It cannot be discarded the tourist and merchandise traffic that circulates daily to or from the borders of “El Florido”, “Agua Caliente” and “La Ermita”. As well as the one coming from various regions of Guatemala through Las Verapaces, the Guatemalan Caribbean, Petén, the rest of the East region and the capital city of Guatemala, where traffic comes from the West and South regions of the country. Holy Pilgrim Route integrates 13 municipalities linking 3 departments of the Mystical and Natural East Region, which are El Progreso, Zacapa and Chiquimula.
Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.
You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.
Some of the services might be:
The Maya Trek is a journey that combines adventure, nature, culture and archeology. It takes place entirely in the Maya Biosphere Reserve, which is part of the Maya Jungle – the largest protected area in Guatemala that occupies 19% of the country. This area, combined with the protected areas of southern Mexico and Belize, are the largest stretch of tropical forest in the Americas, north of the Amazon.
The British presenter of nature documentaries Nigel Marven is in Guatemala as part of a series of recordings he is making with his production team in Central America. According to Marven, it is the first time he has recorded in the country, for Animal Planet, who highlighted the richness of Guatemala in wildlife and incredible archaeology.
Some of the sites visited by the Marven production team are:
Within the Mayan Biosphere Reserve in Petén, the most extensive protected area of Central America:
Within the Biome of the dry forest or “Chaparral Espinoso” in “El Arenal”, Zacapa.
Within the cloudy forest corridor in Purulhá, Baja Verapaz.
Inside the Central Volcanic Chain in the mountain forest biome in Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez.
Inside the mountain forest biome in San Vicente Pacaya, Escuintla.
Inside the wet tropical savanna biome in Santa Rosa.
Within the western volcanic chain and in the forest and mountain jungle biomes of Patulul, Suchitepéquez.
Within the mountain forest biome in Santiago Atitlán, Panajachel and Sololá.
Within the end of the western volcanic chain and in the forest and mountain jungle biomes in Sibinal, San Marcos.
As well as the Guatemala City.
Marven has been interested in wildlife since a young age. He studied in the University of Bristol and began his career in wildlife by joining the Natural History Unit of the BBC. After working with David Attenborough for twelve years, he presented episodes of Walking with Dinosaurs and then Prehistoric Park, before developing his own production company in 2003. Since then, he had traveled the world capturing some of the most amazing animals.
Nigel Marven´s visit in Guatemala has been coordinated and managed by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT), the tourism operators of Anywhere Guatemala Nature, Kúk Tours, the Foundation FUNDASELVA, the expert in birds of North Central America Daniel Aldana and the photographer, biologist and reptile expert, Andrés Novales.
At the same time, with the support of the National Council of Protected Areas (CONAP), the Institute of Anthropology and History of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, various foundations, administrators and directors of protected areas, tourism sites, nature reserves and the organized private sector.
For the fourth consecutive year, Guatemala will receive celebrities from the sports world for its international fishing tournament. This activity seeks the conservation of sailfish and the development of the Pacific region.
Guatemala has the perfect oceanographic conditions for tourist and sport fishing, ideal activities for the conservation of the sailfish and the socioeconomic development of the region.
From May 2 to 6, the fourth edition of the sport fishing invitation tournament will take place in the shores of the Guatemalan Pacific, in which the main objective is to raise awareness of the conservation and protection of sailfish, a resource of great importance for the country. This edition will also feature the participation of celebrities of international stature and personalities that have been of great benefit for sport fishing in the region.
One of the important moments of the event will be a scientific presentation by Dr. Nelson Ehrnhardt, Professor of the Department of Marine Ecosystem and Society of the Rosentiel School of Marine Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami, on results of satellite marks placed on sailfish last year. With these devices, the movements of the fish were monitored over a period of 12 months to demonstrate the activity of the specimens and analyze their behavior.
The Guatemalan Tourism Institute and twelve of the most important brands of equipment for sport fishing and the tourism industry in the world supported the tournament. In addition, supported by companies in Guatemala dedicated to fishing tourism.
The National Commission for the Protection of Sailfish, created through government agreement 184-2014, seeks appropriate strategies for the socio-economic development of the Guatemalan Pacific by promoting sport and tourism in sport fishing by conserving the species of sailfish.
The entertainment activities you can do in Guatemala are shopping, visits to theme parks and nightlife.
Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.
You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.
