Travelling from Guatemala City to Quetzaltenango

If you are arriving by plane, you will land at “La Aurora International Airport”, which is located on the outskirts of the capital.

From the airport, take a taxi to either of these First Class bus company terminals:

Alamo: 12 Avenida 'A', 0-65 Calle, Zona 7 (tel: 2471 8626)

Linea Dorada: 16 Calle & 10 Avenida, Zona 1 (tel: 2220 7990)

The bus journey from Guatemala City to Xela is a little over four hours long, so if you arrive early enough in the capital, we advise you to travel to Xela on the same day, as staying in Guatemala City is not recommended. However, if your arrival in the capital is late at night, you should not travel for safety reasons.

The following is a list of hotels and hostels in the capital that INEPAS recommends to its students and volunteers.

Hostal Los Volcanes
This hostel offers a pick-up service from the airport and transport to the bus terminals the following day. It also gives a 10% discount to INEPAS students, if they mention that they are studying there, on arrival at the hotel.

Oscar Hazboun
Price Range: Medium
Phone: ++ (502) 2360 3232
Email: info@hostallosvolcanes.com
Website: www.hostallosvolcanes.com

Hotel Dos Lunas
Lorena Artola
Price Range: Medium
Phone: ++ (502) 2334 5264
Email: info@hoteldoslunas.com

Hotel Chalet Suizo
Caspar Ruegg
Price Range: Low/Medium
Phone: ++ (502) 2251 3786

Hotel Panamerican
Price Range: High
Phone: ++ (502) 2232 6807

We ask all our students and volunteers to call us when they are in the capital to confirm that they have arrived safely and to inform us of exactly when they will arrive in Xela.

Once in Quetzaltenango

Once you arrive at the bus terminal in Quetzaltenango, take a taxi directly to INEPAS. Ask the taxi driver to take you to INEPAS, or give him the address and explain that INEPAS is directly behind the post office (“atras de correos”). The taxi should cost you around 25 to 30 Quetzales (US$3.00 to 4.00). Once at the school, we will give you all necessary information and accompany you to your accommodation.

The Climate

Xela has a typical climate associated with mountainous regions, meaning cool nights and warm days. You should bring a range of clothing for both warmer and colder weather.

December - February: cold mornings and nights, warm daytime

February - May: cool mornings and nights, warm daytime

May - November: cool early mornings and nights, hot mornings, wet afternoons

The wet season is between May and October so you should bring waterproof clothing.