Introduction to Huehuetenango

266km (165 miles) NW of Guatemala City; 90km (56 miles) N of Quetzaltenango; 84km (52 miles) S of La Mesilla (border with Mexico)

Huehuetenango has a reputation as an unattractive and neglected border outpost, but it's actually a pretty little hamlet, set at the foot of the impressive Sierra de los Cuchumatanes. Commonly known as Huehue (pronounced "Weh-weh"), the city functions for tourists primarily as an entry-and-departure point for those coming from or continuing on to Mexico -- even though it's a good hour away from the border by car or bus. Aside from the Maya ruins of Zaculeu, the city has few attractions, but it serves as an excellent jumping-off point for the isolated mountain hamlet of Todos Santos Chuchumatán.