Some of the services might be:
Guatemala is a country rich in culture and lush nature, inviting visitors to discover attractions and an ancestral, mystical and holistic legacy conducive to the enjoyment of the historical, harmonious, spiritual, natural and experience-rich components of the country’s communities.
These experiences blend well with the cheerfulness and hospitality of the people, who preserve the country’s cultural and natural heritage, traditional knowledge and customs, share their lifestyle, and work in harmony.
Guatemala invites the world to become acquainted with the wealth of its culture and its indigenous people, their vision of the Universe, as well as to enjoy its countless microclimates, landscapes, exuberant richness in its flora and fauna, and to hike trails that offer unparalleled adventures.
This is a country full of diverse, traditional, and unconventional activities that are a part of the socio-cultural dynamics of the indigenous populations in major tourist destinations, fostering a perfect relationship between visitors and the destination itself.
Guatemala displays its tourism destinations for the world to enjoy through an unforgettable adventure in this wonderful country that meets all kinds of expectations, that is surprising and unexpected. Sacred Maya ritual sites, museums, archaeological sites, Colonial architecture of the 16th Century, natural reserves, volcanoes, lakes, rivers, local communities and markets make visiting Guatemala an unforgettable experience.
A large part of the Maya culture, one of the most important cultures in the history of Mankind, with an astounding ancestral legacy of monumental constructions, developed and flourished in Guatemala.
The Maya of the present have preserved the legacy of their ancestors, celebrate their culture and live in harmony with other cultures like the Garífuna, the Xinca and the Mestizo, rich in visions of the Universe and in tradition.
• Garífuna people: they arrived in Guatemala over two centuries ago and most of them live in Izabal. They have their own language, their own cuisine, dress and dance, all worthy of admiration.
• Xinca people: this is one of the non-Maya indigenous people from Guatemala with their own vision of the Universe, their own culture, identity and language. The Xinca people currently speak four languages and live in the departments of Jutiapa, Jalapa and Santa Rosa.
• Maya people: Over three thousand years ago, the Maya people left behind an unmatched legacy of great knowledge which is depicted in the great monuments that we see today. Knowledge in the field of textiles, natural medicine, life dynamics, culinary art, and the Universe is all here.
Maya religious ceremonies take place in sacred sites. Whether natural or man-made, these are vital spaces where cosmic energy comes together with human beings who gather here to communicate with their creator, with the universe, and with their ancestors. Permanent linkages are thus created between human life and the environment. The most outstanding sacred sites are:
– Chicabal lagoon – San Martín Sacatepéquez, Quetzaltenango
– Chicoy Caverns – Purulhá, Baja Verapaz
– Kaj Juyub HIll – Rabinal, Baja Verapaz
– Takaliq A’baj Archaeological park- El Asintal Retalhuleu
– K’umarcaaj sacred site – Quiche
– Belejeb Tzi’ sacred site – Quiche
– Iximche, Tecpán – Chimaltenango
– Kaminal Juyú –Guatemala City
– Mixco Viejo Archaeological Site –Guatemala City
– Quiriguá Archaeological Park – Los Amates, Izabal
– Tikal Archaeological Park– Petén
– Archaeological Site – Ceibal, Petén
– Archaeological Site Ixlu – Petén
– Archaeological Site Ixkun – Petén
– Archaeological Site Uaxantún – Petén
– Yaxhá Archaeological Complex – Petén
– Naj Tunich Caves – Petén
– Archaeological Site – El Mirador, Petén
– Archaeological Site Nakbé – Petén
– Archaeological Site Iximche – Técpan, Chimaltenango
– El Baúl Acropolys – Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa, Escuintla
– Zaculeu Complex – Huehuetenango
– Quiriguá Archaeological Park– Los Amates, Izabal
Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.
You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.
Some of the services might be:
Quetzaltenango is a city located 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City, at 2,333 meters above sea level. It is also known as Xela (pronounced “sheh-lah”) or Xelajú (“sheh-lah-hoo”), its original name in the k’iche’ language, and which means “under the ten ideas or concepts”. The Mexican indigenous warriors that travelled here with the Spanish conquistadors named it Quetzaltenango or Wall of the Quetzals. Of noteworthy historical importance is the fact that, between 1838 and 1840, it was the Capital of the Sixth State of the Highlands of the Federation of the United Provinces of Central America.
