Salcajá

Central park of Salcajá

Salcajá is in Guatemala.

Understand

Salcajá is a busy town very close to Quetzaltenango. It is the site of the first church founded in Central America, and is famous for its sale of Maya textiles.

Get in

Frequent buses from Quetzaltenango and from Cuatro Caminos on the Pan-American Highway.

See

The first church founded in Central America dates to 1524.

• Ermita de Concepción La Conquistadora. Early 16th century Roman Catholic church founded during the early stages of the Spanish Conquest, and the oldest church in Central America. (updated Feb 2016)

Do

• La Laguneta. Picnic spot a few blocks from Salcajá central park. Q5 entry fee per person. Benches and lawns layed out in a small canyon. Ornamental ponds with fish and ducks. Pedal boats available for hire. (updated Feb 2016)

Buy

• Maya textiles. Salcajá has a great many shops selling traditional Maya textiles that are used to make the cortes (skirts) worn by Maya women. Shop around and haggle, there are beautiful materials to be had. (updated Feb 2016)

Go next

• Quetzaltenango - Guatemala's second largest city a short bus ride away, and is known as the "cultural capital of Guatemala".
• San Andrés Xecul a Maya village close by with a colourful church
• Cantel - A village a few kilometers away with a blown-glass factory, volcanic baths, and a couple of small archaeological sites.
• Totonicapán - A town known for its Maya dance festival, and production of wooden dance masks.
• San Francisco El Alto - Known for holding the largest weekly market in Central America.