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Querétaro

Querétaro is a city in central Mexico, it is capital of the state of Querétaro. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the city is notable for the many ornate civil and religious Baroque monuments from its golden age in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Understand
The city's full name is "Santiago de Querétaro", and although it is spelled out fully on the doors of every taxi in the city, nobody uses the full name in conversation.

The city is a strong business and economic center and a vigorous service center that has experienced high levels of migration from other parts of Mexico. The city is grow fast because of IT and data centers, logistics services, aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, call centers, the automotive and machinery industries, and the production of chemicals and food products. The region of Querétaro has a rapidly growing vineyards agriculture and hosts Freixenet, a wine producer from Spain. Wine production in Querétaro is the second largest in Mexico after that of the Baja California region.

Major international corporations in the aerospace, electronics, automotive, chemical, food, and financial areas have their national headquarters in Querétaro.

Get in
Querétaro is northwest of Mexico City,  southeast of San Miguel de Allende and  south of San Luis Potosí.

By plane
Aside from TAR, Querétaro is served by Aeroméxico Connect, American Eagle, United Express, VivaAerobus and Volaris.

Ground transportation
Buses operated by Coordinados, a brand of Primera Plus, run between the airport and Querétaro roughly every 1-2 hours. Tickets are M$60 (pesos) and are sold from a dedicated office at the arrivals hall. Tickets may also be purchased online.

By carpooling
You can have a look for shared rides on Blablacar. Prices are approximately as of December 2021: • San Miguel de Allende – M$50 • León – M$160 • San Luis de Petosi – M$190 • Mexico City – M$190

By bus
There are many buses that go to Querétaro from major cities, such as Mexico City or Guadalajara, as well as to/from the Mexico City International Airport direct. Buses are normally inexpensive and some bus lines offer student discounts in either official Mexican holidays or the summer, winter and April vacation period. First class buses often offer movies and can be very comfortable.

It is on the outskirts of the city, and features separate terminals for first-class bus lines and the local and regional second-class lines.

If you come from Mexico City or León and want to take a second-class van to Querétaro: Roll&bits has multiple daily rides for about M$200 (May 2022). Just book your ticket online on their website. The vans have a big trunk for luggage. In Mexico City it departs in front of the "Monument to Gr. Div. Joaquin Amaro" which is at the auditorio and near the bus stop of metro bus line 7 from the city center. In Querétaro the stop at La Comer Estadio. In Google Maps the stop is called "Lateral Queretaro-Mexico y Mega Estadio". In March 2022 it was better to pick a seat in the front half of the van because of better A/C. The vans are marked with "roll&bits" only on the side of the van, but not on the front. So have a look and don't miss your ride.

By car
There is a toll road from Mexico City to Querétaro. It costs about M$166 for an automobile. The drive is about 2 hours, but add another hour for leaving or entering Mexico City.

You can also arrive easily from Leon (2 hr) and the rest of Guanajuato state, San Luis Potosi (2 hr) and Morelia (2 hr).

By foot
The historical center of town is very compact. It's easy to walk around once you get there.

By e-hailing
Uber, Didi and Cabify cover the city.

By bus
Google Maps and Moovit show you connections to your destination.

There are many privately operated buses on the main roads. If you like, you can buy a route book on any newspaper stand.

By taxi
The minimum price for a taxi ride is M$40. Taxis do not have meters. Fares are established by the government and are determined by zone of pick up and zone of drop off, but might change from cab to cab. Try to ask the fare before boarding to make sure there are no misunderstandings.

See
The Centro Histórico (Downtown area) is considered a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, and it includes the Cerro del Sangremal (Hill of Sangremal), crowned by the Convent of the Holy Cross and the flat area on the east that extends into the Cerro de las Campanas (Hill of Bells).

There are also tour trolleys available.

