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North AmericaGuatemalaQuetzaltenango

Salcajá

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala · North America

About Salcajá

Salcajá is worth a stop: 5 minutes from San Andrés Xecul, 32km from Lake Atitlan.

Salcajá is a town located in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. With a population of 19,434, it is an important destination in North America.

On a road trip, Salcajá sits in Guatemala. It's in the America/Guatemala time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Salcajá to your route.

About Salcajá

Salcajá is a town and municipality in Quetzaltenango department of Guatemala. Salcajá is best known for the Church of San Jacinto, founded in 1524, which was the first church built in Central America since it was one of the first places invaded in the Spanish conquest of Guatemala. It is also known as La Conquistadora

Read more ("The Conqueress", "The Conqueror") presumably because of the time period and its religious influence on the indigenous population. After 490 years and several earthquakes, the building still is in relatively good condition. The church is open to the public for special events and on holidays. Visitors are now welcomed at the adjoined museum most mornings. This town is also known for its manufacture of corte, the traditional Mayan dress for women. tellars are found in 5 out of 10 houses. This little town is also known for its production of Red Liquor or Caldo de Frutas ("Fruit Juice"). This homemade liquor is vivid red in color due to the brewing of hibiscus flower with several native fruits. Rompopo, a yellow alcoholic beverage made from eggs, is also manufactured in the town. The Saint of the town of Salcaja is St. Louis, King of France. He is celebrated with a carnival which runs from August 15 through the 28 but [among this] during the celebration they also have many other carnivals that are either in the town or as close as 15 minutes away. Salcaja has a soccer team, called "America F.C.". The team members wear black and white striped jerseys, and they are in the second division of the Guatemalan league. Every year around August Salcajá's team plays against one of the strongest teams in the Major league, "Xelaju M.C." It is usually played at home in Salcajá in the "Estadio Panorama" which is in the suburbs of Salcajá.

Read more on Wikipedia

Where to Stay in Salcajá

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Salcajá?

Salcajá offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.

How do I plan a road trip to Salcajá?

Plan your road trip to Salcajá with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Salcajá as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.

Where is Salcajá located?

Salcajá is located in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, North America. The coordinates are 14.8796 latitude, -91.4570 longitude.

What is the population of Salcajá?

Salcajá has a population of approximately 19,434 people, making it a town in Guatemala.

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Quick Information

Population
19,434
Continent
North America
Country
Guatemala
Region
Quetzaltenango
Timezone
America/Guatemala
Coordinates
14.8796, -91.4570

Tags

North AmericaGuatemalaQuetzaltenangoTown

Worth the detour from Salcajá

3 notable places within an hour's drive.

landmark

San Pedro La Laguna

A backpacker and artist hub on Lake Atitlán's shores beneath San Pedro Volcano, known for Spanish schools and Tz'utujil Maya culture.

29 km · about 35 min drive

natural wonder

Lake Atitlan

A breathtaking volcanic lake surrounded by three towering volcanoes and traditional Mayan villages, often called the most beautiful lake in the world.

32 km · about 35 min drive

landmark

Chichicastenango Market

Central America's largest indigenous market held every Thursday and Sunday, overflowing with textiles, masks, flowers, and Maya rituals.

38 km · about 45 min drive

Driving roads near Salcajá

  • 75 kmAcatenangoA 3,976 m stratovolcano near Antigua climbed overnight so hikers can camp on the ridge and watch neighbouring Volcán de Fuego erupt through the night: one of the most reliable live-eruption views on earth.

When to drive here

Year-round

Tropical latitude: plan around the wet season rather than temperature.

Nearby Destinations

Other places to explore near Salcajá.

San Andrés Xecul

🇬🇹 Guatemala

4 km awayPop. 15,074

San Cristóbal Totonicapán

🇬🇹 Guatemala

4 km awayPop. 4,191

Olintepeque

🇬🇹 Guatemala

6 km away

San Francisco El Alto

🇬🇹 Guatemala

7 km awayPop. 57,894

Cantel

🇬🇹 Guatemala

8 km awayPop. 42,142

Quetzaltenango

🇬🇹 Guatemala

8 km awayPop. 180,706

Almolonga

🇬🇹 Guatemala

8 km awayPop. 12,299

San Francisco la Unión

🇬🇹 Guatemala

10 km awayPop. 1,170

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Data sources:GeoNames (CC BY 4.0)•Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)•Mapbox•Photography: George Lawrence