Huehuetenango (Guatemala)

Town itself isn't particularly nice and I only went there to visit my in-laws. As with most other Guatemalan towns, you can sum up Huehuetenangowith the words 'urban chaos' - a depressing, ugly, concrete jungle. It's only use is as a base from which you can explore the region's incredible sights and sounds: cenotes, rivers, the archaeological site at Zaculeu (6km away), mountains and gorgeous scenery.

Apart from these attractions, the region also has excellent local cuisine, including tamales and paches, served in huge portions and made from a mixture of bone-less meats. Other dishes are less inviting - revolcado, for example, which is a kind of tripe.

Don't bother exploring the town. Use it as your departure point for going on hikes and exploring the landscape. The local villages are worth the detour: Chiantla and its wonderful church, Todos Santos for its annual All Saints Day festival on 1st November ...