Huehuetenango

Introducing 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. Either way, there are enough eating and sleeping options here to keep you happy, and the sight of the Cuchumatanes mountain range (highest in Central America) in the background makes for some striking scenery.

The lively indígena market is filled daily with traders who come down from surrounding villages. Surprisingly, the market area is about the only place you’ll see traditional costumes in this town, as most of its citizens are ladinos wearing modern clothes. Coffee growing, ­mining, sheep raising, light manufacturing and agriculture are the region’s main activities.

For travelers, Huehue is usually a leg on the journey to or from Mexico – the logical place to spend your first night in Guatemala. The town is also the perfect staging area for forays deeper into the Cuchumatanes or through the Highlands on back roads.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009