Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Highlands
Why Go?
Guatemala's most dramatic region - Los Altos - stretches from Antigua to the Mexican
border. Traditional values and customs are strongest here. Maya dialects are spoken far
more widely than Spanish, and over a dozen distinct groups dwell within the region, each
with its own language and clothing, perhaps most vividly displayed in the weekly markets
of Chichicastenango and San Francisco El Alto. This is where indigenous tradition blends
most tantalizingly with Spanish, and it is common to see Maya rituals taking place in front
of and inside colonial churches.
Most travelers spend a spell at volcano-ringed Lago de Atitlán. West of the lake stands
Guatemala's second city, Quetzaltenango. Northward spread the Cuchumatanes mountains,
where indigenous life follows its own rhythms amidst fantastic mountain landscapes. For
hikers, this is the promised land.
When to Go
Though pleasant weather can be enjoyed year-round up in the highlands, between May and
October abundant rains fall so be prepared for some chilly, damp conditions then. If you're
up for trekking the Ixil Triangle or scaling Volcán Santa María, trails tend to be less muddy
and volcano visibility best from November to April. Key events to plan a trip around in-
clude Quetzaltenango's annual blast (late September or early October); devil-burning cere-
monies in Chichicastenango (early December); and folk saint Maximón's spring move in
Santiago Atitlán (Holy Week). Try to be in Todos Santos Cuchumatán on November 1,
when the normally sedate town hosts a no-holds-barred celebration with rowdy horse races
and all-male marimba dancing.
Best Places to Hike
»
Nebaj & the Ixil Triangle (
Click here
)
»
Todos Santos Cuchumatán (
Click here
)
»
Banks of Lago de Atitlán (
Click here
)
