The Best of Xela Through Its Traditional Food - Mayan Dish Included
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6h - 7h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Come on a Foodie Tour with us, where you will learn how to prepare a traditional Xela dish called Quichon, a Mayan broth full of flavor. As well as some first-quality artisan chocolate. All these from the hand of a Mayan woman who along with an association, seeks to share their ancestral knowledge with us.
You will also get to know and enjoy Shecas, a traditional Mayan bread from Xela that has become very popular among national and international tourists since many years ago and that is very emblematic of this region.
At the end of the day, we will enjoy a delicious cup of Quetzaltecan coffee, which due to its altitude and soil conditions, is one of the best, being exported to other countries and having a distinguished profile in Guatemala.
We hope you enjoy this authentic experience with us and discover the Mayan gastronomic legacy.
Available options
The Best of Xela Through Its Traditional Food - Mayan Dish Included
What's included
A cup of hot chocolate
Bottled water
Certified bilingual tour guide
Tour at pasaje Enriquez + a cup of coffee
Plate of Quichon, a traditional Mayan dish
Gastronomic tour at a Mayan Association
Detailed itinerary
1
We will start this foodie tour by meeting you up at the Central Park of Xela. Our tour guide will be waiting for you right in front of the cathedral and will take you to the Mayan association where part of the tour will take place.
Thank you for choosing us to show you this gastronomic and cultural side of Xela. We love sharing this special area of our cultural identity. Welcome to Xela, enjoy!
2
Once we get to the Mayan Association, one of its members will welcome us. This is a women-driven association focused on sharing their culture, traditions, history, heritage and ancestral gastronomy with us.
They will be glad to share the entire process of cooking Quichon. This is a traditional dish from Xela. It is a thick broth with chicken and vegetables made with tomatoes, onion, garlic, and two varieties of chilies.
This delicious plate is served with rice. You will enjoy every spoonful.
Then, learn about the process of how cacao beans are transformed into chocolate. The process is fascinating and the history of the importance of chocolate even more so.
At the end of the Mayan gastronomy experience, enjoy a plateful of Quichon and a cup of hot chocolate, and even some shecas, a traditional Mayan bread made in Xela.
Discover the legacy of Mayan gastronomy by the hand of Mayan women who do this work as a way to preserve their culture and history. Bon Appetit and enjoy!
3
Our last stop will be at Pasaje Enriquez, it is an alley that connects one street to another going through the middle of a building. In Guatemala, there are only 3 passages like this one.
This passage is over 100 years old since the building was built in the 1900s. To close the afternoon with a flourish, we invite you to a delicious cup of Quetzaltecan coffee in Pasaje Enriquez.
This will be the end of our tour and then we will take you to the Central Park, where it started so you can enjoy the rest of the day in the city or return to your hotel to rest. Thank you for traveling with us!
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
We will meet all travelers at the Central Park of Xela. That is the most popular location in Xela, so getting there will be very easy. The address is 11th avenue of zone 1, Quetzaltenango. If you use Waze or google maps, enter the name of the park and it will display the directions.
About Quetzaltenango
Quetzaltenango, known locally as Xela, is the second-largest city in Guatemala and a cultural hub of the Western Highlands. Nestled in a valley surrounded by volcanic peaks, it offers a rich blend of indigenous Mayan and Spanish colonial heritage, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking cultural immersion and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Parque Centroamericano
A central park in the heart of Quetzaltenango, featuring lush greenery, walking paths, and a small lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Park
1 to 2 hours
Free
Cerro El Baúl
An archaeological site featuring the remains of a pre-Columbian Mayan city. The site offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding volcanoes.
Historical
2 to 3 hours
Free
Museo de los Altos
A museum showcasing the history and culture of the Western Highlands, including Mayan artifacts and colonial-era exhibits.
Museum
1 to 2 hours
Moderate (50 GTQ / 6.50 USD)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Kak'ik
A traditional Mayan turkey soup with a rich, spicy broth.
Soup
Contains meat
Pepián
A hearty stew made with meat, vegetables, and a blend of spices.
Stew
Contains meat, can be vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking
Mountain biking
Coffee tasting
Spa visits
Museum visits
Traditional dance performances
Boat tours on Lake Atitlán
Mayan weaving workshops
Best Time to Visit
December to April (Dry season)
The dry season offers the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is lively with local festivals and cultural events.
15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: K'iche', Mam, Q'anjob'al
- English: Limited
Currency
Guatemalan Quetzal (GTQ)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
Quetzaltenango is generally safe, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur. Be vigilant, especially in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid displaying valuables
- • Use reputable taxi services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help
Getting there
By air
- La Aurora International Airport • 200 km (124 miles) from Quetzaltenango
By bus
Terminal Quetzaltenango
Getting around
Public transport
Local buses, known as 'camionetas,' are the most common and affordable way to get around the city. They are often crowded and can be challenging for tourists.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber is available in Quetzaltenango
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Zona 1
Zona 3
Day trips
Lake Atitlán
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
A stunning volcanic lake surrounded by villages, each with its own unique culture and traditions.
Santa María Volcano
20 km (12 miles) • Full day
An active volcano offering challenging hikes and breathtaking views.
Festivals
Fiesta Minerva • September
Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario • October
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
- Visit local markets for authentic souvenirs and to experience the vibrant culture.
- Try local coffee, which is renowned for its high quality and rich flavor.
- Be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night, due to the city's high altitude.
- Respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing modestly when visiting religious sites.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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