Quetzaltenango has been known for its commitment to culture and tradition, earning the well-deserved moniker of “Cradle of Culture” at some point in its history. Proof of this is the welcome that Xela gives its visitors with an emblematic monument in each of the main entrances to the city. It was the cradle of great musicians, poets, sculptors, and other artists, who have given a great reputation to Quetzaltenango and Guatemala, such as Efrain Recinos, Rodolfo Galeotti Torres, Jesus Castillo, Rodolfo Robles, Werner Ovalle Lopez, Domingo Bethancourt Mazariegos, Wotzbelí Aguilar and Mariano Valverde among others.
The Historic Center of the city is a genuine expression of neoclassical architecture, in monumental architectural works built with stone extracted from local quarries and buildings that currently house financial, cultural, and government agencies, as well as a wide range of cosmopolitan restaurants and nightlife.
Its colonial layout, stone bridges, monumental and emblematic monuments, such as the Temple to Minerva and cobblestone streets scattered around the city surprise visitors with stories and legends of Xela. A visit to the General Cemetery, rich in architecture and history of the Guatemalan Liberal Period, adds to these stories and legends.
There are several museums and cultural centers in different parts of the city where more can be appreciated and learned about the historical, archaeological, cultural, traditional and artistic wealth of the department. An architectural jewel of the historic center is the Centennial Municipal Theater.
Spiritual life is of great importance for the people of Quetzaltenango and its suburbs. The clearest examples of the syncretism which exists between the Christian and Maya religions are found in a large number of Maya altars in ceremonial centers near Xela and in the cult to Maya deities such as San Simón in the municipality of Zunil and San Pascual King in Olintepeque.
Quetzaltenango, with a solid network of hospitals with state-of-the-art equipment and all the advantages of an avant-garde city, awaits its visitors with access to a wide range of health services, both of conventional and alternative medicine. Wellness services such as a spa with natural saunas, thermal waters, massage and various therapeutic techniques are available in the city and very close to it.
Both the city and its neighboring municipalities offer various options to visit community tourism projects through ecological, agricultural, historical and/or cultural tours. Another opportunity is to do volunteer work in organizations that support vulnerable populations to defend and promote human rights, children, women and youth, and to address issues related to education, housing, health, migration, the environment, and reforestation.
The neutrality of their accent and the professionalism of Spanish language teachers is one of the best reasons to visit Quetzaltenango, in addition to the possibility of enjoying its environment and the cultural wealth that students have access to through full immersion programs. In the city and in the outskirts, there is a large number of official Spanish schools, professional local teachers specialized in medical, legal, and commercial vocabulary, among others. In Xela, two Maya languages, K’iche ‘and Mam, are also spoken and there are schools where these can be learned and practiced.
January first: Procession of the Holy Child organized by the oldest brotherhood in the city.
Movable feast: Holy Week is observed in the oldest neighborhoods of the Historic Center.
Moveable feast: La Rogativa del Agua, celebration of the Mam people that takes place in Chicabal Lagoon, forty days after Holy Thursday.
September 15: Central American Independence Day.
October: Month of the Virgin of the Rosary, Patroness of Quetzaltenango. It is celebrated every weekend of this month in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Los Altos and the main day is October 7th.
First Sunday of the month: Handicraft fair in Central America Park.
The tourist infrastructure of Quetzaltenango makes it a convenient destination for any type of event. Halls, gardens, hotels, and services that tailor to all the needs and demands of users for events such as weddings, parties, conferences, conventions, workshops, training, etc. make it the ideal option to hold large-scale meetings as it offers first-class halls and services, as well as accommodations to accommodate any event.
The Convention Bureau works to facilitate the planning and logistics of your event in Xela. Its purpose is to link the organizer of the event with available service options and to provide the necessary information needed to choose the best options that will ensure a pleasantly memorable event.
Quetzaltenango is close to everything, so visitors can extend their stay and make this their home base to visit a wide range of destinations that surround the city, and enjoy community tourism or agro-tourism. To the north of the city are the dense coniferous forests of San Francisco la Union with spectacular panoramic views of the Xela Valley. A little further away is the department of San Marcos on one side and the coastal region on the other, and Mexico is just around the corner. Agro-tourism in coffee and other crop farms is available in the municipalities of the coastal regions such as Coatepeque, El Palmar, Flores, Génova and Colomba Costa Cuca, all brimming with natural and historical wealth.
