Volcano Climbs

Accessible from Xela are a variety of volcano hikes, including Tajumulco Volcano, which is Central America’s highest and is in the neighboring department of San Marcos. Climbing Santa María Volcano is one of the most popular trips from Xela, affording excellent views all the way to Lake Atitlán as well as over its active, much smaller neighbor Santiaguito Volcano. Several local companies offer trips to all of these. It is very easy to get lost on these peaks so a guide is strongly recommended. Hikers have gotten lost on the slopes of Volcán Santa María.

Rock Climbing

The Cerro Quemado, near Xela, offers good rock climbing on its 45-meter (150-foot) rock faces known locally as “La Muela.” Routes include traditional climbs as well as sport climbing and are rated 5.07 to 5.13.

Vertical Expeditions (tel. 5801-6871 or 5412-6717) offers one and two days of climbing with a minimum of four people for $75 and $80, including transport from Guatemala City or Antigua, guide, gear, meals, and overnight camping on the latter option.

Antigua-based Old Town Outfitters (5a Avenida Sur #12C, Antigua, tel. 5339-0440, www.bikeguatemala.com) does a two-day trip for $150, leaving from Antigua and staying overnight in a Xela hotel.

Locally based Quetzaltrekkers (Diagonal 12 8-37 Zona 1, inside Casa Argentinas, tel. 7765-5895, www.quetzaltrekkers.com) does a day trip for $20 p/p (minimum of four) including gear, transport, food, water, and guides.

Guide Companies

Highly recommended for volcano climbs as well as excellent tours to area attractions is Adrenalina Tours (13 Avenida and 4a Calle Zona 1, Pasaje Enríquez, tel. 7761-4509 or 7767-2474, www.adrenalinatours.com). Trips leave with a minimum of four people and include Santa María Volcano ($20 p/p), Chicabal Lagoon ($20), the Santiaguito Volcano lookout ($20), Tajumulco Volcano ($43), and a fantastic three-day hike to Lake Atitlán ($67). Adrenalina Tours can also book plane tickets and Tikal tours. The company operates shuttle bus service to Antigua, Guatemala City, Panajachel, the Mexican border, and Chichicastenango.

On the first floor as you go up to El Balcón del Enríquez restaurant, Tours del Enríquez (Pasaje Enríquez, tel. 7765-2296) does trips to Santa María Volcano with a minimum of two people for $25 p/p in addition to half-day visits to area hot springs and Mayan villages. It also offers transfer services in private vehicles.

With excellent guides and proceeds that go directly to fund projects that benefit Xela’s street children, Quetzaltrekkers (Diagonal 12 8-37 Zona 1, inside Casa Argentinas, tel. 7765-5895, www.quetzaltrekkers.com) is highly recommended for its two-day volcano trips to Santiaguito and Tajumulco ($50), three-day treks to Lake Atitlán ($79), and a wonderful six-day highland trek between the villages of Nebaj and Todos Santos ($150). It also does a unique full-moon climb to Santa María Volcano to watch the sunrise ($17). Most trips leave on Saturdays and every other Wednesday depending on demand, but you can always get your own group together.

Chilli Tours (14 Avenida “A” 4-85 Zona 1, tel. 7761-2800) runs one- and two-day trips to the volcanoes as well as trips to off-the-beaten-path areas in neighboring Huehuetenango department and coastal Retalhuleu’s coffee farms and beaches.

© Al Argueta from Moon Guatemala, 2nd Edition. Photos © Al Argueta www.alargueta.com