Things To Do
in El Tejar
El Tejar is a small highland town in Guatemala set among green hills and coffee farms. The surrounding landscape features winding rural roads, terraced plots, and a calm pace of life that invites slow exploration. Local markets and family-owned eateries offer a warm welcome and a glimpse into everyday Guatemalan life.
Visitors often use El Tejar as a launchpad to nearby colonial towns, volcano hikes, and scenic viewpoints in the Guatemalan highlands.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Guatemalan breakfast at a local café, savoring dishes like huevos revueltos and fresh tortillas. After breakfast, wander through the charming streets of El Tejar, admiring the colorful colonial architecture and local artisan shops. Don’t miss the vibrant murals that depict the culture and history of this quaint town.
Visit the local market where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of daily life, sampling fresh fruits and handmade crafts. Engage with local vendors to learn about their products and the significance of the vibrant textiles. Take a break at a nearby park, enjoying the lush greenery and perhaps a refreshing drink from a local vendor.
As the sun sets, head to a nearby restaurant known for its authentic Guatemalan cuisine. Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring traditional dishes like pepián or kak'ik while listening to live music that resonates through the warm evening air. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the peaceful ambiance of the town.
Begin the day with an early breakfast before heading to a local coffee farm nestled in the hills surrounding El Tejar. Participate in a guided tour where you can learn about the coffee cultivation process, from planting to harvesting. Don't forget to sample some fresh coffee brewed on-site, experiencing the rich flavors of Guatemalan coffee.
After the farm tour, enjoy a traditional lunch at the farm featuring local ingredients, including fresh vegetables and beans. Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful coffee plantation, taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below. Capture the stunning scenery with your camera, as the landscape offers countless photo opportunities.
Return to El Tejar and unwind at a cozy café famous for its desserts and coffee. Enjoy the evening sipping on a delicious latte while indulging in local pastries like tres leches cake. As you relax, engage in conversation with locals who may share stories about the region and its rich coffee culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🛏️One night in budget hotel | $25-40 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.25-0.75 |
| 💧Water bottle | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming communities and affordable prices
- Access to coffee culture and highland landscapes
- Limited nightlife and some infrastructure outside larger towns
- Healthcare facilities may be basic; plan ahead if medical needs arise
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Me gustaría..." - I would like...
Places to Visit in El Tejar
Visit one of these nice places.
Rolling hills dotted with coffee plants provide golden-hour backdrops and a sense of the highland countryside.
Vibrant stalls, colorful textiles, and locals preparing produce create a lively scene for street photography.
Weathered walls and simple colonial lines offer timeless photography opportunities.
Early mornings reveal soft light over terraced fields and distant volcano silhouettes.
Food in El Tejar
El Tejar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, spicy stew made with roasted peppers, spices, and meat, typically served with rice and tortillas.
Must-Try!
A green chicken dish cooked with tomatillos and cilantro, usually served with rice and tortillas.
Small tamales wrapped in maize leaves, commonly filled with meat and spices.
Sweet or savory corn tamales popular as a street snack or market treat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can sample fresh fruit, tamales, steaming pots of stews, and street snacks in the morning light.
Small stalls offering grilled corn, pupusas (where available), and fresh aguas frescas near the market area.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm greeting, such as 'Buenos días,' goes a long way. Use titles like Señor/Señora with respect, and greet elders politely.
Family is central; be patient and friendly in social interactions and when negotiating prices at markets.
Offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. Use both hands when giving or receiving valuables as a sign of respect.
Safety
Tipping in El Tejar
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants often add a service charge; if not, a 5–10% tip is appreciated for good service. Small tips in markets or for guided tours are common but not mandatory.
Cash (Guatemalan quetzal) is widely accepted in rural areas. Some larger establishments and hotels in nearby towns may accept cards; ATMs are available in larger towns and at some fuel stations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clear skies, sunny days, and cooler nights. Perfect for hiking and outdoor sightseeing; bring sun protection and layers for the cooler mornings.
Afternoons are often wet with tropical showers. Pack a durable rain jacket and waterproof footwear; trails can be slippery but landscapes are lush and vibrant.
El Tejar at Night
Hiking in El Tejar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular active volcano offering a relatively accessible hike with ground lava and panoramic views on clear days; typically a half-day trip from El Tejar via Antigua.
Gentle ascent to a hilltop overlook with stunning views of Antigua and surrounding volcanoes; ideal for sunrise or golden-hour photography.
Low-to-moderate elevation trails that showcase agricultural terraces, coffee farms, and rural Guatemalan scenery.
Airports
How to reach El Tejar by plane.
Guatemala City's main international airport, typically reached by a road trip of 60–90 minutes from El Tejar depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of urban-influenced families and rural farming communities, with indigenous roots in surrounding areas and a culture rooted in family and tradition.
Visitors and temporary residents who come for coffee culture, hiking, and nearby colonial towns.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Guatemala, played in towns, schools, and informal leagues.
Common in community centers and schools, with local games and informal pickup matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Tejar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available at many family-run spots. Look for bean-based dishes, corn tortillas, rice, and vegetables; ask for no meat broths and request adaptions when necessary.