Momostenango – Guatemala’s Western Highlands Part 3: When I Had The Incredible Mayan Town All To Myself!

Getting To Momostenango

Momostenango was a place that I wanted to visit initially, because of its name. At least 90% of the reason, anyway. It sounded intriguing, mysterious, and it wasn’t somewhere I normally heard people talk about in Guatemala.

So after a number of days in Huehuetenango, I packed up my things and headed down to the chicken bus station in Huehue and found one headed towards Momostenango.

There’s absolutely no reason to not use chicken buses in Guatemala, despite their bad reputation. Sure, once in a while it feels more like a roller coaster ride than a bus, but they are how the locals get around, they’re cheap, and it’s always an adventure.

People are always friendly, and willing to help you out if you’re not 100% where to go, or what bus it is.

This ride from Huehuetenango to Momostenango involved two buses.

This first one dropped me off on the highway just at the exit for Momostenango. Ride took just over an hour or so, and was Q30 for the ride. Once I was told to get off there by a friendly passenger, I asked the driver about the next bus to Momo and he just pointed across the street at a smaller school bus and off I went. I hopped on that second bus, and it left shortly thereafter, winding its way through the hills. That was about a half hour to the city, and cost an additional Q7.

It’s a great deal, and if you don’t mind a little bit of thinking and planning, can work out really well. I’ve read other blogs and posts online to avoid them at all costs due to the dangers, but I’ve not personally experienced any issues. I know there’s been some terrible accidents that do happen from time to time with the chicken buses, but I feel that risk is about the same as transportation anywhere these days.

Where To Stay In Momostenango

Once I arrived in Momostenango, I headed over to my hotel to check in, about a 10-15 min walk from where the mini bus had dropped me off. I’d made a reservation via WhatsApp with the Hotel Otoño.

I called them at +502 5700 3205 and spoke with them. They said that the rooms were Q100 per night for double bed or Q125 per night for King Size. I went with the double room.

When I arrived, I was completely blown away by the hotel. Amazing staff, fantastic rooms and in a great location, just a few blocks from the main square.

I ended up staying for four nights, but I really came close to staying longer due to the awesome little town, the affordability of the hotel and the amazing vibe of the city.

The hotel also has a little restaurant inside, which I believe had a room service option. I ate downstairs and had a wonderful cheap breakfast. I believe this entire breakfast came to Q25.

Exploring Momostenango

After that I headed into the downtown to explore the local market and quickly came to realize, I was the only tourist in town.

Wandering the streets over a couple of days, I eventually ran into a local who’d been living in the US for a while and was back home for a visit. He’d told me that I was the only international tourist around, which was kind of neat.

I didn’t “do” a whole lot in Momo, but that’s not really the point. I venture to places like this to enjoy the local hospitality, the culture and the sense of history that oozes from every corner. The city is something like 90% Mayan descent, so everywhere you walk, you hear Mayan used as much or more than Spanish.

Best Coffee In Momostenango

One place I’d like to mention was the amazing coffee shop/pasteleria called Momostipan Cafe. Amazing coffee, lots of baked goods to pick from, and a cool relaxed place to have a coffee and a pastry.

Full Travel Vlog For Momostenango

If you’d like to watch my video on Momostenango in Guatemala, you can check it out here: