Guatemala Rock Climbing

Canton Chicua is a small town in Xela that is mainly dedicated to planting and receiving believers from all over the country who climb the hill daily to perform rituals and prayers. 

Quetzaltenango is a very nice city that offers different activities such as climbing nearby volcanoes like Chicabal or 7 orejas. You can also go to the hot springs Georginas, visit the Pasaje Enriquez and have a beer or a pizza.

Weather

Quetzaltenango is one of the coldest cities in Guatemala, with a temperate sub-humid mountain climate. The daily maximum is usually reached around noon. The city is fairly dry, except during the rainy season from mid-May to mid-November. The rainiest months are June and September. The coldest months are from November to February with minimum temperatures of 4º C and maximum temperatures of 22º.  

Access to the hill is free and you must follow the same path that the locals take to go up to pray. It will be very easy to find the way, since throughout the year and every day you will find believers climbing the hill with their families. 

The hike is quite steep on a well marked trail, about 20 minutes. You will reach the highest point and you will see a very imposing rock wall where you can take the path to the left or right depending on the routes you want to take. To your right are all the routes of the corridor and to your left the famous "Chocolatadas". 

Climbing equipment

You will need a 70 meter rope for the longer routes and 20 quickdraws. Do not forget to wear a helmet and tie a knot at the end of the rope. There are some routes that you can do in trad if you bring equipment.

Recommendations 

Take with you enough water, sunglasses, sunscreen and warm clothes because it is usually very cold on the mountain. 

Do not throw garbage!

Dangers 

Rock climbing is a high-risk sport that can lead to serious injuries and even death. In order to access the climbing routes the following is necessary: Specialized equipment in good condition for rock climbing.

Knowledge of belaying, anchors, knots and rappel of some of the people visiting the area. 

Helmet and belay equipment. 

In Quetzaltenango you can find a hostel or Airbnb near the Historic Center which is about a 10 min drive

 to Canton Chicua. You can also camp at Cerro Quemado without any problem, as it is a very safe place where even many believers stay overnight. 

The nights can be quite cold if you camp, so be sure to bring a good tent and sleeping bag.