Momostenango Riscos

Famous for its curious formations called "Riscos de Monostenango", Momostenango itself is a city located in Totonicapan, having a very active market, fairly modern accommodations and maya language schools.

There are different levels of maya language and tradition educational schools available. The most public ones are the most "commercial" and easy to get into for any tourist.

On the other side, some "more private" schools do exist, where only the ones who express a deep interest and respect for the traditions will be able of get in.

The landscape is something to enjoy when driving to Momostenango, the fresh air proper of the cold lands of Totonicapan makes you feel the day going by very differently, trust me.


The market is filled with fresh vegetables, fruits, toys and some handicrafts.

There are some (but few) options to stay the night, still, is worth visiting.

Momostenango takes only half day to know from Quetzaltenango.



Riscos de Momostenango

These are curious and weird geological formations still visited by the tourist but every day more and more surrounded by the constant growing city.

What to expect at Momostenango

  • A quiet city with enough accommodations and stores.
  • Fresh and clean air, great landscape and nature around the city.
  • A few hotels and restaurants. Very rarely is a destination on its own, but mostly a curiosity to visit from the cities around (Quetzaltenango or Chichicastenango).

How to get to Momostenango

From Guatemala City follow the CA-1 reaching Quetzaltenango. From this point, stay on the main road until you reach San Francisco El Alto. After visiting and enjoying the market, follow the signs to Momostenando and enjoy the landscape. It is at least 45 minutes drive from Xela.
Related notes

Momostenango cliffs TotonicapánMomostenango cliffs Totonicapán

11/06/2011
Located in the town of Momostenango in Totonicapán. Receives many visitors during the year and is one of the tourist icon of the department. As a frequent flier, after seeing many attractions in Guatemala, I  [ más ]

San Francisco El AltoSan Francisco El Alto

28/02/2011
The entrance is on the very right side of the main road heading to Huehuetenango from Quetzaltenango. It has a very active market with handicrafts, fabrics and vegetables. There are many stores of construction and  [ más ]

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