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.
Activities in Western Highlands
Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango, which the locals kindly shorten to Xela (shell-ah), itself an abbreviation of the original Quiché Maya name, Xelajú, may well be the perfect Guatemalan town – not too big, not too small, enough foreigners to support a good range of...
Huehuetenango
Mostly a stopping-off point for more interesting places, Huehuetenango, or Huehue (way-way), offers few charms of its own, but some people do love it for its true Guatemalan character.
Western Highlands destination guides
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Western Highlands
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Western Highlands
Entertainment in Western Highlands
Shopping in Western Highlands