Museums

 * Museo de Arte Sacro
 * Museo de Bichos
 * MAQRO Museo de Arte Queretaro
 * MUCAL Museo del Calendario
 * La Zacatecana
 * Museo de la Magia Pasado
 * Museo el Pendulo

Culture

 * Enjoy a concert of the "Orquestra Filarmónica de Querétaro" the state philharmonic orchestra in the most important theater in the country "Teatro de la República" where the constitution was written, the emperor Maximilian I had a trial, and where the national anthem was first played.
 * Take the "Leyendas" (legends) tour, where people dress like historical characters and explain everything in a very colorful way.
 * Go to the colonial theater "Corral de Comedias" where you eat and enjoy mostly classical comedy plays in a Colonial Style place.

Spectator sports

 * Basketball - a team plays in the Arteaga Stadium in the historic center.
 * Bull fighting: Querétaro has two bullrings, one is considered the third most important in Mexico (Plaza Santa Maria), and the other is considered the most beautiful bullring in Latin America (Juriquilla).
 * Baseball: Queretaro's professional home team is the Conspiradores who are having a new stadium built in the ridiculously inconvenient Rancho Mora area. Baseball is a fun evening anywhere, but frankly, there are 19 LMB teams in Mexico with more mature teams and better stadiums.
 * Baseball: Queretaro's professional home team is the Conspiradores who are having a new stadium built in the ridiculously inconvenient Rancho Mora area. Baseball is a fun evening anywhere, but frankly, there are 19 LMB teams in Mexico with more mature teams and better stadiums.

Participant sports

 * Get out and do some sports you can go to the public parks. Play some paintball (or known in Mexico as gotcha) scenery or speedball with turf at Evolution Paintball Field located between Jurica and Juriquilla.
 * In December be sure to visit the "Feria Internacional Querétaro" is an international Cattle Fair, that has more than a million visitors from all over the world, it has rides, a palenque (cock fights and concerts), free concerts of famous Mexican pop stars and many other things.

Buy
In the south-west of the center are ATMs of BanCoppel (24/7), BanBajío and Banco Azteca (inside the elektra store). In the north of the center are Banca Mifel and citibanamex ATMs. Santander ATMs are available throughout the center.

For buying groceries, there are Oxxos and minimarkets. In the centro is the with a bigger variety of products.

In the historical center you will find lots of tourist souvenirs and handcrafts.
 * Galerías Querétaro - Exclusive Liverpool department store, Sanborn's, Sears, Martí Sports, Tous, Zara and many other stores.
 * Plaza del Parque - Shopping center with a Comercial Mexicana (Mexican supermarket), Sanborn's (small department stores where you can find everything), Suburbia (Fashion affordable store) and many more
 * Plaza Boulevares - Shopping and entertainment center with sports club (Sport City), betting club (Yak), Cinemas (Cinemark 12), arcade place, and many stores.
 * Plaza Boulevares - Shopping and entertainment center with sports club (Sport City), betting club (Yak), Cinemas (Cinemark 12), arcade place, and many stores.

Eat
Typical food is the Gordita Queretana. It's round and bigger than usual gorditas. You can find it e.g. in some street food stalls. There it costs M$30 (Jan 2022) filled with meat or cheese. Filled with both it's M$45 (Jan 2022).

in the city center:
. They are open daily in the afternoon and evening. One stall has a big variety of what you want on your taco. On Friday to Sunday in the afternoon and evening there is also a stall serving Gorditas Queretanas.

In the center:
The budget eats are along the street C. Corregidora around the Hotel San Francisco.

 * Los Compadres, Calle 16 de Septiembre 46 - Excellent Mexican food. The "Rico Pozole" is very good.
 * Los Compadres, Calle 16 de Septiembre 46 - Excellent Mexican food. The "Rico Pozole" is very good.
 * Los Compadres, Calle 16 de Septiembre 46 - Excellent Mexican food. The "Rico Pozole" is very good.

