Things To Do
in Jalapa
Jalapa is the capital of the department of the same name in southeastern Guatemala, set in rolling highland terrain known for coffee production and agricultural towns. The city has a lively central plaza, a municipal market where local products and foods are sold, and a close-knit feel compared with larger Guatemalan cities. Visitors come for nearby coffee finca tours, rural day trips, and panoramic views of surrounding hills and farmland.
Jalapa is a good base for low-impact outdoor activities, cultural immersion, and experiencing everyday Guatemalan highland life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Cathedral of Jalapa, where you can admire its beautiful neoclassical architecture. Wander through the vibrant Plaza de la Libertad, a lively square filled with locals and colorful stalls. Enjoy a traditional Guatemalan breakfast at a nearby café, savoring dishes like huevos rancheros and fresh fruit.
After lunch, visit the Museo de Historia Natural, which showcases the diverse ecosystems of Guatemala and the unique wildlife found in the region. Take a leisurely stroll through the artisan market, where you can purchase handmade crafts and textiles from local artisans. As the afternoon sun sets, find a cozy spot in the plaza to relax and soak in the local atmosphere.
As night falls, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant known for its traditional Guatemalan cuisine, perhaps trying pepian or kak'ik. After dinner, consider attending a cultural event or performance if available, celebrating the local music and dance. End your day with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, taking in the beauty of the historic center.
Embark on a morning tour to a nearby coffee plantation, where you will learn about the coffee-making process from bean to cup. Engage with local farmers, who will share their knowledge of sustainable practices and the rich history of coffee cultivation in the region. Enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee right from the source, paired with local pastries.
After your coffee experience, enjoy a guided hike through the lush plantations, surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and valleys. Learn about the biodiversity of the area as you walk, spotting various tropical plants and wildlife along the way. Conclude your afternoon at a local café, sampling different coffee blends and engaging in conversations with fellow travelers.
Return to Jalapa and unwind at a local eatery, sampling delicious street food like tacos and quesadillas. If you're interested, join a local workshop to learn how to make traditional Guatemalan dishes. Cap off your day with a quiet evening walk, appreciating the peaceful ambiance of the town as the stars come out.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Local coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel (per night) | $15-35 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.25-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Guatemalan culture and markets
- Access to coffee finca tours and rural landscapes
- Lower prices and fewer crowds than major tourist centers
- Friendly local community and strong festival traditions
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
- Fewer nightlife and entertainment options
- Public transport can be slow and road connections are winding
- Health-care facilities are basic; serious cases require transfer to Guatemala City
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Perdón / Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "No como carne" - I don't eat meat
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Jalapa
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic town-life photos: colonial-style buildings, daily markets, street vendors and people gathered in the plaza — great for candid cultural shots, especially in the morning and at dusk.
Colorful produce, textiles and busy stalls provide vibrant, close-up street photography opportunities; best shot in the morning when activity peaks.
Terraced coffee fields, drying patios and rustic farm buildings create scenic agricultural landscapes and portrait backdrops during golden hour.
Short hikes to nearby viewpoints offer panoramic shots of Jalapa’s valley and surrounding hills; sunrise and sunset produce the strongest light.
If your visit coincides with a town festival, capture colorful processions, traditional dress, music and street decorations — always ask before photographing people closely.
Food in Jalapa
Jalapa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, spiced meat stew (usually chicken or pork) with roasted seeds and vegetables — often available at market stalls and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Corn masa steamed in banana leaves with chicken, pork, or vegetable fillings — commonly sold in the mornings at markets and street corners.
Warm, thick corn-based beverage flavored with cinnamon — traditional breakfast or snack item sold at food stalls and bakeries.
Rice, beans, salad, plantains and a protein (chicken or pork) — a common set meal at local comedores and fondas.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The best place to try street food, fresh produce and local snacks: try tamales, atol, quesadillas and freshly brewed coffee from small stalls.
Evening vendors and small stands around the plaza offer quick bites like fried snacks, grilled meats and sweet breads — ideal for people-watching while you eat.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake and eye contact are common; say buenos días or buenas tardes when entering shops. Use formal 'usted' with elders and people you don’t know well.
Dress modestly in town and when visiting religious sites. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in public spaces; family and community ties are important.
Always ask for permission before photographing people, especially in markets or during religious events; some vendors or performers may expect a small payment.
Bargaining is normal in markets for handicrafts but do so respectfully — start lower than the asking price and expect a polite haggle.
Safety
Tipping in Jalapa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% tip is customary where service is good (check whether a service charge is already included). Round up taxi fares or leave small change for drivers and porters; tip tour guides and drivers separately for good service.
Local currency is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ) and cash is king, especially in markets and small businesses. Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels, some restaurants and supermarkets, but many local vendors only take cash — ATMs are available in town but carry enough cash for rural excursions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect sunnier days, cooler nights and the most comfortable conditions for hiking and exploring towns. This is high season for travel and local festivals; bring a light jacket for evenings.
Afternoons often see heavy rain showers; mornings can still be clear, but trails may be muddy and some rural roads become difficult. Bring waterproof gear and plan outdoor activities for the morning.
Many towns hold patron-saint festivals and Holy Week celebrations at different times of year — these are culturally rich opportunities for visitors but expect crowds, noise and temporary street closures.
Jalapa at Night
Hiking in Jalapa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails through working coffee farms that offer gentle hikes, insights into cultivation and good views of the valley — often best arranged through the finca owner or a local guide.
Nearby ridgelines and designated miradores provide short hikes with panoramic vistas over Jalapa and surrounding farmland; ideal for sunrise or sunset photography.
Undeveloped footpaths connecting villages allow longer, low-traffic hikes to observe rural life and natural scenery — hiring a guide is recommended for navigation and cultural context.
Airports
How to reach Jalapa by plane.
The main international gateway to Guatemala, roughly a 2–3 hour drive from Jalapa depending on traffic and road conditions; shuttles, private transfers or rental cars connect Jalapa with Guatemala City.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo or ladino, reflecting mixed indigenous and European heritage and the dominant highland cultural patterns.
There are smaller indigenous and rural farming communities in the surrounding municipalities; traditional practices and languages may be present in nearby villages.
Many residents work in agriculture (coffee, grains) or run small businesses, markets and service enterprises that cater to local needs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local pickup games and small club matches are common and a great way to experience community life.
Road running and cycling are popular among locals and visitors who explore the hilly countryside and quieter rural roads.
During festivals and community events you may see local tournaments and informal competitions in a variety of sports.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Jalapa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; request dishes based on beans, rice, vegetable stews and salads at fondas and markets, and explain ‘soy vegetariano/a’ if needed.
Vegan meals require more effort—stick to beans, rice, plantains and fresh produce; carry snacks as restaurants may use lard in cooking unless you specify otherwise.
Many traditional foods are corn-based (tamales, tortillas) and naturally gluten-free, but verify sauces and prepared foods for flour thickeners when in doubt.
Drink bottled water or boiled water, eat at busy stalls with high turnover, and avoid raw street salads if you have a sensitive stomach.