Xela, Guatemala 🇬🇹
#790
14.856892, -91.53902
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Xela, officially known as Quetzaltenango, is the second-largest city in Guatemala, known for its rich indigenous culture and beautiful landscapes. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 25 Mbps, with some coworking spaces offering faster connections. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 7.80 GTQ, local currency is Quetzal (GTQ). ATMs are widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended to drink; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Tigo and Claro, offering reasonable prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Credit cards widely accepted; services like Revolut are also usable. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to Airbnb, with prices starting around $10 per night. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Some places accept cards, but cash is preferred in many local establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental sites offer short-term options, starting at $20 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel El Viajero, prices around $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office, located in the city center offers reliable internet and a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café La Luna, known for its cozy atmosphere and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Various Meetups through platforms like Facebook for digital nomads and expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Xela Facebook group hosts regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber available in nearby areas; local taxis are also widely used. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes available for rent at local shops for around $5 a day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Close to Lake Atitlán, approximately 2 hours away by car. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | TAG Airlines provides regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and United fly into Guatemala City, the nearest international airport. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the CA-1 highway connecting to the rest of the country. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Xela doesn’t have a train service, but frequent buses connect to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses and shuttles are cheap and widely used; no specific public transport passes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shuttle services available to Antigua, Guatemala City, and Lake Atitlán. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Regional de Occidente, offers emergency and general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Kula Yoga offers classes in a tranquil setting. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | GymX offers good facilities; memberships around $30/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia Xela, self-service and drop-off options available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | UberEats and local provider Domicilios. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pepian, a traditional meat stew, widely available at local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Fogón, offering a range of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Mundo Café, known for delicious pastries and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Mercado de la Democracia sell fresh produce and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Popular local marketplace Tejido, offering artisan products. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Walmart and local shops offer delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zone 1, especially near Parque Central, has several bars and cafes. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería 14, known for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Fonda de los Abuelos, renowned for local street food delicacies. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Café Kreyòl serves excellent French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Parque Central and the historic Cathedral of Quetzaltenango. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo Ixkik, showcasing Guatemalan textile art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Casa de la Cultura, featuring local history exhibits. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | La Nueva Catedral, known for its unique architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Fiestas de la Candelaria is celebrated every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Zona 1 hosts various cultural clubs and artistic venues. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Municipal offers cultural performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado La Democracia is vibrant and offers artisan products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars feature live music, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Numerous murals around the city reflect its cultural heritage. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Casa Xelaju offers cooking classes focused on Guatemalan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Casa de la Cultura, showcasing local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Edificio de la Reforma, an architectural gem in the city center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Known for its strong indigenous heritage, particularly K'iche' culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cerro El Baúl offers hiking trails with panoramic views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Los Altos de Chiantla is accessible by car. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Trails around Lake Atitlán are perfect for walking and biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Xela provides stunning vistas over the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cerro Verde National Park is known for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Camping allowed in designated areas around Lake Atitlán. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile and computer repairs; price varies by service. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers have facilities for ping pong. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Centro Linguistico offers Spanish language courses for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal, offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural de Quetzaltenango hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local cafes sometimes host gaming nights. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Local casinos available in nearby larger cities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $104,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on territorial income for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 31% |
| 🧾 VAT | 12% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Standard property tax based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Estimated at 3% on property transactions. |