7 Free Things to do in Quetzaltenango That You Shouldn't Miss

May 19, 2022 Venice Greaves

Quetzaltenango, also known by its Maya name, Xelajú [ʃelaˈχu] or Xela [ˈʃela], is the second largest city of Guatemala. It is both the capital of Quetzaltenango Department and the municipal seat of Quetzaltenango municipality.
Restaurants in Quetzaltenango

1. Trama Textiles

Calle 10-56 3a Zona 1, Quetzaltenango 09001 Guatemala +502 7765 8564 [email protected] http://www.tramatextiles.org
Excellent
93%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 41 reviews

Trama Textiles

We are Trama Textiles, a 100% worker-owned women's weaving cooperative in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. We have a local shop in Xela, where we sell our handwoven accessories, homewares and clothing, and offer weaving classes to teach people the ancient art of Mayan weaving. We work with over 400 women, in 17 weaving groups, across five regions in Guatemala's Western highlands. We pay our artisans a fair wage, which they determine, meaning they can provide a sustainable income for themselves and their families. VISIT OUR STORE: Our products are all handwoven by our women artisans, using traditional Mayan weaving techniques. All our products are made with 100% cotton, pre-washed, and double woven with premier grade thread, to make sure they are the highest quality and won't shrink or fade. By buying our products, you help women in our region earn a sustainable income, while maintaining their beautiful Mayan weaving traditions. LEARN TO WEAVE: We offer weaving classes, so you can learn how to weave directly from our artisans. Our classes vary in price and time, depending on what you want to make, from a 1 hour demonstration from $5 USD to making your own scarf or table runner from between $23 USD and $79 USD. FREE TOUR AND VIDEO: WE offer a free tour and video, including a chat with our artisans, and a 25 minute documentary about the history and inspirational stories of our weavers. VOLUNTEER WITH US: We offer free-free long and short term volunteer positions, allowing you to experience Guatemalan culture, gain new skills and practise your Spanish.

2. Ketzali Accessories

4ta Calle y 14 Ave 4-54 Plaza Polanco, Oficina 3E, Quetzaltenango 09001 Guatemala +502 7763 2380 [email protected] http://ketzali.com
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Ketzali Accessories

3. Yabal Handicrafts

7a. Calle 13-29a Zona 1, Quetzaltenango 09001 Guatemala +502 7761 7760 [email protected] http://www.yabal-handicrafts.com
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Yabal Handicrafts

Y'abal Handicrafts offers high quality artisanally made bags, purses, scarves, home accessories, stuffed animals, and more. We are a Fair Trade social enterprise that supports two cooperatives of indigenous women weavers through the sale of their textiles. Our products are a mix of contemporary and traditional Mayan design. All profits are re-invested in social programs for rural communities.

4. Catedral del Espiritu Santo

Quetzaltenango Guatemala
Excellent
62%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 42 reviews

Catedral del Espiritu Santo

5. La Ermita de la Concepcion (La Conquistadora)

Salcaja, Quetzaltenango Guatemala
Excellent
48%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

La Ermita de la Concepcion (La Conquistadora)

6. Central Plaza

12 Av. And 4 Calle, Quetzaltenango 09001 Guatemala +502 4430 2416
Excellent
46%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 206 reviews

Central Plaza

This beautiful town square is a gathering place for locals, and is home to a cathedral and museum.

Reviewed By medywawa

Beautiful square surrounded by some fantastic architecture and stunning mountain view. Always something going in, especially lively on Sundays! Parades, street food, people watching, all in all a wonderful spot to hang out.

7. Cerro El Baul

North Of the Almolonga Volcano 3 km, Quetzaltenango 09001 Guatemala
Excellent
35%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
6%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 94 reviews

Cerro El Baul

Reviewed By chey_baybee - Fort Collins, United States

I hiked this early on a Sunday morning. I had been warned about the ladron's on the trail, but luckily I did not run into any of them. It is an easy hike from Xela and sitting on the top reading a book was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning. If you get hungry, there are tortilla-ladies selling tortillas, meat, chips and soft drinks. Carry a rock or stick to scare off the dogs.

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