Guatemala, November 18, 2022. After meeting the established criteria to become a "Picturesque Town," the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) officially awarded the municipality of Estanzuela the distinction, making it the first picturesque town in the country.

The "Picturesque Towns" program is driven by INGUAT with the aim of contributing to the preservation of heritage as well as the development and diversification of the tourism offer.

After conducting the necessary research, relevant characteristics and initiatives were established that allowed the nomination of 9 towns to receive the "Picturesque Town" distinction. These are: Isla de Flores, Petén; San Juan del Obispo, La Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez; Zacapa city; Estanzuela, Zacapa; Livingston, Izabal; San Cristóbal, Totonicapán; Quetzaltenango city; Salcajá, Quetzaltenango; and Santa Catarina Palopó, Sololá.

Guatemala, March 1, 2023. After outlining the planned actions according to the roadmap established by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute – INGUAT, and in accordance with the fulfillment of the necessary criteria to become a "Picturesque Town," today Isla de Flores received the distinction that officially recognizes its appointment.

This program is driven by INGUAT and seeks to enhance, conserve, and revitalize historical centers, ensembles, and towns with significant natural and cultural characteristics.

It is important to highlight that a picturesque town, in addition to fulfilling its visual appeal, must also have the commitment of local authorities and civil society, addressing certain established criteria, including: cleanliness, reorganization of traffic circulation, landscaping of green areas, signage regulations and their implementation, as well as having a tourist safety program, among others.

Initially, the program involved the nomination of nine towns with relevant characteristics and initiatives that allowed them to be considered as "Picturesque Towns," these are: San Juan del Obispo in La Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez; Livingston in Izabal; San Cristóbal Totonicapán; the city of Quetzaltenango; Salcajá, Quetzaltenango; Santa Catarina Palopó in Sololá; the city of Zacapa; Estanzuela, Zacapa; and Isla de Flores in Petén. The last two have successfully obtained the recognition as Picturesque Towns of Guatemala.

In September 2023, the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT) awarded the "San Juan del Obispo" auxiliary municipality the distinction that officially recognizes it as a picturesque town, thus contributing to the strengthening of the conservation of historical and architectural heritage and to the diversification of the country's tourism offer.

In October 2020, the Municipality of Santa Catarina Palopó expressed its acceptance and commitment to the "Pueblos Pintorescos" Program initiative, promoted by the Guatemalan Tourism Institute (INGUAT), and showed interest in beginning the evaluation process. A sign was placed and unveiled next to the public pier, marking the prioritized location.

The municipality, located in the Department of Sololá, 138 kilometers from the capital city, is characterized by its location in the eastern part of the department, covering a territorial area of approximately 8 square kilometers. It is nestled in an area that embraces the majestic Lake Atitlán and the pyroclastic fill around the Atitlán caldera, making it one of the 19 municipalities in this department and one of the 12 that surround the lake.

This prestigious recognition is the result of a joint effort and a shared vision between INGUAT and the people of Santa Catarina Palopó. It aims to strengthen identity and belonging, as well as to conserve and revitalize the relevant cultural and natural characteristics of this picturesque municipality.

On November 30, 2023, the "Pueblo Pintoresco" distinction was awarded to the Historic Center of Quetzaltenango. As part of the Historic Center Revitalization project, paint was provided for the Tourist Walk of Calle Real del Calvario. The aim is to restore the façades of both private and municipal buildings along the promenade, with the goal of developing the area as a tourist attraction, while also preserving both tangible and intangible heritage of the city of Quetzaltenango. The promenade covers approximately 9,000 square meters, with hopes that this project will foster a sense of belonging for both the community and institutions.

INGUAT officially handed over the "Pueblo Pintoresco" distinction to the Municipality of Quetzaltenango, recognizing the joint efforts of its community to conserve this charming destination.

This achievement for Xela is not only a result of preserving the site, but also the implementation of sustainable projects that promote local development and celebrate the multicultural diversity characteristic of the region.