Guatemala · Culture

Iconic Yellow Church + Mayan Market + Small Town: Cultural Tour

6 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Quetzaltenango. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit three culturally distinct towns near Quetzaltenango
  • 02 Explore the largest market in Guatemala at San Francisco El Alto
  • 03 See the iconic yellow church of San Andrés Xecul
  • 04 Learn about Mayan culture and religious syncretism
  • 05 Stroll the colourful streets of Salcajá
  • 06 Discover the tradition of locally produced Caldo de Frutas
  • 07 Travel with a certified guide and private transportation
  • 08 Hotel pickup and drop-off in Quetzaltenango included

Discover the culture, colour, and traditions of Guatemala on this private half-day journey from Quetzaltenango. Visit three distinctive towns in the Xela region, from the bustling market of San Francisco El Alto to the striking yellow church of San Andrés Xecul and the charming streets of Salcajá.

Along the way, learn about Mayan culture, religious syncretism, and local traditions with a certified guide. Browse one of the country’s largest markets, admire the symbolic details of one of Guatemala’s most iconic churches, and finish in a small historic town known for its atmosphere, heritage, and traditional fruit-based liquor.

This is the biggest market in Guatemala, and it takes around 6 hours to go to all of it.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 6 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Quetzaltenango
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

This is a cultural tour where you will learn everything about the Mayan culture by visiting 3 different towns, each of them with something that makes them particular and lovely. We will start by picking you up at the lobby of your hotel in the central area of Xela, and we will head to San Francisco El Alto. The ride to get there will only take us 40 minutes. This is the perfect chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery all the way and relax.Once we get to San Francisco El Alto you will be amazed by the variety of products sold at the central market. This is the biggest market in Guatemala, and it takes around 6 hours to go to all of it. Here you can find all types of fruits, vegetables, and even live animals such as sheep, chickens, calves, and more. Don´t miss the chance to try some traditional street food or buy any souvenirs that you might like.This is our second stop and in some way, the star of the show. San Andrés Xecul has one of the most beautiful churches in Guatemala. The intensity of its colors and the story behind each figure is amazing.

This iconic yellow church has a mix of two religions, Christianity and the Mayan. Each color represents something for the indigenous people, for example, yellow represents corn, the sacred food for the Mayans. Red represents the sun and the sacrifice of Mayan ancestors back in the Spanish conquer. All the figures tell a different story and have something to tell.

Something that is very curious for most travelers is that on the inside, you will see Christian figures dressed in traditional Mayan clothing made by women of the town.

Needless to say that this is a great spot for mind-blowing photos.Salcajá is the closest town to Xela. It has a lot of color and life in it. Small and colorful streets are everywhere you put your eyes. This place also holds one of the oldest hermitages in the area. It is small and beautiful.

This is the perfect place to learn about a traditional locally produced liquor called Caldo de Frutas or Fruit Broth which ferments in 2 years and is fruit-based.The tour will start just 15 minutes after we leave Salcajá as that town is very close to Xela. Here we say goodbye for now, but we hope you return soon. We hope that you enjoy every step of the tour as much as we do and that you can take great pictures back with you.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Quetzaltenango. 1 city · 6 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Private transportation
  • Air conditioning in the vehicle
  • Certified tour guide
  • Guided tour in San Francisco El Alto + The Yellow Church of San Andrés Xecul + Salcajá
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Lunch

Know before you go

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Bring comfortable shoes for long walks, sun protection, and money for personal expenses
  • We offer hotel pick up and drop off. Our staff will meet you at the lobby of your hotel and will ask for you at the front desk.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Quetzaltenango.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Quetzaltenango.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 6 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Quetzaltenango..

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.