In Chiquimula Department, several themes come together, each offering a different focus when planning a stay: the pilgrimage to Esquipulas, festivals and cuisine in the city of Chiquimula, and natural attractions in a region shaped by mountains, valleys and plains. First decide whether religious heritage, urban traditions or landscapes are most important to your trip. The following places and events make these choices easier to explore.

Pilgrimage and architectural history in Esquipulas

The pilgrimage to Esquipulas is part of the nation’s intangible cultural heritage. It includes the Basílica de Esquipulas, the church square and park, Calle Real, bridges, Calzada Quirio Cataño and the approach via Puente Tzepectun. The basilica was built between 1740 and 1758 and was declared a historic and artistic monument on June 12, 1970. This brings together the cultural significance of the pilgrimage and the architectural history of a specific building. If you are interested in religious heritage and architectural history, you will find two distinct yet connected ways to explore them here.

Festivals and cuisine in Chiquimula

The city of Chiquimula offers a different focus through its festivals and food. The patron saint festival in honor of the Virgen del Tránsito is celebrated annually from August 12 to 18; the main day is August 15. The city’s cultural offerings also include the Danza de Moros y cristianos and the Festival de la manía. If you would like to experience one of these events, check the program for your dates before you travel.

Traditional foods in Chiquimula include yuca con chicharrón, coconut preserves, peanuts, molletes, empanadas and potato tacos; they are available at the city’s two markets. This adds a distinctive culinary focus alongside the festivals. If food is important to your travel plans, you can consider these dishes another reason to set aside time in the city.

Landscape and natural attractions

Chiquimula Department lies in the highlands of the Sierra Madre and is characterized by steep mountains, valleys and broad plains. Laguna El Jute is a specific natural attraction in this landscape: it lies between mountains and has an approximate area of 11,709.38 square meters. It is easily reached via a paved road. Check the road’s current condition before setting out.

At Volcán y Laguna de Ipala, you can hike to the summit on paths marked by visitors or rent a horse to get there. These offer two different ways to reach the summit. Before your trip, check whether the paths are accessible and horses are currently available. The thermal pools in Aldea Shusho Arriba are another destination for a nature outing, about 20 minutes from Chiquimula. If you plan to visit the pools, check access in advance.

Planning in Esquipulas

In September 2025, the road to Piedra de Los Compadres was repaired; the road was described as an important tourism route in Esquipulas. If this route is part of your plans, check current road conditions before driving.

More destinations

Also discover: Chiquimula, Esquipulas, Izabal, Totonicapán Department, Baja Verapaz Department, Escuintla, El Progreso Department, Jutiapa Department.

For the broader travel overview: Guatemala.