Huehuetenango (often shortened to Huehue)is a city in the Western Highlands of Guatemala. The last big city in Guatemala before you reach the Mexican border, or the first major settlement when arriving from. Not many tourists stay over, but it is a great city to stock up on supplies, Quetzales and other city needs.
Huehuetenango has a predominantly Ladino population, with many colourful Maya villages around it.
- Zaculeu. Maya ruins restored by the United Fruit Company in the 1940s. This was the fortress-capital of the Mam Maya, besieged by the Spanish for months in 1525. There are food stalls outside selling chorizos, tortillas, and beef etc.
- Chiantla. This little town on the northern outskirts of the city was the base for Spanish silver mining in the region. The church is a famous pilgrimage destination, due to its image of the Virgin Mary, known locally as the Virgen de Plata (Silver Virgin).
Zaculeu. Maya ruins restored by the United Fruit Company in the 1940s. This was the fortress-capital of the Mam Maya, besieged by the Spanish for months in 1525. There are food stalls outside selling chorizos, tortillas, and beef etc.
Chiantla. This little town on the northern outskirts of the city was the base for Spanish silver mining in the region. The church is a famous pilgrimage destination, due to its image of the Virgin Mary, known locally as the Virgen de Plata (Silver Virgin).
The city is a great place to stock up on supplies in the pharmacies, and there are lots of banks. Banco International, next to Hotel Mary (doesn't have an ATM, but does change dollars). It has more offices over town, some of which have an ATM. Furthermore there are lots of 5B ATMs.
There are lots of local eateries with deep fried food or tacos (3 for Q10) which won't hurt your wallet too much around the park.
Restaurante Las Palmeras, local and comfort food (hamburgers), good prices and a great view over the main square at sunset. Cafe Museo (mon-sat 7am-10pm, sun 2-9pm), great hangout spot with great coffees, chocolate and a wide menu on food. They offer WiFi too, which in this town is a big plus.
Near the bus terminal is a market with food and a supermarket (Despensa Familiar), further up towards the Interamericana you can find a big shopping centre named Pradera Huehuetenango, with a McDonalds, Pollo Campero and a Maxi Bodega supermarket.
There are some internet cafes around town.
Next attractions could be hiking around Quetzaltenango (Xela) or travelling towards Mexico though La Mesilla.
- Todos Santos Cuchumatán is a possible day trip, but better to stay overnight.
- There are unrestored Maya ruins at San Mateo Ixtatán, direct buses from Huehuetenango but best to break the journey and spend the night in San Pedro Soloma.
- Aguacatán and onwards to Sacapulas