Guatemala

Mataquescuintla

Mataquescuintla

Mataquescuintla is a small town located in the Jalapa department of Guatemala. Situated in the southeastern region of the country, Mataques…

Best for you if…

  • A 4–5 day trip
  • Walkable sightseeing
  • Exploring Mayan ruins travelers
  • Hiking in the mountains travelers
  • Visiting in December to April
Recommended stay
3-5 days
Best time
December to April
Walkability
Compact
Guide depth
Deep guide
More about this guide

Mataquescuintla is a strong pick for exploring mayan ruins & hiking in the mountains — plan about 3-5 days, with sights close enough to walk between. Peak season: December to April.

Deep guide guide · about 4 min to read · depth score 72/100 (coverage of intro, tips, and mapped places)

Compact density — Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together. (≈2.1 km span)

6 Places to explore
3-5 Recommended days
December to April Best season
8 Nearby places

Find nearby destinations

When to go

High season: December to April

JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC

Best months for lower-cost travel: May · September · October

Weather

Autumn

September to November

Spring

March to May

Summer

June to August

Winter

December to February

How to get there

How to Reach Mataquescuintla in Guatemala

Mataquescuintla is a charming town located in the Jalapa department of Guatemala. If you are planning a visit to this beautiful destination, here are a few ways to reach Mataquescuintla:

By Air:

The nearest international airport to Mataquescuintla is La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City. From there, you can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mataquescuintla. The journey by road takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the traffic and road conditions.

By Bus:

Mataquescuintla is well-connected by bus services from various cities in Guatemala. You can catch a bus from Guatemala City, Antigua, or other major towns. The bus journey offers stunning views of the countryside, and it is an affordable and convenient option for travelers.

By Car:

If you prefer driving, you can rent a car from Guatemala City and take the CA-1 highway towards Escuintla. From Escuintla, continue on the CA-9 highway towards Santa Rosa. Mataquescuintla is located approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Santa Rosa. The roads are generally in good condition, but it is advisable to check for any travel advisories or road closures before your journey.

By Shuttle Service:

Another option to reach Mataquescuintla is by using shuttle services. Several tour operators and transportation companies offer shuttle services from Guatemala City or Antigua directly to Mataquescuintla. This option provides a hassle-free and comfortable journey to the town.

Once you arrive in Mataquescuintla, you will be greeted by its picturesque landscapes, friendly locals, and the opportunity to explore various attractions like the San Pedro Church, the central park, and nearby natural wonders.

Getting to know Mataquescuintla

Mataquescuintla is a small town located in the Jalapa department of Guatemala. Situated in the southeastern region of the country, Mataquescuintla is nestled in the beautiful mountainous landscape of the Sierra de las Minas. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, providing a picturesque setting for both residents and visitors alike.

Known for its rich cultural heritage, Mataquescuintla offers a glimpse into Guatemala's indigenous traditions. The local population consists mainly of indigenous people from the Xinca ethnic group, who have inhabited the area for centuries. Visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant indigenous culture by exploring the town's traditional markets, where local artisans sell their handcrafted textiles and pottery.

In addition to its cultural significance, Mataquescuintla is also recognized for its natural beauty. The town is blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including several rivers and waterfalls that dot the surrounding landscape. One of the most popular attractions is the stunning Las Tres Cascadas, a series of three waterfalls that cascade down the mountainside, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

For nature enthusiasts, Mataquescuintla offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities. The surrounding area is home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a perfect destination for hiking and birdwatching. The nearby Sierra de las Minas Biosphere Reserve is a haven for wildlife, with numerous species of birds, mammals, and reptiles inhabiting its forests.

Pre-trip checklist

Compiled from local tips, stay length, and season notes.

Local tips

  • Try the local cuisine, especially the traditional dishes
  • Carry insect repellent for outdoor activities
  • Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals
  • Respect the local customs and traditions
  • Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun

Places worth exploring

6 places mapped for this destination

0–1
1–3
3–8
8–20
20+

Walking loops

Evening strolls, half-days, and fuller day loops — clustered by proximity.

Suggested 3-day outline

Places ordered by proximity into day buckets. Add what you like to your trip.

Frequently asked questions

Answers compiled from stay length, season, and local tips for this guide.

How many days do you need in Mataquescuintla?

Most travelers spend about 3-5 days in Mataquescuintla, Guatemala.

When is the best time to visit Mataquescuintla?

High season is typically December to April.

Which months are more budget-friendly in Mataquescuintla?

Travelers often find better value in May, September, October.

What kind of trip is Mataquescuintla good for?

Mataquescuintla suits Exploring Mayan ruins, Hiking in the mountains, Visiting coffee plantations, Exploring local markets.

Is Mataquescuintla walkable?

Walkable and compact — many sights sit close together.

Any local tips for Mataquescuintla?

Try the local cuisine, especially the traditional dishes

Build your trip

Add Mataquescuintla and the places you want to see — your itinerary stays on this device.

Compare with another place Multi-city routes

Multi-city ideas

Nearby combinations sharing travel styles. See all routes

  • Mataquescuintla → San Carlos Alzatate → Monjas, Guatemala · ≈34 km
  • Mataquescuintla → Casillas → Nueva Santa Rosa, Guatemala · ≈19 km
  • Mataquescuintla → San Rafael Las Flores → San Carlos Alzatate · ≈19 km

Same vibe

Destinations sharing travel styles, stay length, or region.

Explore nearby

Nearby places worth adding to your trip

San Rafael Las Flores

Guatemala

5.9 km · Best: November to April · 5-7 days days · Compact

San Rafael Las Flores is a small municipality located in the department of Santa Rosa, Guatemala. Situated in the southern part of the coun…

Casillas

Guatemala

14 km · Best: November to April · 5-7 days days · Compact

Casillas is a small town located in Guatemala. It is situated in the municipality of Santa Rosa, which is part of the department of Santa R…

San Carlos Alzatate

Guatemala

14 km · Best: December to February · 5-7 days · Compact

San Carlos Alzatate is a small town located in the Chiquimula Department of Guatemala. Situated in the southeastern part of the country, it…

Nueva Santa Rosa

Mexico

19 km · Best: December to April · 5-7 days days · Moderate

Nueva Santa Rosa, Mexico is a small town located in the state of Chiapas. Situated in the southern part of the country, it is known for its…

Nueva Santa Rosa, Guatemala

Guatemala

19 km · Best: November to April · 5-7 days days · Moderate

Nueva Santa Rosa is a small town located in the Santa Rosa Department of Guatemala. It is situated in the southwestern part of the country,…

Santa Rosa De Lima

Guatemala

20 km · Best: November to April · 5-7 days days · Compact

Santa Rosa De Lima is a vibrant and picturesque town nestled in the heart of Guatemala. Located in the department of Santa Rosa, this charm…

San Jose Pinula

Guatemala

24 km · Best: March to May, November to December · 5-7 days days · Compact

San Jose Pinula is a municipality located in the department of Guatemala in the Central American country of Guatemala. Known for its breath…

Jalapa

Guatemala

24 km · Best: November to April · 3-5 days days · Spread

Jalapa is a picturesque city located in the eastern highlands of Guatemala. Situated at an altitude of 1,646 meters above sea level, this c…