Mid-range

 * La Mariposa - Great traditional food and antojitos prepared the old style. Downtown(Coordenates: 20.594565,-100.392535). Suggestions: "Pan de Queso", "Pozole", "Tamales"(spicy and sweet), atole, ice cream and shakes of "Mantecado", "nieve de limon", "Dulce de Membrillo", "Jamoncillos", "Enchiladas Rojas"(also known nowadays as "Enchiladas Queretanas"), "Enchiladas Suizas".

 * Che Che - Great seafood and ceviche (raw fish "cooked" in lemon juice). The main dishes are very big -- plan to share with a friend. The appetizers are very tasty -- a meal in themselves.

Drink
Querétaro has many nightlife districts where you can enjoy all kind of music and people, everything for everybody.

 * Wicklow - Irish pub located downtown with various kind of beers
 * Chava Invita - Classical "Cantina" founded in 1940s where you can take drinks and the food is free.

Budget
The budget sleeps are in the centro in Calle Juarez between Av. Reforma and Av. Zaragoza. Some of them are incredibly basic.

Mid-range and splurge

 * La Casa de la Marquesa - The mansion of the Marquis has been turned into a luxury hotel.
 * Doña Urraca - Old Spanish mansion turned into a hotel and spa, very expensive and elegant.
 * Fiesta Inn - Chain hotel, located far outside the downtown.
 * Fiesta Americana - Hotel beside the Plaza Boulevares mall.
 * Holiday Inn Diamante - The best view of the city, it is on a hill far from the city center/downtown.
 * Plaza Camelinas - Large hotel with enormous character. Location next to highway can be loud.
 * Flamingo Inn - Modest motor court style hotel, clean rooms, excellent choice for the motorist on a budget.
 * Plaza Camelinas - Large hotel with enormous character. Location next to highway can be loud.
 * Flamingo Inn - Modest motor court style hotel, clean rooms, excellent choice for the motorist on a budget.
 * Flamingo Inn - Modest motor court style hotel, clean rooms, excellent choice for the motorist on a budget.

Learn
Querétaro has one of the fastest growing foreign populations in Mexico, and the need to learn Spanish is growing.

Go next

 * Bernal – 60 km
 * Tequisquiapan – 60 km
 * Ranas – 50 km
 * San Miguel de Allende – 70 km.
 * Mexico City

title: Querétaro


text:
Querétaro (state)

Queretaro is a state in the Bajío region of Mexico. It has rugged mountainous terrain and a richly storied colonial past with silver mining cities and cultural treasures.

Cities

 * - state capital with rich colonial history, travel hub for the region
 * - scenic colonial town with local Otomi traditions, a hub for outdoor activities like camping, mountain biking, and hiking
 * - scenic small town famous for its monolithic mountain, a designated "Pueblo Magico"
 * - charming small town with a delightful botanical garden, a designated "Pueblo Magico"
 * - center of Queretaro's young but growing wine industry
 * - scenic small town in the heart of the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, home of two historic Franciscan missions that are part of a UNESCO world heritage site
 * - rural small town in the Sierra Gorda mountains, surrounded by forests, a traditional mining town
 * - visit nearby waterfalls and Ranas archaeological site, a 2000 year old "lost city"
 * - second largest city in state, historic point on Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, charming downtown
 * - pretty town to visit, home of annual wine and cheese festival, a designated "Pueblo Magico"

Other destinations

 * - The national park surrounds a 2400 meter mountain topped by television and radio antennas. Protected natural area with dry scrubland terrain, lots of cacti and low-lying shrubs. Good hiking and views of Queretaro. The park is located on Carretera Querétaro-Huimilpan KM10, about 15 minutes by taxi from downtown Queretaro.
 * - UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the mountains of eastern Queretaro

Itineraries

 * - The colonial era silver mining route from Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico crosses the state of Queretaro and includes the city of Queretaro and the town of San Juan del Rio.
 * - Follow the path of Franciscan missionaries to the five 18th century missions that constitute a.

Understand
The state is one of the smallest in Mexico, but it is also one of the most heterogeneous geographically, with ecosystems varying from deserts to tropical rainforest, especially in the Sierra Gorda, which is filled with microecosystems.

