Things To Do
in Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas
Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas is a small highland town in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, surrounded by green hills and coffee fincas. It serves as a gateway to the region's natural wonders, including rivers, caves, and lush cloud forests. The climate is mild and breezy, with cool mornings and pleasant evenings typical of Guatemala's highlands.
The community blends Indigenous Q'eqchi' traditions with a warm, welcoming Ladino influence, making it a memorable stop for travelers seeking authentic Guatemalan experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh fruits and traditional Guatemalan dishes. Afterward, stroll through the vibrant streets of the Historic Center, admiring the colonial architecture and colorful facades. Visit the stunning San Francisco Church, where you can appreciate the intricate details and learn about its historical significance.
In the afternoon, grab a bite at the bustling market, sampling local street food such as tamales and pupusas. Visit the Casa de la Cultura, where you can explore exhibits on the rich history and culture of the region. Take time to relax in the nearby central plaza, watching local life unfold and perhaps engaging with friendly locals.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner at a restaurant offering traditional Guatemalan cuisine, perhaps trying a local favorite like pepián. After dinner, consider attending a cultural performance showcasing local music and dance, immersing yourself in the vibrant traditions of the area. End your evening with a stroll through the illuminated streets, taking in the charm of Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas at night.
Begin your day with an early breakfast before heading out to a nearby coffee farm nestled in the lush hills. Participate in a guided tour where you’ll learn about the coffee cultivation process, from seed to cup. Engage with local farmers and get hands-on experience picking ripe coffee cherries if the season allows.
After the tour, enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Have lunch at the farm, featuring regional dishes made from local ingredients, enhancing your connection to the culture. Spend the afternoon exploring the plantation trails, observing the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this biodiverse region.
Return to Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas and unwind at a cozy café, reflecting on your day over a dessert made with local ingredients. As night falls, consider visiting a local bar where you can enjoy live music and mingle with residents. Allow the rhythms of Guatemalan music to enchant you as you soak in the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee shop drink | $2-4 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $3-6 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel per night | $14-40 |
| 🧳Souvenir or crafts | $3-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and authentic highland culture
- Access to coffee culture and natural wonders
- Limited nightlife and infrastructure
- Long travel times to major sites and weather can affect roads
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does this cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas
Visit one of these nice places.
The central plaza is framed by a rustic church, colorful market stalls, and traditional architecture—great for everyday life photography.
A short hike or ride to a hilltop offers panoramic views of green valleys, coffee fincas, and the town below.
A guided finca with terraces provides opportunities for portraits among coffee plants and misty mornings.
Short trips to river edges and nearby cave entrances offer dramatic light and natural textures for landscape and adventure photography.
Food in Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas
Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A dense, spicy sauce made with roasted peppers, sesame seeds, and spices over meat, typically served with rice and tortillas. Found in most traditional restaurants and markets.
Must-Try!
A green chicken or pork stew flavored with cilantro, tomatillo, and achiote paste, usually served with rice and tortillas.
A turkey-based red soup with a deep, aromatic chili flavor, commonly found in regional eateries and at festive gatherings.
Steamed masa with fillings such as meat, vegetables, or beans, wrapped in plantain leaves or corn husks; widely available at markets and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively central market where locals shop for produce, herbs, and prepared foods; great for trying tamales, empanadas, and fresh fruit.
Small stalls offering elotes, tostadas, sopaipillas, and fresh fruit juices along the main streets in the evenings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite hello or handshake; address elders with courtesy. Ask before photographing people, especially children.
Dress modestly in public spaces and during religious visits; removing hats inside churches is respectful.
Spanish is widely spoken; some Indigenous communities speak Q'eqchi'. A few phrases in Spanish go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is common if not included. Small tips to guides or drivers are appreciated.
Cash in GTQ is preferred in town; some places accept USD or card for larger establishments, but cash is safer for markets and street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry and sunny days are common; great for outdoor activities, but early mornings can be chilly and evenings cool. Pack light layers and sunscreen.
May through October brings afternoon showers and vibrant scenery; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear, and plan travel with extra time for slippery roads.
Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas at Night
Hiking in Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic turquoise pools and a forested gorge; a longer hike connects viewpoints and swimming holes.
Spectacular cave systems with stalactites and underground chambers; a mix of cave exploration and scenic trails.
Gentle to moderately challenging trails with birdwatching opportunities and panoramic valley views.
Airports
How to reach Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas by plane.
Guatemala City’s main international gateway; typically used for international arrivals and as a connecting hub to domestic flights.
A small domestic airport serving the Alta Verapaz region; most travelers reach Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas by road from Cobán.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Ladino and Indigenous communities; Q'eqchi' Maya are a significant presence in the area, contributing to the culture, language, and crafts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; you’ll see local teams and street games in towns across Alta Verapaz.
Common in schools and community centers; often played in local leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy beans, rice, fresh vegetables, and cheese-filled dishes; ask for sides of tortillas, plantains, and local salads; many places can adapt soups and stews to omit meat.