Huehuetenango To the north of the city of Huehuetenango lie the Cuchumatanes Mountains, the highest in Guatemala. Many of the peaks are over 1.8 miles high and are covered in frost in the early morning for much of the year. The topography in Huehuetenango is very varied and interesting, as is the constantly changing vegetation. Among the places that should be included in a visit to the Department of Huehuetenango are: CHIANTLA: This church is famous for its silver image of the Virgin Mary. ZACULEU: The ruins of Zaculeu belong to the post-classical period of the Mayan civilization. The complex consists mainly of a series of buildings. The walls of these constructions have no hieroglyphic writings and there are no stele or other figures. The site has basically a strategic defense layout. TODOS SANTOS CUCHUMATAN: This is an isolated town that is nestled amid mountains as high as 2 miles. Its people have kept most of their old ways and almost invariably retain the dress of the town anywhere they go. The best time to visit Todos Santos is during the local fiesta, from October 31 to November 5, when the horse races and other forms of celebration can be witnessed. These and other nearby towns can be visited in one day, using the city of Huehuetenango as a starting point. Accommodations are adequate in the city of Huehuetenango.
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