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When I lived in Xela (or Quetzaltenango), several of my French friends invited me to climb Santa Maria. It's not hard or long and the view from the top is stunning; you can also see the Santiaguito lava dome. The climb starts in a little town called Llano de Pinal, a 30-minute bus ride from Xela. If you want to hire a guide, I can recommend Alliance Française (they speak English!). They may well recommend Edgard and Pablo, 2 official Guatemalan guides who are both really friendly and know their stuff! They can also lend you equipment - tents, warm clothes... Don't forget your headlamp! Night falls during the climb, so it's an essential piece of kit. Once at the top, after a good night's sleep, you'll wake up to a mind-blowing view!!! If you come to Guatemala to go trekking, then Santa Maria, with its Santiaguito lava mound, is a great place to stop whilst you're visiting Quetzaltenango.

Volcán Santa María Vacations

Visit Volcán Santa María

Volcán Santa María: How to get there?

Volcán Santa María: When to go?

Volcán Santa María: For how long?

Volcán Santa María: What to see in the surroundings?