Quetzaltenango, more commonly known as Xela (pronounced SHAY-la), is the second largest city in Guatemala, and mostly serves as a hub for Spanish language students and travellers who are looking to for a more authentic experience of Guatemalan culture away from the tourist crowds. But Quetzaltenango has plenty more to offer than just Spanish classes – it has colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and a proximity to volcanoes and hot springs to rival Antigua. Quetzaltenango offers such a perfect blend of city life and access to activities and adventures that I don’t believe it will stay a “hidden gem” for long.
Unlike more touristy Guatemalan destinations like Antigua or Lake Atitlan, Xela has a distinctly local feel (but without being dangerous, which is quite rare in this part of the world!). The city is split into zones and they each have their own character, so choosing where to stay will definitely impact your trip.
Whether you’re here to study Spanish, explore the surrounding highlands, or immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture, this guide to where to stay in Xela will help you find the perfect place to stay.
🇬🇹 Read more: A Travel Guide to Quetzaltenango

Contents
- Where to Stay in the Central Park Area
- Where to Stay in Zona 1
- Where to Stay in Zona 3
- Types of Accommodation in Quetzaltenango
- Where to Stay in Quetzaltenango FAQs
- Conclusion
Where to Stay in the Central Park Area of Quetzaltenango
Best for: First-time visitors & Short-term stays
The historic centre of Xela is centred around Parque Centro América (Central Park), alongside plenty of, cafes, restaurants and beautiful colonial architecture. This area is characterised by stunning neoclassical buildings, local, down to earth restaurants, and an authentic Guatemalan atmosphere.
The park itself serves as a meeting point for both locals and visitors, surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings including the Municipal Theatre and the Cathedral.
Staying here puts you within walking distance of most language schools, cafes, and restaurants. The early morning buzz of locals heading to work, mixed with the aroma of fresh Guatemalan coffee from nearby cafes, really gives you that authentic city experience. The only downside is that it can get noisy at nighttime.
Pros of Central Park Area:
- Easy access to restaurants, cafes, and shopping
- Walking distance to most attractions
- Lively atmosphere during the day
- Best connected for public transport
Cons of Central Park Area:
- Can be noisy, especially during festivals
- More expensive than other areas
- Tourist prices in restaurants and shops
Best Hotels close to Central Park, Quetzaltenango
Hotel Casolia – in the north of Zona 1
Casa Morasan Hotel – breakfast included, and a restaurant on-site
Casa Elizabeth – literally seconds away from central park!
Best Hostels close to Central Park, Quetzaltenango
Casa Seibel – just 2 blocks away from central park
Kasa Kiwi Hostel – also attached to a travel agency, great for booking trips!
Rio Rooms – just north of the central park
Where to Stay in Zona 1 in Quetzaltenango
Best for: Language students & Long-term stays
Zona 1 is ideal if you’re studying Spanish, because most language schools are around here, within literally a five minute radius! (but check before you book!). The streets are busy during the day with locals going about their business, and you’ll find a lot of comedores (local Guatemalan restaurants) serving traditional Guatemalan meals at great prices.
The Zona 1 area is just south of Central Park but is still within walking distance, which gives you a nice balance between being central and experiencing life in a true Guatemalan residential area. This part of the city really comes alive on market days, when the streets fill with market stalls selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to traditional textiles and souvenirs.
The streets here are lined with colonial buildings in various states of preservation, so some streets do look pretty dodgy but, as far as I know, it’s a fairly safe part of town.
Pros of Zona 1:
- Good mix of local and tourist amenities
- Generally quieter than the Central Park area
- More affordable accommodation options
- Close to language schools
Cons of Zona 1:
- Some streets can feel deserted at night
- Buildings can be quite old
- Variable internet connectivity
Homestays in Zona 1 in Quetzaltenango
If you’re coming to Quetzaltenango to study, then you will probably be offered the option of homestay accommodation through your school. This is basically where you pay to stay with a local family, and usually includes 2-3 meals per day. It’s a great way to
Best Hotels in Zona 1 in Quetzaltenango
Casa Xelaju – fully serviced hotel apartments
Hotel Vintage “Rialto” – sort of between central park and the streets where all the language schools are
Where to Stay in Zona 3 in Quetzaltenango
Best for: Budget travellers & Local experiences
Zona 3 is right next to the historic centre and is home to the city’s main market, La Democracia, which gives you a wildly different view of Guatemala compared to the more touristy shops and markets in the centre. Zona 3 offers a more local experience and slightly more affordable accommodation options (although nothing is especially expensive in Xela). It’s a bit grittier than the centre and Zona 1, but it’s perfectly safe during daylight hours.
Zona 3 is popular with longer-term students and volunteers who want to immerse themselves in local life, and really become a part of the community rather than a short-term traveller or student.
If you want to save money and don’t mind being a short walk from the centre, Zona 3 should be up there in your options. The market area is really lively in the mornings, and you’ll find some of the city’s best street food here.
