San Francisco El Alto

Tikal

Payaca

Todos Santos Cuchumatán

It's one of the most beautiful parts of Guatemala.

Central America

Guatemala

Volcán Santa María

Europe

Iceland

Spain

Africa

North America

South America

Asia

Middle East

Oceania

profile

Guatemala family vacations

When I lived in Xela (or Quetzaltenango), several of my French friends invited me to climb Santa Maria. It's not hard or long and the view from the top is stunning; you can also see the Santiaguito lava dome. The climb starts in a little town called Llano de Pinal, a 30-minute bus ride from Xela. If you want to hire a guide, I can recommend Alliance Française (they speak English!). They may well recommend Edgard and Pablo, 2 official Guatemalan guides who are both really friendly and know their stuff! They can also lend you equipment - tents, warm clothes... Don't forget your headlamp! Night falls during the climb, so it's an essential piece of kit. Once at the top, after a good night's sleep, you'll wake up to a mind-blowing view!!! If you come to Guatemala to go trekking, then Santa Maria, with its Santiaguito lava mound, is a great place to stop whilst you're visiting Quetzaltenango.

Volcán Santa María Vacations

Visit Volcán Santa María

Volcán Santa María: How to get there?

Volcán Santa María: When to go?

Volcán Santa María: For how long?

Volcán Santa María: What to see in the surroundings?