5 / 5 - One review
How to get there
30mins by bus from Quetzaltenango
When to go
All year round
Minimum stay
1 to 2 days
Volcán Santa María (Guatemala)
©
Kalagan
Practical information about Volcán Santa María
Reviews of Volcán Santa María
It's one of the most beautiful parts of Guatemala.
My suggestion:
Climb the volcano during the day and spend the night on its summit. The views that will greet you the following morning are magnificent. They'll stay implanted in your memory.
Summary:
When I lived in Xela (or Quetzaltenango), several of my French friends invited me to climb Santa Maria. It's not hard or long and the view from the top is stunning; you can also see the Santiaguito lava dome.
The climb starts in a little town called Llano de Pinal, a 30-minute bus ride from Xela. If you want to hire a guide, I can recommend Alliance Française (they speak English!). They may well recommend Edgard and Pablo, 2 official Guatemalan guides who are both really friendly and know their stuff! They can also lend you equipment - tents, warm clothes... Don't forget your headlamp! Night falls during the climb, so it's an essential piece of kit. Once at the top, after a good night's sleep, you'll wake up to a mind-blowing view!!!
If you come to Guatemala to go trekking, then Santa Maria, with its Santiaguito lava mound, is a great place to stop whilst you're visiting Quetzaltenango.
©
Kalagan
115 travellers' photos
