Weekend Trips
Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is located in the west of the country, with a surface of 124 square km and sits 1560 metres above sea level. It is the land where the Tzutuhiles and Cakchiqueles held their domination. The lake region has a fertile floor that offers a variety of climates and sheer heights to observe panoramic views. Volcanoes San Pedro and Toliman surround the lake , as well as twelve identified towns with the names of Christ's apostles. This lake offers a perfect scenario to those fond of fishing, water skiing, boat trips, kayaking, diving, or simply strolling in town or around the lake.
Antigua
Antigua lies in a valley surrounded by mountains, and by the towering volcanoes of Agua, Fuego and Acatenango. Today it is a pleasant city of cobblestone streets, houses and businesses with colonial style facades and tile roofs, and of restored and vegetation-covered ruins of churches, palaces, convents, and mansions.
Chichicastenango
Chichicastenango is located in the department of Quiché where a mixture of Catholic and Mayan religions exist. Also referred to as "Chichi," it is a tourist centre in the Guatemalan Highlands with a popular and busy market.
Champerico Beach
This area includes one of the most important ports. Go to Champerico and enjoy eating shrimp in one of the restaurants along the shore. It is a black sand beach with few tourists and a great place for a weekend getaway from Xela.
Abaj Takalik
This archaeological centre was discovered in 1878 and is believed to be one of the few places where the Maya and Olmec lived together. The large "Olmecoid" stone heads found here date this site as one of the oldest in the Mayan realm. Abaj Takalik has yet to be fully restored but is an excellent place to see archaeology in action.
Totonicapan
Totonicapan, located an hour away from Xela was the second city of the K'iche nation after Utatlán. It is characterised by its market that is held every Saturday from seven in the morning to seven at night. Totonicapan has two main squares, one dominated by the neoclassical municipal theatre and the other surrounded by more modern architecture.
Ruins De Zaculeu
The religious centre of Zaculeu, or "White Earth" in the Mayan language of Mam, is located in the department of Huehuetenango, It served the Mam well as a strategic defense location until 1525, when Gonzalo de Alfredo and his conquistadors laid siege to it for two months and starved the people into defeat.
Monterrico
The coastal area around Monterrico is a totally different Guatemala. Life is steeped with a sultry tropical flavour. The architecture too is different with rustic wooden slat and thatched roofs. The beach is dramatic and behind the town is a large network of mangrove swamps and canals where boat trips can be taken to see the spectacular sunrise.
