As always, the town is centered on the parque central, which is actually one of Guatemala’s prettiest. At its center is a colonial fountain along with well-tended gardens and even a relief map of the department of Huehuetenango. On the plaza’s southern end, facing 5a Avenida, is its neoclassical church, the Catedral Templo de la Inmaculada Concepción. It dates to 1874.

The town’s Municipalidad (City Hall) is on the west side of the plaza and is curiously topped with an oyster-shaped band shell. On the park’s eastern side, in early 20th-century architecture and notable for its clock tower, is the building housing Gobernación Departamental, the regional seat of government.

Guide Companies

Quetzaltenango-based Adrenalina Tours has closed the office it once had in Huehuetenango, though you can still hire the services of its knowledgeable local driver.

Mario Martínez (tel. 5762-1903 or 7764-6897, mario_huehuetenango [at] yahoo [dot] com), and his 4WD vehicle can take you to any of Huehuetenango’s frontier attractions, such as the Paquix plateau and nearby villages.