Santa Apolonia

Santa Apolonia is an important center of craftsmanship in Guatemala, especially known for its unique yellow and black pottery. The art of pottery has been practiced here for generations by the Kaqchikel Maya, using techniques dating back to pre-Columbian times. Visitors can observe the artisans at work directly in their workshops. The village is set in a photogenic hilly landscape and provides a peaceful atmosphere away from the major tourist crowds. Besides pottery, Santa Apolonia is known for its agriculture, supplying regional markets with fresh produce. A walk through the town reveals the simple beauty of the colonial church and the daily life of the indigenous population. Local cuisine features specialties like pepián and handmade tortillas. Santa Apolonia is easily accessible via the Pan-American Highway from Guatemala City or Antigua. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to May, when the sun bathes the landscape in golden light.

Nearby cities

Chimaltenango

Capital of the Chimaltenango department, located on the Pan-American Highway.

Patzún

A town in the Chimaltenango highlands with a strong Kaqchikel identity.

Siquinalá

A city in Escuintla, surrounded by sugarcane plantations.

San Juan Cotzal

The third town of the Ixil Triangle, known for its coffee.

La Democracia

Known for the pre-Columbian stone head sculptures in its main square.

Santa Lucía Cotzumalguapa

Important city in the Pacific region with pre-Columbian sites.

Chajul

Another of the principal towns in the Ixil Triangle.

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El Paredón

Guatemala's premier surfing hotspot with a laid-back vibe and untouched black sand beaches.

Uspantán

A municipality in eastern El Quiché.

Puerto San José

Major Pacific port and a popular seaside resort.

Nebaj

One of the three main towns in the Ixil Triangle in the Quiché highlands.

Santa Cruz del Quiché

Capital of the El Quiché department and a center of the K'iche' Maya people.

Patulul

A municipality in the Suchitepéquez department.

Sololá

Capital of the Sololá department, overlooking Lake Atitlán.

Sabancuy

A charming fishing village in Campeche with calm turquoise waters and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for nature lovers.

History & landmarks

Chichicastenango

The town is famous for its traditional and colorful Maya market.

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La Azotea Cultural Center

A cultural center near Antigua with museums on coffee, music, and Maya traditions.

Convent of the Capuchins

A well-preserved convent in Antigua, known for its unique circular tower.

Nature

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Usumacinta River

A major river forming the border between Guatemala and Mexico, known for Maya sites along its banks.

Chixoy or Negro River

A large river flowing through the highlands, known for the Chixoy hydroelectric dam.

Lake Atitlán

A breathtaking crater lake surrounded by three volcanoes and Maya villages.

More places

Chimaltenango Vegetable Valleys

Fertile valleys with vegetable farming for the capital and surrounding markets.

Old Church of Chimaltenango

The ruins of a colonial church destroyed by earthquakes.

Iximche

Maya archaeological site and former capital of the Kaqchikel.

Yaxchilán

A powerful Maya city on the banks of the Usumacinta River, known for its impressive stone lintels.

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El Baúl Stelae

An archaeological site known for its stelae, which contain some of the earliest Maya writing.

Volcan de Fuego

One of the most active volcanoes in Central America.

Bonampak

An ancient Maya site renowned for its remarkably well-preserved murals.

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Sipacate-Naranjo Mangroves

A coastal reserve with mangroves and rich birdlife on the Pacific coast.