Hotels near Quetzaltenango Airport - AAZ, Quetzaltenango

It was wrong season, winter, to visit Quetzaltenango. Trip to the thermal pools, Georgina Fuentes, was very good amazing scenery on the way up the mountain of the market gardens. Accommodation good value for price but we probably needed something warmer for winter.

The Central Park is a must place to visit. It has a relaxed and cosmopolitan feel with people sitting watching the world go by and there are also good options for cafes and bars. Go inside the municipal building to see the beautiful gardens but also wander upstairs and see the fantastic rooms to experience the history. Perhaps not very well signposted or attractive from the outside but do go and see the Museo Ixkik which is in the same place as the railway museum. The tour is excellent and well worth the trip. My only regret is that I didn't spend longer here in this fantastic city and will definately be going back.

I have been to Xela (local name for the city) several times over 30 years, and generally have liked it very much. This is the largest Maya city in the world, and the culture is quite accessible here. Unfortunately, this is not a good time to be in Guatemala. The pandemic, joblessness, and crushing poverty are taking a toll on the city. Sad. Hopefully things will improve. But presently, I wouldn't recommend Xela for the average tourist.

The central park is very beautiful, particularly the cathedral and municipal building. The municipal theatre is a short walk away but is unfortunately closed since the start of covid because they still don't have any events/performances! I highly recommend the restaurant Don Carlos; there are two locations in the city and one in Salcajá. I recommend visiting Laguna de Chicabal which is located in the crater of a nearby volcano. Drive to what is labeled in google maps as "Toritos para la laguna". There they will drive you in a safari style pick up truck to the top of the volcano, at which point you can walk down 570 steps. Don't let them charge you more than 100 Quetzales. There are Mam-spaeking Mayans doing religious rituals there. It is very spiritual down there. I did not have the chance to visit, but I also recommend Fuentes Georginas.

Excursions around Xela possible: hot springs, hikes, weaving by "trama textile", streetfood, spanish schools Xela is not so touristy ... food: Sabor de la India, street food near centro historico, xelapan ( for breakfast) El Balcón de Enríquez ( nice bar with small snacks) and nice overview Central America Park /Parque a Centro América

Big city with a lot of history, restaurants and things to do. The weather is nice during the day, but gets chilli at night and a bit cold in the mornings. A visit to the hot spings is a must, as well as Chicabal volcano. The city feels safe, and walking in the old center of town after dinner outside is nice. I specially enjoyed visiting the central plaza, Pasaje Enriquez and one of the big bakeries to have one of their famous "Shecas". and don't forget the Cabro beer!