Introducing Western Highlands

The departments of Quetzaltenango, Totonicapán and Huehuetenango are more mountainous and generally less frequented by tourists than regions closer to Guatemala City. The scenery here is incredibly beautiful, and the indigenous culture vibrant, colorful and fascinating. Highlights of a visit to this area include Quetzaltenango, Guatemala’s second-largest city, with an ever-growing language-school and volunteer-work scene; the pretty nearby town of Zunil, with its Fuentes Georginas hot springs; ascents of the volcanoes around Quetzaltenango; and the remote mountain village of Todos Santos Cuchumatán, north of Huehuetenango, with a strong traditional culture and excellent walking possibilities.