Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
capitalofSalamá.Therearesomeabsorbingvillagesintheseparts,andthetownfiestasare
among Guatemala's finest.
Salamáismostlyaladinotown,whichreallycomesaliveduringitsannualfiesta(Sept.17-
21). Other than that, there's really not much going on here. The old crumbling pedestrian
bridge on the edge of town is worth a look, as is the ornate church of
San Mateo Apóstol,
on the east side of the plaza.
Guide Companies
ForexploringtheareasofBajaVerapaz,agoodbetis
Eco-Verapaz
(8aAvenida7-12Zona
1, tel. 7940-0146). It offers mountain biking, caving, horseback riding, guided hikes, and
cultural tours with prices somewhere around $40 per day for most itineraries.
Accommodations and Food
The best place to stay in town is the
Hotel Real Legendario
(8a Avenida 3-57, tel.
7940-0187 or 7940-0540, $15 d), with clean rooms, all with private bath, firm beds, and
cable TV. There is a small café on the premises. Another good choice is
Hotel Argentina
(Diagonal 4, 2-57 Zona 2, Barrio San José, tel. 7940-1004, $15 d), featuring fan-cooled
roomswithprivatehot-waterbathandcableTV.Anacceptablebackupplanis
Hotel Tezu-
lutlán
(Ruta 4 4-99 Zona 1, Barrio El Centro, tel. 7940-0141, $8-12 d), with 13 rooms set
around a courtyard full of greenery, some with private bath. Just across the street is
Hotel
San Ignacio
(4aCalle“A”7-09Zona1,tel.7940-0186,$5-9d),with18bright,airyrooms
with or without private hot-water bathroom. There's a pleasant
palapa
sitting area over-
looking the street.
There are several places to eat near the plaza. For coffee, cakes, and snacks try
Café
Deli-Donas
(15 Calle 6-61).
Cafetería Central
(corner of 15 Calle and 9a Avenida) is an-
other good choice, particularly for lunch. A fancier option is
El Balcón de los Recuerdos
(8a Avenida 6-28, 8 A.M.-8:30 P.M. Mon.-Sat., $5-7), half a block west of the plaza on the
way out of town, serving grilled meats and seafood in a fan-cooled dining room. Though
its name evokes images of fast food,
Pollo to Go
(on the north side of the plaza) serves
pretty decent burgers, chicken, and good breakfasts.
Information and Services
Forbanking,there'saBanruralonthesouthsideoftheplazawithaMasterCardATM.The
police station is one block west of the plaza. Telgua, just east of the plaza, has Internet ac-
cess for $1.50 an hour. Lavandería 2000, next door to Hotel San Ignacio, does reasonably
priced laundry.
