Travel Guide Salcajá

Located 10 km northeast of Quetzaltenango, this relatively sprawling town is characterized not only by its many car sales outlets, but also by its ties to the United States: some of the family members of a large number of its inhabitants live there. This is alluded to by the statue at the entrance to the municipality, erected in homage to "the emigrants of Salcajá". Other specialties include the production of artisanal alcoholic beverages such as "Caldo de Frutas" and " Rompopo " - essentially made from fermented peaches - as well as weaving and dyeing textiles.While the area is liveliest on market days, Tuesdays and Saturdays, it's also worth stopping off the rest of the week - as long as you don't do so at the expense of another activity. Indeed, apart from its church, Salcajá is of little interest. That said, of all the small villages in the area, it has the most restaurants and comedores, making it a worthwhile stop-off on a day's tour of the Xela region.Locals also appreciate its laguneta, a small network of natural waterways where you can stroll and paddle. Open daily (8 a.m.-5 p.m.), this leisure center is available for 10 Q.