San Pedro Sacatepéquez, municipality of San Marcos Department, Guatemala
San Pedro Sacatepéquez is a municipality in San Marcos Department situated on a mountainside with dense green forests and narrow winding streets. The town centers around a colonial-era church with a 16th-century bell from Spain, a main plaza where locals gather daily, and natural features like streams and nearby waterfalls.
The town's origins trace to the early 16th century when Spanish missionary Pedro de Angulo arrived and baptized the local population. Named in honor of the apostle Peter, the name combines Nahuatl words meaning 'grass' and 'hill,' reflecting the terrain. It was officially recognized as a municipality in the 20th century after periods as a smaller administrative unit.
San Pedro Sacatepéquez keeps indigenous traditions alive through festivals like El Pregón, where residents recite stories in the Mam language wearing traditional costumes in the main streets. These gatherings show how local customs are still part of everyday community life.
The town is accessible by the Interamericana highway from Guatemala City and lies in San Marcos Department after passing through several smaller villages. Visitors can explore the narrow streets on foot with ease and should expect cooler air, particularly in early mornings and evenings.
The town was once called Quetzalí, meaning 'Valley of the Emerald,' a name given by Spanish settlers amazed by the surrounding green mountains. Visitors can see ancient stone carvings called monolitos displayed at the town hall, remnants that reveal the long history of the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