Pros of Zona 3:
- More affordable accommodation
- Authentic local experience
- Great local markets
- Quieter atmosphere
Cons of Zona 3:
- Further from main attractions
- Fewer tourist amenities
- Can feel unsafe at night in some areas
- Basic accommodation options
Best Hotels & Hostels in Zona 3, Quetzaltenango
Hostal León – a family run hostel with primarily private rooms
Hotel Las Americas – a popular Latin American chain hotel
Homestays in Zona 3, Quetzaltenango
Because it’s a more residential area, there aren’t many hotels and hostels in Zone 3 of Quetzaltenango. If you want to stay around here, you’ll have more luck finding a homestay either through your Spanish school or using a platform like Airbnb (there are lots of rooms to rent in Zone 3 on AirBnb, but they probably don’t come with the same benefits of a classic homestay.
Types of Accommodation in Quetzaltenango
Hostels in Quetzaltenango
There are not many hostels in Xela, especially compared to how many you find in other, more touristy areas of Guatemala like Lake Atitlan, Antigua or Rio Dulce.
Most hostels are family-run affairs, offering a more personal experience than your typical backpacker hostel. While you won’t find many party hostels here, what you do get is a great opportunity to meet other language students and long-term travellers.
Prices typically range from Q40-80 ($5-10) for a dorm bed, with private rooms available for around Q150-200 ($19-25). Most hostels offer free WiFi and kitchen facilities, though the quality can vary significantly.
Hotels in Quetzaltenango
The hotel options in Xela range from basic guesthouses to more upscale boutique hotels, epecially around Central Park. Many are housed in restored colonial buildings, giving you a unique way to experience Quetzaltenango’s architecture.
You can expect to pay anywhere from Q250-800 ($32-100) per night, depending on the level of luxury you’re after. The higher-end options often include breakfast and better WiFi connectivity, which can be crucial if you’re working as a digital nomad in Guatemala.
Homestays in Quetzaltenango
Homestays are really popular with language students and are a great opportunity to practice Spanish and experience Guatemalan culture firsthand. Most language schools in Xela can arrange homestays with local families, which typically include a private room and either two or three meals per day.
Expect to pay around Q500-700 ($65-90) per week for a homestay with meals. The experience varies greatly between families, but most offer good insight into local life and home-cooked Guatemalan food (and even a bad homestay experience will give you some great stories to tell!).
Airbnb in Quetzaltenango
The Airbnb market in Xela is growing, with many full apartments and rooms available to rent. This is a better option if you’re staying for longer, or if you still want self-catering facilities without staying in a hostel.
Prices start from around Q150 ($20) per night for a private room, while entire apartments typically range from Q250-800 ($30-100). Many listings are concentrated in Zona 1, though you can find some great options in other areas, too.
Where to Stay in Quetzaltenango FAQs
Is Quetzaltenango, Guatemala worth visiting?
Absolutely! As Guatemala’s second-largest city, Quetzaltenango (Xela) offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, authentic Guatemalan culture, and excellent access to natural attractions. It’s particularly valuable for those interested in learning Spanish, experiencing local life away from tourist crowds, or exploring nearby volcanoes and hot springs. The city provides a more genuine Guatemalan experience compared to popular tourist destinations like Antigua.
Is it safe to go to Quetzaltenango?
Yes, Quetzaltenango is generally considered one of the safer cities in Guatemala, particularly in the Central Park area and Zona 1. While normal precautions should be taken as with any city, Xela’s local atmosphere and community-oriented culture make it a relatively secure destination for tourists and language students alike.
What is Quetzaltenango known for?
Quetzaltenango is primarily known for its Spanish language schools, which attract students from around the world. The city is also famous for its stunning neoclassical architecture, vibrant local markets, and proximity to natural attractions like the Santa María volcano. Additionally, it’s renowned for preserving indigenous K’iche’ Maya culture and traditions alongside its colonial heritage.
Is Xela safe to walk at night?
While Xela is generally safe during the day, walking at night requires additional precautions. The Central Park area and main streets of Zona 1 are typically safe in the evening when there’s still activity, but it’s recommended to take taxis for longer distances after dark. Some areas, particularly in Zona 3, should be avoided at night.
Which area is best for experiencing local culture?
Zona 3 offers the most authentic local experience, with its proximity to La Democracia market and predominantly local population. While it’s slightly removed from tourist amenities, it provides an unfiltered view of daily Guatemalan life and the opportunity to engage with local communities.
How much should I budget for accommodation in Quetzaltenango?
Accommodation in Quetzaltenango is quite affordable. Expect to pay $5-10 for a hostel dorm bed, $19-25 for a private room in a hostel, $32-100 for hotels, and $65-90 per week for homestays including meals. These rates make it one of the more budget-friendly cities in Guatemala for longer stays.
Conclusion
Whether you’re here for a few days or a few months, Xela offers a genuine glimpse into Guatemalan city life, far removed from the tourist trails of Antigua and Lake Atitlan. While it might not have the polished infrastructure of more visited destinations, its authenticity and cultural richness make it a unique place to stay.