Guatemala's Second City
Itinerary
Indicative, adjusted to your dates, pace and interests.
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Depart from Guatemala City / Antigua About 4 hours by road |
| On the way | Visit San Andrés Xecul church Short cultural stop |
| - | Arrival and hotel check-in |
| 21:00 | Local football match Optional experience, depending on Xelajú MC home match schedule and availability (approximately 1 home match every 1–2 weeks during the regular season) |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Breakfast at the hotel |
| 8:00 | Departure from the hotel |
| 9:00 | Chicabal lake Sacred crater lake and important ceremonial site for the Maya Mam |
| 12:00 | Return to Quetzaltenango |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Walk around Parque Centroamérica and the historic centre Teatro Municipal visit possible, Monday–Friday, 9:00–17:00, subject to access/availability |
| 17:00 | Free time |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 | Breakfast at the hotel |
| 9:00 | Departure from the hotel |
| 9:30 | Visit a Marimba Workshop |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Downtime - Departure transfer Guatemala City / Antigua, or onward to your next destination |
3 days · 2 nights from
$1,600 for 2 travellers
Your trip includes
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transport
- Guide
- Activities
- Support
- Entrance fees
You arrange
- International flight
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Recommendations
Traveller recommendations
Xela is a working Guatemalan city rather than a resort town — expect a slower, less polished pace than Antigua, with a strong university presence and close ties to the surrounding agricultural towns.
Practical tips
Nights get cold at this elevation, especially from November to February, sometimes close to freezing. Warm layers matter more here than in Antigua or at the lake.
What to pack
Warm layers for cool mornings and evenings, plus sturdy hiking shoes for the Santiaguito viewpoint trek or a Santa María climb.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cold in Xela?
Yes, due to its high elevation (2,330 meters / 7,640 feet), Xela is significantly cooler than Antigua or Lake Atitlán. While days can be sunny and pleasantly warm, temperatures drop sharply at night, often approaching freezing during the winter months (November to February). Packing warm layers is essential.
Is Xela very touristy?
Not at all. Unlike Antigua, Xela is much more of a working Guatemalan city. It has a strong university presence and is a hub for the surrounding agricultural towns. This makes it an incredible destination for travelers seeking an authentic, unfiltered cultural immersion.
Can I hike the volcanoes here?
Yes, the region boasts some of the best hiking in the country. The hike to the Santiaguito viewpoint is a spectacular half-day trek, while climbing Santa María or Tajumulco (the highest peak in Central America) are challenging, full-day or overnight adventures best done with our specialized private guides.
What is special about the local markets?
The markets in nearby Almolonga and Zunil are famous for their sheer scale and authenticity. Almolonga is known as the "vegetable garden of the Americas" for its giant produce, while Zunil offers incredible textiles and a glimpse into the syncretic worship of the local folk saint, San Simón.