Top Quetzaltenango Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises

Equal parts natural wonder and cultural landmark, Lake Chicabal is a top attraction for Quetzaltenango (Xela) area visitors. Hiking with a guide is not only the safest way to visit the crater lake—also a Mam Mayan ceremonial site—but also makes for the easiest transportation logistics straight from your Xela hotel.

During this tour, we will take you to know 3 different towns. You will explore the largest market in Guatemala, will go to the most colorful church, and end the tour by going to a small but lovely town. Each location holds something special that we want to show you and hope you like it as much as we do or even more. The first place to visit will be San Francisco El Alto and its market which is the largest one in Guatemala. Usually, it takes around 6 hours to go through all of it (that is not the case on this tour, we will be there just a fraction of all that time). Then, we will visit the famous church of San Andrés Xecul, an icon of Guatemala and a representation of religious syncretism. In the end, we will visit Salcajá, a small but very charming town with lots of history and beautiful places to visit. This is a tour you don´t want to miss, so reserve your ticket, and we will take you to one of the greatest traveling experiences of them all.

The Volcano and Lagoon of Chicabal are a must on your visit to Xela. Go on this easy hike and visit the volcano´s crater full of water, now considered a sacred place for the Mayans. In Guatemala, there are only two volcanoes with a lagoon on their crater, and this is one of them. Many Mayans come to the crater lagoon to practice ceremonies, have direct communication with their ancestors and gods, and be surrounded by nature. Because this is considered a sacred place, it is not permitted to swim in the lagoon, however, you will appreciate up close the Mayan beliefs whether you see a ceremony or not. If you don´t see one, you will not miss the chance to see all the bouquets on the shore, left there by people as offerings or to say thanks for a favor answered. We will coordinate everything for you, so you just enjoy the experience.

Here's your chance to volunteer and make a difference in a Mayan village if you have just one day. Before your hands-on community service, start your day with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast. Then go behind the scenes to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Mam-speaking Maya via a walking tour of the village and a visit to the home of a local family. After lunch and a demonstration of traditional backstrap weaving, share your skills and interests by engaging in meaningful volunteer work that will impact the lives of so many villagers. Opportunities include assembling clean water filters or emergency food bags and delivering them to people's homes; assisting in the health clinic; engaging with children on art projects and soccer play; and practicing English with the staff. 78% OF YOUR ACTIVITY FEE DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE PROGRAMS and CLINICS of LOCAL HOPE/XELA AID THAT EMPOWER LOCAL FAMILIES and COMMUNITIES TO BE HEALTHY, EDUCATED AND SELF-RELIANT.

Embark on a transformative journey into the heart of Guatemala's natural wonders with our Wellness Tour in Xela. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and indulge in a day of serenity, self-discovery, and well-being. Engage in guided activities amidst lush landscapes, choosing from the enchanting Totonicapán Magical Forest, the warmth of Quetzaltenango's Coffee Farms, or the extraordinary adventure of Chicabal Volcano and Lagoon. Experience the therapeutic benefits of guided meditation, yoga, and stretching amidst the tranquility of nature. Select your ideal escape: Totonicapán Magical Forest or Quetzaltenango's Coffee Farms at the same price, or opt for the extraordinary Chicabal Volcano and Lagoon for a slightly different rate. Customize your Wellness Tour experience at the time of booking. To ensure your experience is seamless and extraordinary, kindly make your reservation at least 72 hours in advance. We look forward to crafting a memorable journey just for you. Thank you!

Come on a Foodie Tour with us, where you will learn how to prepare a traditional Xela dish called Quichon, a Mayan broth full of flavor. As well as some first-quality artisan chocolate. All these from the hand of a Mayan woman who along with an association, seeks to share their ancestral knowledge with us. You will also get to know and enjoy Shecas, a traditional Mayan bread from Xela that has become very popular among national and international tourists since many years ago and that is very emblematic of this region. At the end of the day, we will enjoy a delicious cup of Quetzaltecan coffee, which due to its altitude and soil conditions, is one of the best, being exported to other countries and having a distinguished profile in Guatemala. We hope you enjoy this authentic experience with us and discover the Mayan gastronomic legacy.

Guatemala is a megadiverse country as well as a multi-ethnic one as we hold more than 22 ethnicities. Guatemala is mostly Mayan, and if you are on the West side of the country, this is not the exception. During your visit to Xela, don´t miss the chance to visit one of the most important spots: Fuentes Georginas, natural hot springs located at the base of Zunil Volcano. Enjoy paradise submerged in hot relaxing water while appreciating the calmness and sweet sounds of nature. Also, visit 2 Mayan towns, learn about their language, traditional clothing, and traditions, and visit their nation-acclaimed vegetables markets. Don´t miss this chance to take a diverse, relaxing, and cultural tour, all in one.

This immersive experience is perfect for those looking to connect with nature and culture in the heart of the Guatemalan Highlands. DAY ONE: Explore life in a Mayan village - engage with local culture during a guided tour, visit a Mayan home, and learn from a weaving demonstration. After happy hour and a three-course dinner, enjoy all the comforts of home in our top-rated Eco-Guest House. DAY TWO: After breakfast, discover the mysteries of Lake Chicabál, formed within the inactive Chicabal Volcano. Descend 600 steps into the caldera, explore the lake's perimeter, learn about the 20 Mayan 'naguals'. Surrounded by cloud forests, this crater lake is considered sacred by the Mam-Mayan people, making it a site of cultural and spiritual significance. It is the most popular visitor destination in the Quetzaltenango area. 78% of your activity fee supports the programs and clinics of Local Hope/Xela AID that empower local families and communities to be healthy, educated and self-reliant

Visit an archeological site + one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Guatemala and a small town, all in one day with the best company by your side. Our first stop will be the archeological site of Zaculeu, known for its restored ruins. This place belonged to the Mam Mayan kingdom but was conquered by the Spanish and their allies in 1525 after an intense war. Then we will visit El Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri. Get amazed by all the beauty surrounding this place. This is one of the highest points in Guatemala and has some of the best views. There is an abandoned country house in the mountain, and it is a great stop for a picture, as well as the views of the entire valley. Lastly, don´t miss the chance to visit a small town in between Zaculeu and El Mirador Juan Dieguez Olaverri, it is a picturesque town that you will definitely like. This is the perfect circuit if you´re looking to do different activities in one day.

A unique two-day adventure that combines a captivating bird watching excursion with Mayan culture, perfect for the whole family. Day One: Explore the rich cultural heritage of the Mam Maya people via a walking tour of the local village; visit with a family. Relax during Happy Hour, then dinner and overnight at our top-rated Eco-Guest House Day Two: Get an early morning start (4:00am) for the best chance of sighting Guatemala’s national treasure, the Resplendent Quetzal, in the renowned El Refugio del Quetzal. Explore misty trails, discover vibrant birds, amphibians, and lush rainforest plants. While spotting the Quetzal is a highlight, even if it remains elusive, you’ll still experience incredible bird sightings, wildlife and natural beauty. Return to the Eco-Guest House for a traditional Guatemalan meal, followed by a demonstration of backstrap weaving -- an ancestral art passed down from generation to generation. A $10 gift card is included toward purchase from the weavers’ shop.