|
 About the Area: Quetzaltenango - or Xela as it is commonly known - is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city in the western highlands of Guatemala. This city of almost half a million people (and growing fast) boasts plenty of restaurants, hotels, and Spanish Schools for even the most selective of travellers.
Activities: Despite its seemingly remote location (6+ hrs away from Guatemala City and Mexico's San Cristobal de Las Casas), the area is a bustling hotbed of activity, particularly for intrepid travelers. Volcano hikes (including to Tajamulco, Central America's highest peak), hot springs, Spanish schools, and volunteer opportunities abound in Xela. Here are some popular spots in the Xela region. Select from the menus on the right, or the listings below, for more specific information:
|
|
Economy Hotels
|
|
The Hostal Doña Josefina offers budget stays in Xela that don't skimp on essentials. Large common spaces compliment clean, comfortable rooms at this location at the center of historical Quetzaltenango. CONTACT: 1a Calle 19-64, zona 1, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala Tel: (502) 5217-4212 |
|
Economy Hotels
|
|
The Black Cat, part of a popular duo of hostels in Antigua and Xela, is a full-service hostel at a backpacker's price. Comfy beds, ambient music, and a great location characterize this top pick among hostels in Xela. A single with a private bathroom runs Q130, but a double in this uber-social locale is only Q50, including breakfast. There's a great restaurant too, featuring fajitas, burritos, hamburgers, pizza, and pasta. Visit their website. CONTACT: 13 Ave 3-33 Zona 7 Tel: (502) 7765-8951 email |
|
Gyms, Spas, and Yoga
|
|
There are different classes to choose from, such as Gentle Yoga, Vigorous Yoga, Hatha Yoga and Yoga for Absolute Beginners. Class schedule tends to change from month to month. To find the schedule once in Xela, stop by the house, pick up the popular XelaWho magazine or ask around. The Yoga House also has rooms for rent. CONTACT: 9 Avenida 6-68, Xela Tel: (502) |
|
Artisans
|
|
 The Copavic Glass-Blowing Cooperative offers a unique artisan experience unmatched in Guatemala. On Saturdays (and perhaps other days as well), visitors can admire the skill of the glass-blowing experts, who spend their hours crafting incredible creations out of red-hot, near-liquid glass. All of the glass is collected from recycled sources, lowering the upfront costs and passing those savings on to the consumer. Incredible vases, cups, plates, and more can be had here for incredibly low prices, particularly for items with slight imperfections.
Visit their website. CONTACT: Carretera al Pacifico Km 217.5, Canton Pasac II, Cantel Tel: (502) 7763-8063 email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Fine Dining
|
|
If you happen upon a new novia or novio in Xela, consider a date at Casa Antigua. This meticulously clean restaurant, walls awash in warm yellows, feels more upscale than it is priced. Entrees cost between 25-40Q and include vegetarian options. Soft music romanticizes the atmosphere and makes up for the odd, naked, concrete courtyard in the middle of Casa Antigua. If conversation isn’t diversion enough, you can play pool in a back room for 20Q an hour. |
|
|
|
|
|
Page 1 of 6 |
