HIKING: Los Vahos, about 2 miles from the central square, is worth trying. It offers an excellent scenic view. Or, take a bus to Almolonga and ask the driver to let you off at the sign that says," los Vahos," and then enjoy your uphill hike.

 VOLCANO CLIMBING: Besides the small hiking on the outskirts of the city, Xela has two  volcanoes that are worth climbing, Santiaguito and Santa Maria, which each require at least a one day trip to climb. For serious Volcano climbers, to get pictures and detailed information, click here. 

BIKING: Exploring Xela by bike is fun; it makes you feel closer to the land, and you get to see things that you otherwise wouldn't.  Check with Xela Sin Límites travel agency at 12 Ave and 1 Calle Z-1 Tel: 761-6043,  they rent bicycles hourly, daily and weekly at low prices... well, everything is inexpensive if you compare it with the States! 

BOOK STORES: Vrisa Bookshop, 15 Ave 3-64 Zona 1, you can find English magazines and many used books. 

ART GALLERIES: 

COLONIAL MONUMENTS: The Cathedral with a 17 Century facade right on the square; just the facade is old, the church itself is modern. The Teatro Municipal on 14 Ave and 1 Calle is another monument worth visiting. 

Modern monument: Templo Minera on the outskirts of town,  is a Greek style building, and a symbol of education of Xela. 

MUSEUMS: Museum of Natural History, located at Casa de Cultura, right on the square. The Museum exhibits Mayan pottery, a collection of Marimbas (Guatemalan musical instrument). It is different and has its own style and taste. The Museo de Arte on 12 Ave and 7 Calle Z-1,  has a collection of stuffed animals. If you like trains, Xela has the only museum in the country, the Museo del Ferrocarril or Ferrocarril Nacional de los Altos Museum on 7 Calle and 12 Ave; recommended 

CULTURAL CENTERS: Alianza Francesa 15 Ave 3-64 Z-1 Tel: 761-4076

LEARN SPANISH : Xela is also another popular place to learn Spanish, just like Antigua. Immersing yourself in the Spanish language is another adventure. It is not an expensive experience, as you can tell from what you get for the prices you pay. Click here to see the list of Spanish Schools.

PLACES OF INTEREST AROUND XELA : Parque Centro América, the heart of the city. From here you can walk into the small market on the south side of the park. If you keep walking around you will notice the Espiritu Santo Cathedral which had its facade rebuilt to preserve its colonial originality from 1535. The Municipalidad, or City Hall, in its Neoclassical style resembles the flourish of its epoch. 

Going away from Xela about 6 miles is the Indian Village Zunil , with its Colonial Church in the middle of the town in a beautiful natural setting.  The Hot springs, Fuentes Georginas,  7 miles further in the mountains, is another wonderful experience. Click for  more detailed information. 

TOURS: Click here for available tours 

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