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Quiche Tourist Places to Visit in Quiche, Guatemala, America

Quiche Tourist Places to Visit in Quiche, Guatemala, America

Quiche is one of the departments in Guatemala located about 260 km northwest of Guatemala City. Santa Cruz del Quiche is the capital of the department. Quiche occupies an area of 8,378 sq. km. and is located at highest altitude of 3,200 meters. Quiche department is home to many popular archeological sites, natural reserves and regional museums.

Quiche department is divided into 21 municipalities and the major municipalities are Canilla, Chicaman, Chichicastenango, Cunen, Playa Grande Ixcan, San Antonio Ilotenango, San Bartolome Jocotenango, San Juan Cotzal, Santa Cruz del Quiche and Uspantan.

Geography of Quiche:

Quiche is sited between latitude 15°1′48″ in the north and longitude 91°9′0″ in the west. Laguna de Lemoa, Laguna de La Estancia and Laguna de San Antonio are the three shallow lakes placed in Quiche department. Quiche is also home to several drainage basins and the major basins are Xaclbal, Salinas, Motagua and Ixcan.

Connectivity to Quiche:

The airport of Quiche is located in the capital city, Santa Cruz del Quiche and it is connected only with domestic locations. Other nearby airports includes Playa Grande Airport, Coban Airport and Quetzaltenango Airport. La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City is the nearest international airport to Quiche located at a distance of 265 km.

Other than airway, Quiche is also well connected with Guatemala City and nearby cities through roadway by private buses. Tourists can use taxi or car for local travel.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Quiche:

K’iche is a widely spoken language in Quiche’s regions and other languages include Ixil, Uspantek, Sakapultek, Poqomchi and Q’ekchi.

There are many shopping centres located in all the towns of Quiche and the major food corners in Nebaj, Chichicastenango in Quiche are:

Casa de San Juan
Casa de la India
Restaurante Don Pasqual
Tacos Cancun
Hacienda Mil Amores
Restaurant Kieq-ik-wa’im Ja

Things to do in Quiche:

Boating
Swimming
Archeological sites
Village Visiting

Places to see in Quiche:

Chichicastenango:

Chichicastenango also called as Santo Tomas Chichicastenango is one of the towns of El Quiche department famous for Church of Santo Tomas and Chichicastenango Regional Museum. Thursday and Sunday markets of Chichicastenango are very popular.

Qumarkaj:

Q’umarkaj is an archeological site housing many historic temples including Tohil, Awilix, Jakawitz and Q’uq’umatz. It is also home to small museum that showcases the history and culture of Q’umarkaj.

Visis Caba Biosphere Reserve:

Visis Caba Biosphere Reserve is located in Chajul covering an area of 450 sq. km. It is the only protected natural reserve in El Quiche department drawing tourists from all around the department.

Other places of interest in Quiche include:

Pascual Abaj
Cerro de San Andrés
Los Cerritos
La Laguna
Chichicastenango Regional Museum
Church of Santo Tomas
Chichi Cemetery
ChiChi Market
Pascual Abaj
Parque Ecologico Los Senderos del Abuelo
Catarata de Santa Avelina
Laguna Lemoa
Museo de Arqueologa

Best time to visit Quiche:

From February to August is the ideal time to travel Quiche to visit archeological sites and museums.

Accommodation Options in Quiche:

Quiche department is home to several well facilitated accommodation centres with different facilities like swimming pool, spa, hot water bath, doctor on call and 24 hour room service. The prominent hotels in Quiche are listed below:

Hotel Santa Maria
Hotel El Sitio
Hostal de Santa Maria
Hotel San Pasqual
Hacienda San Antonio
Hotel Rey K”ich”e
Posada El Arco
Santo Tomas Hotel
Hotel Chalet
Hotel Villa Grande
Hospedaje Salvador
Hotel Ixil
Hotel Chuguila
Mayan Inn
Hotel Giron
Posada Vetz K’aol
Hotel Turansa

Tourist Places to Visit in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, America

Tourist Places to Visit in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, America

Quetzaltenango also known as Xelaju is the 2^nd largest city in Guatemala. It serves as the capital of both Quetzaltenango Department and Quetzaltenango municipality.

The municipalities coming under Quetzaltenango department are Zunil, El Palmar, Concepcion Chiquirichapa, Salcaja, Cantel, Almolonga, San Mateo, La Esperanza, and Olintepeque.

Geography and Climate of Quetzaltenango:

Quetzaltenango is situated about 195 km from Guatemala City, the capital and largest city of Guatemala, is spread over an area of 120 sq. km. located at 14°50′40″ N 91°30′05″ W at an altitude of 2330 meters.

Quetzaltenango features a subtropical highland climate with rainy season which runs from May through October and dry season from November to April. Quetzaltenango enjoys coldest months from November to February and warmest months from March to July.

