San Francisco El Alto

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 agriculture materials available all over the town.

Its been said the old name was Chusiguan referring to the place as being isolated from the surroundings. The translation keeps part of this meaning as the town is located on a elevated region.

On market days is advisable to be patient as the traffic gets pretty heavy, even affecting the main road to Huehuetenango. If you enjoy local fabrics, get a -poncho- (heavy blanket for the cold night) at the market.

All the commercial activity has made the center very hard to enjoy as people from all over the region come to sell their products making the central park and the front of the church a very crowded place.

What to expect at San Francisco El Alto?

  • Great commercial activity and great options to stop by to eat.
  • Don't expect too many accommodations to stay the night. The town is very pretty but mostly considered a stop on your way to other largest cities around.

How to get to Momostenango

From Guatemala City follow the CA-1 until you reach Quetzaltenango (Cuatro Caminos). Stay on the main road as if you were going to Huehuetenango, and after a few minutes driving you will see the turn to your right reaching San Francisco El Alto. It is about 30 minutes drive from Xela.
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