To the south, the most colorful vegetable gardens of the Americas will whet your appetite. Hidden in a green ravine, Almolonga surprises visitors and invites them to take a bath in its thermal waters. Known as the vegetable garden of the Americas, the landscape is dense with vegetable and flower plantations lovingly nurtured by its fertile soil and hard-working inhabitants.
Next to the city of Quetzaltenango is Cantel, a thriving municipality that houses industrial factories and crafts producers. Famous for its blown glass factory and the CHICOVIX tourist center with its natural pools, thermal waters, eco-trails and ziplining, Cantel is also the starting point for trekking to Lake Atitlán.
The lush vegetation and landscape of the coastal region is perfect for agritourist and visiting community farms such as Santa Anita and La Florida. Its economy is based on coffee plantations, trade and some handcrafts. Attractions include the Laguna de la Finca Las Mercedes and the Chukalbal lookout.
Very close to Xela, just a few kilometers away, are the towns of San Andrés Xecul, San Cristóbal Totonicapán, San Francisco El Alto and Momostenango with cultural, architectural and traditional expressions that are worth visiting.
Located in the Municipal Park of Concepción Chiquirichapa, it offers ziplining, with 600-meter cables that connect two mountains for a breathtaking experience.
At the foot of the Santa María Volcano, this municipality offers unparalleled views, tours to community farms such as Loma Linda and Nueva Alianza where you can walk through ecological trails, do bird watching and visit coffee and macadamia plantations. Likewise, there is the Parque Vuelo Extremo (Extreme Flight Park) at the Los Chicharros Farm, located on kilometer 198 of the inter-American highway (CA1) that offers ziplining, mountain biking, trails, camping areas and a restaurant featuring Guatemalan cuisine.
It is one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world; its crater is constantly growing and active, offering a wonderful show to its visitors.
With its awe-inspiring landscape, it is one of the most suitable sites for sports rock climbing in the country. Expressions of Maya mysticism is experienced here.
Santa María Volcano
About 10 kilometers south of the city is the Palajunoj Valley, the main access to Santa María and starting point of a three-hour medium-difficulty hike. Once you reach the top, enjoy the landscape of the highlands, the highest mountain range in Central America, the southern coastal plains, and views of active Santiaguito Volcano.
Located in the jurisdiction of San Martín Sacatepéquez, a lagoon, named after it, formed in its crater. A very pleasant hike through trails under the shade of the cloud forest makes it easily accessible to visitors. It stands out for its natural wealth and mystical force.
Travelers just need to open their senses to the exquisite beauty of the natural resources and whimsical landscapes that surround Xela. In under an hour, the weather and landscape change, from the pleasant temperatures of the coastal area to the cozy cold of the mountains and volcanoes of the highlands.
Zunil
A K’iche’ people village that can leave a profound impression on its visitors with the imposing view of the volcanoes, its hot springs and its natural saunas, as well as its deep religious syncretism. The colonial-style Catholic Church and the brotherhood of San Simón are in the center of the town. Women wear colorful and striking self-woven and embroidered dress.
Located in San Carlos Sija, this hill offers a most pleasant experience for visitors who walk or bike through its trails, in its camping area and family areas.
It is the “lung” of the city, and has always been a traditional family recreation center. Extraordinary panoramic views of the city can be enjoyed from the hill.
The volcanic soils at the Fuentes Gregorianas produce pools of sulfur water that are naturally heated at different temperatures, within the mystical environment of the cloud forest of Zunil. Its proximity to the city makes it accessible by vehicle or on foot, down a highway that crosses produce fields.
Other activities in Guatemala
Guatemala is one of the most modern cities in Latin America and has positioned itself in recent years as a destination for world-class health and wellness tourism services. The wellness services offered are highly competitive and that’s why the country hosts more and more travelers in search of health sanctuaries. This is combined with unique scenarios, providing highly qualified and trained personnel who offer a warm and personalized treatment.
You can enjoy all this surrounded by exotic landscapes of forests of millenary trees that gave rise to advanced civilizations that held strong connections with the universe. You will also enjoy volcanic sand beaches and a privileged climate that allows to experience the scent of flowers, and the aroma of cocoa, coffee and cane to complement the unique sensory experience. All this and more are the experiences that Guatemala’s atmosphere offers in wellbeing.
Some of the services might be:
