6 Best Sights in Quetzaltenango (Xelaju), The Highlands

On the southeastern corner of Parque Centro América, this cathedral dates from 1535. All that remains of the original building (Espíritu Santo) is the facade, which features life-size saints that look down upon worshippers headed here to pray and is offset to the left of the newer cathedral (Los Altos), with its own front, constructed in 1899.

This bluish church on the east side of Parque Benito Juárez is known for its unusual baroque design. Although lovely, it looks a bit out of place in the town's mix of Greek Revival and colonial structures.

In the Casa de la Cultura on the south side of Parque Centro América, the Museum of Natural History is interesting mainly for its neoclassical flourishes. Inside are some examples of pre-Columbian pottery. Your ticket also includes admission to the so-called Museo de la Marimba, which, despite its name, has little to do with marimbas, and is more a hodgepodge collection of Quetzaltenango artifacts. It's a must only if you're a true aficionado of regional history.

About 10 blocks north of Parque Centro América is this palm-lined park where many families spend their Sunday afternoons. Ice-cream stands are in glorious abundance.

The city's central plaza, ablaze with pepper trees, is one of the most beautiful in Central America. It is surrounded by neoclassical architectural masterpieces, most of which date from the early 20th century (earthquakes took their toll on older colonial structures), such as the magnificent building called Pasaje Enríquez, built in 1900 in the style of a center-city European shopping arcade. Bees buzz around the park's numerous flower beds. Be careful if you're susceptible to harm from their stings.

Anyone can buy a huipil as a souvenir of Guatemala. How about coming home with a few flashy moves that will wow your friends on the dance floor? The Salsa Rosa dance studio gives group salsa lessons each weeknight at 6 pm, and the cost is a bargain Q25 per hour. (Instruction is in Spanish.) You can also opt for private lessons daily except Sunday for Q60 per hour—equally a bargain, we think—and delve into the fine art of salsa, merengue, cha-cha, or lambada. If you're new to Latin dancing, we recommend sticking with the relatively simpler merengue, which works well with an amazing variety of pop music back home. Call a couple of days in advance to make an appointment for private lessons and to arrange for an English-speaking instructor if you need one.