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Guatemala Guatemala

Quetzaltenango

A city in the highlands of Guatemala, located about 200 km from the capital. It has a cool climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Quetzaltenango
Gateway airport
La Aurora International Airport (GUA)
Best season
Nov–Mar
Time zone
America/Guatemala
Sights covered
9 places

Sights worth seeing

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Santa María

Nature

Santa María

A 3,772 m volcano rising near Quetzaltenango, notable for its smooth, conical shape. It's still active, making the scenery encountered on a trek all the more special.

Almolonga

Nature

Almolonga

Almolonga is a stratovolcano near Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, nicknamed 'Cerro Quemado' for its peak shape. Part of the Sierra Madre range, it offers volcanic scenery close to Guatemala's second-largest city.

Volcán Siete Orejas

Nature

Volcán Siete Orejas

Volcán Siete Orejas is a stratovolcano rising in the Quetzaltenango region of Guatemala. Part of the Sierra Madre range, it offers a view of majestic mountain scenery.

Holy Spirit Cathedral

Temples & religious sites

Holy Spirit Cathedral

A historic Catholic cathedral in Quetzaltenango, built shortly after Spanish conquerors took the region. The city itself was dedicated to the Holy Spirit, underscoring the cathedral's symbolic importance.

Cerro Quiac

Heritage & monuments

Cerro Quiac

Cerro Quiac is a small Maya archaeological site in the Guatemalan highlands, sitting more than 2,600 meters above sea level. Ancient stone carvings remain here, and traditional Maya ceremonies still take place today.

Cerro El Baúl

Parks & gardens

Cerro El Baúl

A forested lava dome at the southeastern edge of Quetzaltenango's city center. As one of the city's few remaining green spaces, it's a great place for a walk with valley views.

Santiaguito

Nature

Santiaguito

Santiaguito is an active volcano near Quetzaltenango, where you can watch it still puffing out smoke up close. It's a popular spot for travelers who enjoy volcano trekking.

Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple

Temples & religious sites

Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple

A temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located near Minerva Zoo Park on the west side of Quetzaltenango. As the second temple built in Guatemala, it's a peaceful place to admire fine architecture.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

12° Jan
13° Feb
14° Mar
14° Apr
15° May
15° Jun
14° Jul
14° Aug
14° Sep
14° Oct
14° Nov
12° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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Local data

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Where to stay

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