National park · Guatemala
Riscos de Momostenango National ParkParque Nacional Riscos de Momostenango
Enter the park for a short hike to the hoodoo rock formations: pay the entry fee (check), drive 30 min from Quetzaltenango or 5 h from Guatemala City, and visit in the dry season (Nov–Apr) to avoid rain.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
1955
Best months
Apr, Nov–Dec
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) giv…
- Central America ↗Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua (CA-4) give one shared entry allowance, usually 90 days in total; leaving for Belize, Costa Rica or Mexico and coming back does not always reset it — check with immigration before a long stay.
- Central America ↗Cross land borders in daylight and early in the day; many posts close or empty of transport by late afternoon, and the approaches are where robberies happen.
- Central America ↗Several borders charge entry, exit or municipal fees in US dollars (Belize exit, Nicaragua entry and exit, Honduras entry); carry small, clean US notes and ask for a receipt.
- Guatemala ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Guatemala's Migration Institute or a Guatemalan consulate. Guatemala shares a Central America border agreement (CA-4) with El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua, so your permitted stay may count across all four.
- Guatemala ↗Hike volcanoes (Acatenango, Pacaya) only with registered guides and check eruption alerts; Fuego is highly active.
- Guatemala ↗Avoid public chicken buses between cities: they are frequent targets of robbery. Use tourist shuttles or private transport.
- Western Highlands ↗Acclimatise before climbing: Quetzaltenango sits around 2,330 m; rushing the streets on arrival is tiring.
- Western Highlands ↗Tourist shuttles run Antigua–Panajachel–Quetzaltenango; chicken buses are cheaper and slower.
- Western Highlands ↗Avoid unwashed vegetables and restaurant lettuce; peel fruit and drink bottled or treated water.
At a glance
- Country
- Guatemala
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- Approximate; the park covers only a few hectares of rock formations (check).
- Established
- 1955
- Best months
- Apr, Nov–Dec
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Quetzaltenango
Riscos de Momostenango National Park protects a small area of striking hoodoo rock formations in Guatemala's Western Highlands, where Maya cultural traditions continue alongside natural scenery.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1955.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 1955
Approximate; the park covers only a few hectares of rock formations (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Quetzaltenango.
Why go
- See the distinctive hoodoo rock formations that rise like stone spires.
- Experience a site of ongoing Maya spiritual ceremonies.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprBest
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool
- FebDry, cool
- MarDry, warming
- AprDry, pleasant
- MayStart of rainy season
- JunRainy, trails slick
- JulRainy, possible closures
- AugRainy, mud
- SepRainy, occasional sun
- OctTransition to dry
- NovDry, clear
- DecDry, cool
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local bird species (e.g., tanagers, hummingbirds)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Quetzaltenango
Drive northeast on CA‑1 for about 40 km (25 mi) to Momostenango; park gate is on the east side of town.Drive northeast on CA‑1 for about 25 mi (40 km) to Momostenango; park gate is on the east side of town.
30 min
Open the page →
From Guatemala City
Take the Pan‑American Highway south to Quetzaltenango (≈5 h), then continue to Momostenango.
5 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Park entrance / visitor centre | Gate, information board and short trail to the rock formations. | Open with entry ticket. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata for the town centre; park features are within a few hundred metres.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | GTQ 30 | person | Official fee (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Not required for the short formation walk, but recommended for cultural interpretation.
- Camping
- Not allowed inside the park; stay in Momostenango town.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish; bins are limited.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited.
Where to stay
Near the park
Otoño Hotel
Moderate hotel in Momostenango town, 5 min walk to the park gate.
Safety
Heat medium
Rainfall on trails medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Short, flat trail to the formations; wheelchair access limited by uneven ground.
Visiting lightly
- Respect Maya ceremonies; do not disturb or photograph rituals without permission.
- Stay on marked paths to protect the fragile rock formations.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Riscos de Momostenango National Park?
The entry fee is about Q30 per person (check official source).
What are the best hikes in Riscos de Momostenango National Park?
A short 1–2 hour walk to the hoodoo rock formations is the main trail; it is easy and suitable for all visitors.
When is the best time to visit Riscos de Momostenango National Park?
Visit in the dry season, November to April, for clear weather and dry trails.
Can I stay overnight inside the park?
Camping is prohibited; stay in Momostenango town (e.g., Otoño Hotel).
Are guided tours required?
Guides are not required for the short formation walk, but a local guide can enhance cultural understanding.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Riscos de Momostenango National Park
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