Quetzaltenango, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#1627
,
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Quetzaltenango, often referred to as Xela, is a vibrant city in the highlands of Guatemala, known for its rich culture and stunning natural beauty. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed around 25 Mbps, with reliable access in cafes and coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.80 GTQ. ATMs widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It’s advised to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers like Tigo and Claro offer good coverage with prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Banco Industrial and G&T Continental accept various payment methods, including Visa and MasterCard. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hostels to long-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Mostly cash-friendly with limited acceptance for cards in smaller businesses. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has numerous options in urban neighborhoods like Centro Histórico. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa Seibel and Casa Familiar offer affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Centro Histórico is recommended for its accessibility to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Cuarto Pueblo and el Centro for proximity to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café Moka offers a great environment for work with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Espresso Royale, known for its coffee and work-friendly atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various cultural and language exchange events occur at different local cafés. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Xela' facilitate community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber operates in the area, plus local taxis are widely available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options available through local businesses, particularly near Centro. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach, Puerto San José, is about 3.5 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | La Aurora International Airport is the main regional airport in Guatemala City. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines serve Guatemala. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main highways include CA-1 and CA-9 connecting to major cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Xela does not have rail service, but bus terminals connect to other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fare is affordable, usually between GTQ 1 and 7 depending on the distance. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses (such as transportation from Estación de Autobuses) connect to regions like Antigua and Guatemala City. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional De Occidente is the main healthcare facility in Quetzaltenango. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Namaste Xela offers yoga classes and wellness events. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness gym facilities like EverFit are available throughout the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Xela offers competitive rates and convenient pickup. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Uber Eats serve the area for convenient delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Pepián', a traditional Guatemalan stew, available at various local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante El Jardín offers an extensive vegan menu. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Repostera is known for its cakes and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Centro Mercado offers fresh produce and local snacks at budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop online via local websites such as La Curacao for various goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local markets offer delivery services; check with Almacen El Jardín. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Calle 10 and surrounding area hosts various bars popular among locals and expats. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Cabro is a popular local beer with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino offers tastings in a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors in Centro sell local snacks like 'Tacos de Pescado'. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | La Cueva offers a mix of international and local fusion dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Central Plaza and the iconic cathedral. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Ixkik provides insights into local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old train station and Teatro Principal are must-visit sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of San Francisco is a significant spiritual landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Feria de la Cruz in May highlights local culture and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant murals in the neighborhoods around the city. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal offers theatrical performances and cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado La Terminal provides a lively shopping experience. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local venues often host traditional music nights and open mics. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore various neighborhoods for stunning murals and graffiti. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at La cocina de Xela offer immersive culinary experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería Casa de la Cultura showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palacio de los Mendez features colonial architecture and rich history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Indigenous culture is a crucial part of Xela’s identity, reflected in local traditions and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hiking in the surrounding mountains like Santa Maria offers stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | National Park Los Altos offers various trails and natural beauty. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around Laguna Chicobal provide beautiful walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador La Cruz offers breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lago de Atitlán is nearby and known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas around local parks allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate within the city. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Repair Xela offers affordable solutions for devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers provide various recreational options, including table tennis. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Lenguas offers Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal is a quiet place for study and reading. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural La Isla hosts various communal events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers can visit local internet cafes like XelaNet. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While limited, the local entertainment offerings include small game venues. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% standard corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 5% withholding tax applies to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Guatemala has a territorial tax system focusing on Guatemalan-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% maximum personal income tax rate. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% Value Added Tax rate. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC rules applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes typically range from 0.1% to 1%. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard rate of 3% for property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax for foreign earned income, making it attractive for nomads. |