What to do and see in Quetzaltenango Department, Western Highlands: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

May 3, 2022 Tonie Szymanski

Discover the best top things to do in Quetzaltenango Department, Guatemala including 2-Day Takalik Abaj: Mayan and Olmec Archaeological Site from Panajachel, Tour Rum, Casa Botran, Full-Day at Antigua Guatemala, Quetzaltenango Experience Tour, Traditional Textile Tour, Romantic tour in Quetzaltenango.
Restaurants in Quetzaltenango Department

1. 2-Day Takalik Abaj: Mayan and Olmec Archaeological Site from Panajachel

Ferry, Panajachel, Guatemala Los Elementos Adventure Center

Takalik Abaj has both Olmec and Maya features, and flourished from the 9th century BC to the 10th century AD. This is one of the oldest archeological sites in the old Mayan world, and one of the largest sites with sculptured monuments on the Pacific coastal plain. It is home to one of the greatest concentrations of Olmec-style sculpture. The site includes a Maya royal tomb and examples of Maya hieroglyphic inscriptions that are among the earliest from the Maya region. The site features a sophisticated water drainage system and a wealth of sculptured monuments. Overnight accommodations are near the site.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Transport by SUV, minivan, or coach, Round-trip private transfer, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Driver/guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Destination319352

We are very happy that we were referred to Lee at Los Elementos Adventure Center by our AirBnb host. From the very beginning (even when our trip had to be postponed for a year due to the pandemic), Lee was very responsive, kind and helpful. We ended up spending a day trip going from Panajachel to the Solola market. We also took a short hike and had a picnic in the forest. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and are really thankful that we got to experience the culture and beauty of this area on Market day. What really made this excursion extra memorable and fun was the fantastic guide that we had, a young man by the name of Marce! He was the perfect guide for our family, so adventurous, knowledgeable and willing to go the extra mile to provide a unique day for us. It is such a treat when guides are flexible and open to whatever adventures may present themselves. We would definitely go with Los Elementos again and highly recommend Lee's personalized services and wonderful guides!

2. Tour Rum, Casa Botran

Adrenalina Tours

Casa Botran has made the manufacture of rum in a delicious art, producing aged rums through the combination of raw materials with unique characteristics, giving life to the exquisite rum that positions the land of the quetzal as a producer of one of the finest rums of the world with a personality different from the rest of European and Caribbean style rums.

Inclusions: Round-trip shared transfer, Local guide, Professional guide, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By Kenton A

Adrenalina Tours made our trip so easy! Patrick was very responsive with any questions we had prior to and during our trip. We hiked Tajumulco and our guide Gustavo was excellent. He was even patient enough to help us practice our Spanish on the hike. We had private shuttles arranged for transport for various parts of our journey which made our short trip efficient. Everyone arrived exactly on time and were so kind! I highly recommend this company for any help you may need on your trip to Guatemala.

3. Full-Day at Antigua Guatemala

Fun Top Fun Guatemala

Antigua offers you the chance to discover a city in which streets are well endowed with colorful shops, cafes, relaxing areas, and street markets. Is it true that Antigua is surrounded by three volcanoes? Why is Antigua considered the epicenter of Central America‘s? Why Antigua have so many Churches and monasteries? Is Antigua the most beautiful colonial city in Central America? You will have the chance to discover Antigua's Local Market, San Lazaro Cemetery, Union Water Tank, San Francisco Cathedral, and Cerro de la Cruz. An unforgettable day of adventure that will immerse you in the true essence of what Antigua has to give. Get ready to experience Guatemala from a different perspective. A local charismatic guide will reveal interesting facts about Antigua.

Inclusions: Professional Local Tour Guide

Exclusions: Traditional Lunch (200 GTQ = 23 EUR by your choice)

4. Quetzaltenango Experience Tour

Fun Top Fun Guatemala

Quetzaltenango offers you the chance to discover a town in which streets are well endowed with colorful shops, cafes, relaxing areas, and street markets. Why Quetzaltenango is getting an increasingly popular spot for tourists? Wheres is Xela located? Is Xela the highest city in Central America? What’s the connection between Mayan civilization and Xelaju? Which kind of events can I find in Quetzaltenango? You will have the chance to discover Chicabal lagoon, the Hot Springs and the main sights at the Town. An unforgettable day of adventure that will immerse you in the true essence of what Quetzaltenango has to give. Get ready to experience Guatemala from a different perspective. A local charismatic guide will reveal interesting facts about Quetzaltenango.

Inclusions: Entrance Fee to Chicabal lagoon, Professional Local Tour Guide, Entrance Fee to Hot Springs

Exclusions: Traditional Lunch (300 GTQ = 35 EUR by your choice)

5. Traditional Textile Tour

Parque Centro América, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Viva City Tours

 The Guatemalan Guipil (Huipil) is a type of blouse worn by indigenous women and is unique in the world, made with cotton thread and woven by various techniques. Throughout Guatemala there are many weavers of the güipil who do it themselves with their looms. So weavers have also developed these beautiful traditional costumes with their loom standing. The importance of valuing the work of these artists is because each piece is unique, given its complexity, each weaver offers one design at a time. The meaning of each one can tell us different stories, from expressions of nature to religious or political symbolism.

Inclusions: Certified Guide

Exclusions:

Reviewed By dolazugar

One of my best memories visiting Xela was this tour. Our tour guide picked me and my sister up at the city center and took us to a lovely couple’s home. They invited us into their home to show us their artwork; their craft; taught us hands-on how to roast and package cacao. The tour concluded with a hot, cup of chocolate and local sweet bread, a chatting with this lovely family.

6. Romantic tour in Quetzaltenango

Railway Museum Los Altos, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Fun Top Fun Guatemala

An exclusive tour for all the romantics of the world! Together with the professional local guide, you will visit the most romantic places in the city. What legends are hidden in Quetzaltenango Cathedral? You will feel spellbound in a charming atmosphere. What is considered as one of the best places to have a date in the city? Where can you make lovely photos? You will be surprised how many historical love stories are hidden in the streets, buildings, parks of the city. From heartbreaking and tragic, to the hilarious or spicy ones. In This tour is especially recommended in the Saint Valentine period!

Inclusions: Local Professional Guide

Exclusions:

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