Etymology and History of Quetzaltenango:

Quetzaltenanco was the original name of Quetzaltenango deriving from the Nahuatl language meaning’ the place of the quetzal bird’. It served as the capital of many kingdoms and states from 15^th to 19^th century including Los Altos. Quetzaltenango was founded on May 7, 1524.

How to reach Quetzaltenango?

Quetzaltenango is well connected with Guatemala City by Chicken buses costing around Q30 and the known bus operators include:

Autobuses Del Notre
Alamo
Fuentes Del Notre
Linea Dorada
Galgos

Quetzaltenango Airport is located 5 km away from the city centre, operated by Aviones Comerciales de Guatemala and Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos with charter flights.

Minibuses are very common in Quetzaltenango and also they are very helpful, charging 1.25Q to move all around the city. Taxis and bicycles are other local travel options.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Quetzaltenango:

Quetzaltenango is popularly called as ‘The City that is the Soul of Culture’ because of its cultural importance. It is also known for rich nightlife.

There are all the types of shops in Quetzaltenango including fashion and sport. The major food corners in Quetzaltenango are listed below:

La Genovese
Comida Taiwanesa
Churrascaria Cajola
Luna Cafe
El Cuartito Cafe

Must visit and things to do in Quetzaltenango:

Internet Cafes
Volcanoes
Mountains
Hot springs
Kamalbe Spanish School & Volunteer Center
Escuela de Espanol Utatlan

Places to see in Quetzaltenango:

Espiritu Santo Cathedral:

Espiritu Santo Cathedral is the most prominent religious site as well as tourist attraction of Quetzaltenango. ‘Espiritu Santo’ parish’s ancient facade and ‘Diocesis de los Altos’ are the two major structures of Espiritu Santo Cathedral.

Central America Park:

Central America Park also called as Parque Central is a cultural centre located in the midpoint of the city and it hosts regular cultural activities and amusements.

Municipal Theatre:

Municipal Theatre is the major landmark and tourist attraction in Quetzaltenango, built and designed with neoclassical style architecture.

Other places of interest in Quetzaltenango include:

Enrique Passage
Gobernacion
Accidental Cultural Centre
Alliance Française de Quetzalteango
Rivera Building
Railway Museum

Best time to visit Quetzaltenango:

Between November and April is the ideal time to travel Quetzaltenango.

Accommodation Options in Quetzaltenango:

Quetzaltenango is the cultural capital of Guatemala with historical buildings designed with classical, neoclassical and Italian renaissance styles and is also well known for its hospitality industry. There are many luxury and mid range hotels located in Quetzaltenango with upgraded facilities. The price per night may vary on the facilities provided by the hotels and the prominent hotels in Quetzaltenango are as follows:

The Black Cat Hostel
Casa Argentina
Hotel Pension Bonifaz
Casa Dona Mercedes
Hostal La Estacion
Itzamna Xela Homestay
Casas Luna De Xelaju
Hotel Modelo
Hotel Real Virginia
Posada San Andres
Casa San Bartolome
Hotel Villa Real Plaza
Hotel Casa Manen
Hotel Casa del Viajero
Loc Chocoyos Casa Siguan
Casa Latina
Guesthouse El Puente
7 Orejas Hostal

Places to Visit in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala, America

Places to Visit in Puerto San Jose, Guatemala, America

Puerto San Jose is a coastal city in Escuintla department in Guatemala geographically positioned at 13°56′ N 90°49′ W, about 100 km from the national capital Guatemala city. It is a large site along Guatemala’s Pacific Ocean coast with a population of more than 20,000.

The economy of Puerto San Jose is centered on rich tourism industry and it is visited by most of the weekenders from Guatemala City. The higher majority of native employers are working in Puerto Quetzal complex. Puerto San Jose has its own airport.

History of Puerto San Jose:

Puerto San Jose was earlier pacific port for Guatemala and this was later replaced by Puerto Quetzal during the 20^th century.

How to reach Puerto San Jose?

Puerto San Jose is catered by San Jose Airport which is placed in the western part of the city and is used for both public and military purpose, served by Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos and Air Venture Tours with charter flights. San Jose Airport is situated about 105 km from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City.

There are regular buses available at the centre of the city to Guatemala City and other nearby cities. Rental taxis and bikes are useful for local travel.

Food and Shopping in Puerto San Jose:

The major hotels of Puerto San Jose have inbuilt restaurants and the city houses many independent restaurants as well. Some food corners in and around Puerto San Jose are:

Nautilus
Hamburguesas y Choripanes
Johnnys Place Playa Club
McDonald’s Restaurant
Taberna El Pelican

General stores and fashion shops are located all around the city of Puerto San Jose.

Things to do in Puerto San Jose:

Big Bouy Fishing
Water sports
Boating
Fishing

Places of interest in Puerto San Jose:

Puerto San Jose harbor:

Puerto San Jose harbor is the major sightseeing spot allowing different activities like boating, fishing and swimming as well.

