Quetzaltenango, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#1627
14.846461, -91.51942
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Quetzaltenango, often referred to as Xela, is a vibrant city in western Guatemala known for its rich culture, beautiful architecture, and proximity to volcanic mountains. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 250,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average upload 10 Mbps, download 25 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.84 GTQ (Quetzal). Major banks include Banco Industrial, Banco G&T Continental, and Banrural. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Claro, Tigo, and Movistar offering prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks are common, but international services like Revolut work for easy transactions. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options available via Airbnb, local hostels, and guesthouses. Average monthly rent for a 1-bedroom is around 2,500 GTQ. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Partially cashless; while cards are accepted, cash is more commonly used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local websites like Encuentra24 for short rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Casa Mima and Hotel Casa de Pension Francesa offer budget-friendly stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | La Casa del Desarrollo provides a welcoming environment for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café de la Nueva can be a quiet spot with good Wi-Fi and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for local meetups via Facebook or expat forums. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Xela and Xela Language School host various social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are abundant; Cabify is the best app for ride-hailing. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some locals offer rentals near Parque Central. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is Puerto San José, approximately 2.5 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAG Airlines is important for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and United Airlines offer international flights from La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via CA-9 highway connecting to Guatemala City and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Transit is mostly bus-based; main station is in the city center. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses (chicken buses) can be used; no specific passes available, pay per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby towns and cities like Lake Atitlán or Aguacate are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional de Occidente is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Check out Yoga Xela for yoga classes and wellness programs. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Titan Gym offers various fitness options for locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería Express near Parque Central provides washing services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi is a popular option for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pupusas are a must-try dish in the local cuisine. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan Xela offers delicious plant-based meals and smoothies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Helados Xelaju for local ice cream and treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado Central is great for budget shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Shop via local Facebook groups or international platforms like Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart Guatemala offers online shopping services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Visit Avenida de las Américas for nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Centro Americana brews popular local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine House offers a selection of wines from various regions. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Parque Central offer various local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Pizza Xela and Indian restaurant Aroma serve diverse dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit Parque Central and the Cathedral of Quetzaltenango. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museo Ixkik provides insights into local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Municipal Palace is a key historic site. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia El Calvario offers beautiful architecture and history. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Feria de Xela, held each September, showcases local culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the zona 1 for art and mixed cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal offers various local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de la Democracia is a bustling student market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Visit local bars which often have live performances. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found around the city, particularly around the central square. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Learn Guatemalan cuisine with Casa Xelajú cooking classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out Casa de la Cultura for local art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Iglesia de San Andrés Xecul, known for its colorful facade. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Quetzal bird is a symbol of Guatemala and can be seen in local art. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hiking in the Santa Maria Volcano provides breathtaking views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Los Volcanes is famous for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around Lago de Atitlán are suitable for biking and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit viewpoints around the city for stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Explore the forests near La Laguna de Chicabal for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check with local parks regarding campfire regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | FedEx and DHL offer reliable delivery services in the area. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may offer table tennis tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | PLQE offers language courses for various levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal provides a quiet reading environment. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural La Misión hosts various events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Browse local gaming shops for consoles and PCs. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Limited options; check local gaming halls for availability. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 12,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 480,000 GTQ) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 8,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 320,000 GTQ) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 11,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 660,000 GTQ) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 7,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 420,000 GTQ) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 10,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 800,000 GTQ) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 6,000 GTQ per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 480,000 GTQ) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% for corporate entities. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends distributed. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive income tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% for high-income earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% standard Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, regulations apply for foreign ownership. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 2% tax applied during property purchases. |