Quetzaltenango: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Quetzaltenango (Spanish pronunciation: [keˌtsal.teˈnaŋ.ɡo], also known by its Kʼicheʼ Maya name Xelajú or Xela, is a municipality and the capital of the namesake department in western Guatemala.

Quetzaltenango · CC BY-SA 4.0

Now in the cityQuetzaltenango+15°CClear · sunset 05:36 PMupdated 08:23 AM

EntryPick a passportThe answer depends on the passport.

Exchange rateQ 7.65per 1 $GTQ — the local currencyas of Nov 2, 2026

Safety and health

Safety · official adviceour data as of Nov 3, 2026

UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Essential travel only to partsEssential travel only, and only to part of the country.

Full text

Removal of information about Fuego volcanic activity ('Warnings and insurance' page).

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice

US State DepartmentLevel 3Think twice before you travel; weigh the reasons below.

crime
terrorism

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Reconsider travel to Guatemala due to crime and terrorism . Some areas have higher risks. Please read the full Travel Advisory. Some areas of Guatemala have higher levels of gang-related violence. Crimes include robbery, carjacking, drug trafficking, assaults, and murders. Local law enforcement often struggles to address serious crimes. This leads to low arrest and conviction rates.

Source: US Department of State Travel Advisory

Source: UK FCDO Foreign Travel Advice · US Department of State Travel Advisory

Quetzaltenango: Travel guide, prices and free housing · 2026

Getting there and staying

Visa and practicalities

Safety and health

Getting here