Shopping

Compared to Panajachel and Antigua [1], Xela is not a big shopping destination. A standout in this regard is Asotrama (12 Avenida 3-39 Zona 1, tel. 7765-8564), a women’s cooperative of Mam, Cakchiquel, Ixil, Tzutuhil, and Quiché weavers that produces and sells high-quality products that are prewashed, preshrunk, and completely colorfast. There are scarves, purses, table runners, and some truly exquisite pillowcases for sale.

For all your First World shopping needs, Pradera Xela Shopping Mall (10 a.m.–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Sun.) is on Avenida Las Américas between 7a and 8a Calles Zona 3, outside the city center.

Books

North and South Bookstore (8a Calle and 15 Avenida 13-77 Zona 1, tel. 7761-0589, 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.) sells a good selection of books in English with subjects including Guatemalan politics and history, travel guides, birding manuals, maps, Spanish textbooks, and dictionaries.

Vrisa Bookshop (15 Avenida 3-64 Zona 1, tel. 7761-3237, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Sat.) sells mostly used books with some new titles, mostly in English.

El Libro Abierto (15 Avenida “A” 1-56 Zona 1, tel. 7761-5195, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sat.) has a wide selection of books in English and Spanish.