Todos Santos Cuchumatán

Todos Santos Cuchumatán is located high in the mountains and is one of the few places in Guatemala where men still proudly wear their traditional red-striped trousers. Its isolated location has helped preserve the Mam Mayan culture almost untouched. Visitors come here to experience deep spirituality and wide-open mountain landscapes. The village is world-famous for its annual horse race on November 1st, a wild and colorful celebration for All Saints' Day. In the surroundings, numerous hiking trails invite visitors to explore the highest mountain range in Central America. Local craftsmanship, especially weaving, has unique insights into indigenous artistry. Culinary-wise, maize, beans, and local highland coffee dominate the menu. Access is usually through Huehuetenango on winding mountain roads that offer spectacular views. The best time to visit is from November to April, though nights at this altitude can become very cold.

Nearby cities

Huehuetenango

Capital of the department of the same name in the western highlands.

Jacaltenango

Town in the Huehuetenango highlands, home to the Jakaltek Maya people.

San Mateo Ixtatán

A high-altitude town in the Cuchumatanes mountains, home of the Chuj Maya people.

La Libertad (Huehuetenango)

A municipality in the Huehuetenango department.

Ostuncalco

A town in the Quetzaltenango department with a well-known market.

El Palmar

An agricultural municipality in the Quetzaltenango department.

Concepción Chiquirichapa

A municipality in the Quetzaltenango department.

La Esperanza

A city that has practically merged with Quetzaltenango.

Retalhuleu

Capital of Retalhuleu department, a gateway to the Pacific beaches.

Cantel

Known for its large textile factory, the oldest in Guatemala.

San Cristóbal Totonicapán

A highland town known for its traditional handicrafts.

San Antonio Suchitepéquez

A city in the Suchitepéquez department.

San Marcos

Capital of the San Marcos department, near the Tajumulco volcano.

Momostenango

Known for its woolen textiles (ponchos) and the Maya ceremony 'Wajxaqib' B'atz'.

Tiquisate

A large agricultural municipality in Escuintla, formerly a center for the United Fruit Company.

History & landmarks

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El Baúl Hill

A volcanic dome offering a panoramic viewpoint over Quetzaltenango.

Church of San Andrés Xecul

A church with an incredibly colorful and detailed facade, blending Maya and Christian symbols.

Nature

Laguna Brava (Yolnabaj)

A remote, picturesque lake near the Mexican border, known for its turquoise waters.

More places

Sierra de los Cuchumatanes

The highest and most massive mountain range in Central America outside of the volcanic chain.

Western Highlands

The heartland of Maya culture in western Guatemala, characterized by rugged peaks.

Santa María Volcano

A large active volcano near Quetzaltenango whose 1902 eruption was one of the largest of the 20th century.

Quetzaltenango Apple Orchards

High-elevation land around Xela with orchards and cool mountain air.

Pacific Coast

The long Pacific coast of Guatemala, with black sand beaches and strong waves.

Xocomil Water Park

A popular water park in Retalhuleu with pools, slides, and family zones.

Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs

Natural hot springs on the slopes of the Zunil volcano, surrounded by cloud forest.

Xetulul Theme Park

A large theme park in Retalhuleu with attractions, shows, and family areas.