Things To Do
in San Carlos Alzatate
San Carlos Alzatate is a small Guatemalan town in the Jalapa department, set amid rolling highland scenery and coffee-farming country. The town blends colonial charm with a warm, rural pace of life and friendly locals. Around the outskirts, terraces of coffee plants and forests create photogenic landscapes and easy day trips.
Visitors seeking an authentic, low-key Guatemalan experience away from the larger tourist hubs will find it here.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in San Carlos Alzatate and settle into your cozy accommodations. Take a leisurely stroll through the town to familiarize yourself with the local atmosphere and vibrant culture. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café to kickstart your adventure.
Visit the main square and soak in the local vibe while interacting with residents. Explore artisan shops, where you can find unique handmade crafts and textiles. Take a guided tour to learn about the town's history and significance.
Enjoy a delightful dinner at a family-owned restaurant, savoring the flavors of Guatemalan cuisine. As night falls, take a relaxing walk, enjoying the charming views of the illuminated town. Consider attending a local event or festival that may be happening during your visit.
Join a community workshop where you can learn traditional weaving techniques from local artisans. Engage with the artisans to understand the symbolism behind their designs and the significance of the craft. Enjoy a hearty breakfast made with fresh, local ingredients before diving into your learning experience.
Spend the afternoon visiting local homes to witness daily life and participate in a cooking class that teaches you how to prepare traditional Guatemalan dishes. Afterward, share a meal with your new friends, enjoying the fruits of your labor. Capture the moments between cooking and sharing stories as you bond with the community.
Reflect on the day with a quiet walk as sunset paints the sky in vibrant hues. Join a storytelling session with local elders, listening to legends and tales passed down through generations. Wind down with a light snack before heading back to your lodging.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚍Local bus fare | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel/hostel per night | $8-25 |
| 🧺Groceries (basic staples) | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic highland Guatemala experience with friendly locals
- Affordability and abundance of fresh produce and coffee culture
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
- Rural roads can be rough and language barriers may appear in remote areas
- "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?
Places to Visit in San Carlos Alzatate
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively, color-rich square framed by a colonial-era church and daily town life—great for candid and architectural photography.
A scenic overlook on the town’s outskirts offering sweeping valley and hillside views, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Rows of coffee plants, workers at harvest, and misty mornings provide textures and portrait opportunities.
A short, shaded path to a mossy waterfall with emerald forest and reflective pools.
Food in San Carlos Alzatate
San Carlos Alzatate Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, roasted-spice stew with chile peppers, tomatoes, sesame seeds, and chunks of meat, typically served with rice and tortillas.
Must-Try!
A fragrant turkey soup with annatto, cilantro, and spices, often enjoyed with warm tortillas or maize dough dumplings.
Guatemalan tamales wrapped in masa and corn husks, usually served with salsa or sauce.
Mashed plantains stuffed with beans and fried until crispy on the outside.
Freshly made masa-based staples, frequently found at markets and eateries throughout town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market offering fresh produce, herbs, cheeses, and ready-to-eat snacks.
Evening stalls offering chuchitos, papusas (where available), handmade tortillas, tamales, and fruit cups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' and use 'usted' with strangers or elders for politeness.
Dress modestly when visiting markets or religious sites; shoulders and knees covered in sacred spaces.
Take time to engage in small talk; conversations are often valued and welcomed.
Safety
Tipping in San Carlos Alzatate
Ensure a smooth experience
In casual eateries, a small tip is appreciated. In full-service restaurants, about 10% is customary if service is satisfactory.
Cash (GTQ or USD) is widely accepted; many rural shops may prefer cash. Some larger establishments accept cards, but card usage can be limited in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clear days, warm afternoons, and cool nights; ideal for outdoor walking, plaza life, and finca visits.
Afternoon showers are common; carry a light rain jacket and plan indoor activities for heavy rain.
San Carlos Alzatate at Night
Hiking in San Carlos Alzatate
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic, easy hike to a nearby waterfall with shaded forest and river pools.
A ridge-side trail offering sweeping valley views of farmland and hills.
A relaxed plantation tour with paths through coffee fields and processing demonstrations.
Airports
How to reach San Carlos Alzatate by plane.
Guatemala City's main international gateway; 2-4 hours drive to San Carlos Alzatate depending on traffic and routes.
Regional domestic airport serving the Alta Verapaz region; useful for quick regional connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant in urban centers with some Mayan communities nearby.
Smaller pockets of Poqomchi' or other Mayan-speaking groups in the surrounding highlands.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and informal matches happen in plazas and fields.
Common in community centers and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Carlos Alzatate.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy beans, rice, seasonal vegetables, and cheese-based dishes; ask for broths and sauces to be prepared without meat stock.