Big Buoy Fishing Charters:

Big Buoy Fishing Charters is a boat tour operator offering tourists to do fishing in the middle of the sea with different fishing equipments. Advance booking is offered.

V & C Tours Day Tours:

If tourists have interest to explore all around Puerto San Jose, they can choose V & C Tours Day Tours which offers horseback riding and different adventure activities.

Other places of interest in Puerto San Jose include:

Volcan de Pacaya
Iximche
Antigua
Mixco Viejo
Universidad del Valle de Guatemala
Volcan Atitlan
Teatro Nacional
Universidad del San Carlos de Guatemala
La Aurora Zoo
National Palace (Palacio Nacional)

Best time to visit Puerto San Jose:

From May to October is the ideal time to visit Puerto San Jose.

Accommodation Options in Puerto San Jose:

Puerto San Jose is a coastal city drawing water sport and nature lovers from all around the country throughout the year. Hotel Costa Verde is one of the best hotels in Puerto San Jose with home environment allied with excellent customer service. Its super clean, food and beautiful bungalows are the notable features and it costs $55 per night. The other major hotels in Puerto San Jose are listed below:

Hotel Turicentro Martita
Pantanal
Hotel Posada del Quetzal
Soleil Pacifico Resort
Pelicanos Hotel
Del Mar Hotel
Las Farolas Hotel
Posada Don Valentino
Soleil La Antigua
Hotel Posada San Vincente
Hotel Casa Rustica
Porta Hotel Antigua
Camino Real Antigua
Hotel Los Pasos
Casa de los Micos
Hotel Meson Del Valle
Hostal Las Marias

Carmelita Tourist Places to Visit in Carmelita, Guatemala, America

Carmelita Tourist Places to Visit in Carmelita, Guatemala, America

Carmelita is one of the settlements of San Andres municipality in El Peten department of Guatemala, situated about 85 km from the department capital, Flores and 500 km from the national capital, Guatemala City. Carmelita is specially known for the famous archeological sites.

The municipality of San Andres comprises of 55 rural communities, Carmelita is one of them. San Andres municipality was formed in 1962 in the area of 8,874 km² which is around 25% of El Peten department and the town of San Andres is located on the north-western shore of Peten Itza Lake at the coordinates of 16°58′03″ N 89°54′37″ W with an altitude of 150 meters. The Central Government of Guatemala declared 93% area of San Andres as protected nature reserve in 1990.

How to reach Carmelita?

Carmelita has its own airport located within the village well connected with domestic locations and the nearest international airport is Mundo Maya International Airport situated at a distance of 90 km with connection to Guatemala City, Belize City, Cancun, Palenque and El Mirador, operated by Avianca, Transportes Aereos Guatemaltecos and Tropic Air.

There are buses departing from Carmelita to department capital city Flores at 1 PM and 5 AM every day and it takes around 4.5 hours to reach. Tuk-tuk is the private cheap mode of transportation good to reach surrounding regions and tourist places.

Food and Shopping in Carmelita:

Carmelita houses only few well facilitated restaurants and shopping centres, but tourists can have traditional dish at small food corners and purchase handmade clothes, hats and wooden carvings at local shops at affordable costs. It will be better to reach Flores city to enjoy best shopping experience and to have delicious food.

Things to do in Carmelita:

Swimming
Visit Tikal
Cinema

Places to see in Carmelita:

Lake Peten Itza:

Lake Peten Itza is a major tourist destination of San Andres municipality and Carmelita. Behind Lake Izabal, it is the 2^nd largest lake in Guatemala with surface area of 99 sq. km. measuring a length of 32 km and width of 5 km. It is visited by more than 150,000 tourists annually for its archaeological significance. Lake Peten Itza has abundance of fishes in its crystal clear water and is located around 65 km from Carmelita.

Ak’tun Kan:

Ak’tun Kan is a magnificent cave featuring different relics of animals and humans. The objects are labeled by Spanish and also tourists can take help of staff for easy exploration. Entrance fee is Q15. There are taxis and other private vehicles available to reach from Carmelita.

Petencito Zoo:

Petencito Zoo houses jaguars, raccoons, monkeys and many endangered animals as well. Also there are several food corners surrounding the zoo.

Other places of interest in Carmelita include:

Ixpanpajul Natural Park
Ruinas de Uaxactun
Las Guacamayas Biological Station
Carmelita Airport

Best time to visit Carmelita:

The months between May and October are ideal to visit Carmelita.

Accommodation Options in Carmelita:

There are few luxury hotels located in Carmelita, but Carmelita boasts many home stays that offer bed and breakfast and traditional meal as well. List of best hotels with upgraded facilities near Carmelita and in Flores city (85 km) include: