The department of Huehuetenango harbors some of Guatemala's most spectacular scenery. The Cuchumatanes Mountains, part of the Sierra Madre mountain range, soar to 3,600 m ASL and contain beautiful lakes, pine forests and highlands pastures where sheep graze. From the low-lying town of Huehuetenango, a road snakes up the rocky face of a mesa that marks the entrance into the mountains. From a lookout point on top, there are impressive views of Huehuetenango far below and of several of Guatemala's tallest volcanoes. Eight different Maya languages are spoken in this fascinating region of Guatemala, which shelters some of the country's most remote communities.
Huehuetenango
The departmental capital, also called Huehuetenango (or simply Huehue), has several fine hotels and is a convenient jumping off point for tours into the Cuchumatanes Mountains. The town, located 260 km from Guatemala City, is inhabited by about 15,000 people and has a warm, comfortable climate. It hosts two annual fairs, one from July 12-18, and another, to celebrate the Virgin of Conception, from December 5-8. On Sundays, marimba bands play in the central park, where there is a relief map of the region. Most of the buildings in town date from the 19th. century. The Selegua Valley, where Huehuetenango is located, was once an important area for growing grapes in Guatemala.
The little town of Chiantla, just 6 km from Huehue, dates from the colonial era. It is famed for its graceful town square, bronze and leather crafts, and a religious image of the Virgin of the Candelaria, dressed in a robe of silver filigree.
Another interesting place to visit nearby is Aguacatán, known for fertile farmlands, where onions and garlic are grown. Two large springs, which give birth to the San Juan and Blanco Rivers, are found near Aguacatán. Both springs are great places for a swim, picnic and bird watching.
Those with an interest in paleontology may wish to visit Chivacabé, found about 10 km from Huehue. The fossil remains of two Pleistocene giant armadillos, five mastodons and a giant sloth were found at Chivacabé. Some of the fossils are on display in a rustic museum at the site.
Nearby villages

Zaculeu

The Zaculeu archaeological site, just a few minutes from Huehuetenango, was an important ceremonial center for the Maya-Mam group for more than 800 years, and was still active when conquistadors arrived in Guatemala. Zaculeu, which means "white earth," may have referred to the city's white stucco buildings. Forty-three structures, such as small pyramids and palaces, are found at the site, as well as plazas and a ball court. The site was built on a promontory of land between deep ravines, which gave it an excellent defensive position. When Spaniards attacked the city in 1525, they were repelled by Zaculeu's leader, Kaibil Balam, and forced to lay siege. The city did not surrender until six weeks later, when its inhabitants were on the verge of starvation. At Zaculeu's small museum, ceramics, a burial urn and other items discovered during excavation are on display.

Magdalena and Yolnajab Lakes


Although a little hard to get to, Lake Magdalena and Lake Yolnajab are both outstanding ecotourism destinations in the Cuchumatanes. The 5 km hike to Yolnajab begins in the isolated village of Yalambojoch, down a steep trail that eventually arrives at lakeside. This enormous, beautiful lake covers 3.8 square kilometers, has a shore of white sand, and is surrounded by oak forest that is great for bird watching.
Lake Magdalena, found just 20 km from Huehuetenango, has its own mystique. Located at a higher elevation, the lake is often covered with mists. Water from the Magdalena River cascades into the turquoise-blue lake at its upper end, and eventually flows out through a series of waterfalls at the other end. In the dry season, a four-wheel drive vehicle can reach the lake in about 3 hours. A great option is to visit the lake on horseback. Horse tours to the lake and other parts of the Cuchumatanes are provided by the Unicornio Azul tour company in the town of Chancol.