Get in
Querétaro Intercontinental Airport.

The highway system centers on the capital and connects the state with Mexico City, Guadalajara, Ciudad Valles and north to Ciudad Juárez and the United States.

The capital is home to the state’s largest public bus terminal called the Terminal de Autobuses de Querétaro. This station is a transfer point for many who travel north or south in the country. Other major terminals exist in Colón, Tequisquiapan, Jalpan de Serra, San Juan del Río, Cadereyta and Amealco de Bonfil.

Get around
Bus service in Queretaro is excellent. Cities and towns throughout the region are served by a network of first-class and second-class (local) buses, most connecting via the Terminal Autobuses de Queretaro.

See
The Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

There are two areas declared as historic monuments by the Mexican federal government, the historic center of Querétaro and the historic center of San Juan del Río. The historic center of Querétaro has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Most historic and cultural attractions are located in the capital. Museums include the Museo de Arte de Querétaro, the Museo Regional de Querétaro, the Museo de la Ciudad, the Museo del Sitio de Querétaro and Museo de la Matemática. Outside of the capital, there are the Museo Histórico de la Sierra Gorda, Museo Arqueológico y Minero de la Sierra and the Museo de la Muerte in San Juan del Río. Another major attraction is its 74-arched aqueduct built in the early 1700s. The aqueduct rises 23 meters (75 ft) above street level and conveyed drinking water to the city from regional springs until 1970.

Querétaro has six Pueblos Mágicos, including San Sebastián Bernal. It is best known as the home of the Peña de Bernal, the third largest monolith in the world after the Rock of Gibraltar and Sugarloaf Mountain in Río de Janeiro. Many colonial structures in the town of sandstone have survived. Tequisquiapan is a charming colonial town with cobblestone streets and a well-known wine and cheese festival.

Archaeology
Las Ranas and Toluquilla are two sites near each other in the southwest of the Sierra Gorda, about 90 km northwest of Tequisquiapan, in San Joaquín. Significant buildings include various temples and five Mesoamerican ball courts. They date from 200-1000 CE.

El Quirambal is in the Sierra Gorda between Pinal de Amoles and Jalpan de Serra, in the small community of San Juan. The ruins lie top of a hill and date from 800-1200CE. One important structure is a Mesoamerican ball court which measures 40 by 20 meters. On one side of this court, there is a temple with a pyramid base 14 meters long and 6 meters high. All along this flat topped hill, there are structures such as pyramid bases and dwellings and semi circular structures whose purpose has not been determined. The area was inhabited as early as 200 CE and stayed there until it was abandoned in 1200CE.

El Cerrito is located in the municipality of Corregidora, 10 minutes from the historic center of the municipal seat. Only part of the site is open to visitors, which focuses on the El Cerrito pyramid, which is illuminated on certain occasions. This pyramid’s dimensions are similar to that of the Pyramid of the Moon in Teotihuacan. This is one of the main tourist attractions of the area.

La Campana archeological site has been sacked and severely damaged. The site is the most important in the northwest of the state, corresponding to the Huasteca culture dating from the year 600 CE. The site was discovered in the mid 20th century, but has not been excavated due to the lack of funds. It contains 160 structures including platforms, plazas, patios, and more.

Do
Most traditional festivals are tied to the Catholic religion, with some of the most important being La Candelaria (Candlemas), Holy Week and Day of the Dead. Locally important are the myriad of festivals to patron saints of towns, villages and municipalities. In addition, civic and economic festivals and fairs include celebrations of the founding of the various cities, regional fairs in Cadereyta, El Marqués, Jalpan de Serra and others to showcase local products and culture.

One of the state's largest festivals is the annual Feria del Queso y el Vino (Cheese and Wine Fair), held at the end of May and beginning of June in the beautiful small town of Tequisquiapan.

In the mountain village of San Joaquín in April is the Concurso Nacional de Huapango Huasteco (National Huasteca Huapango Contest). This event attracts thousands of visitors and participants each year, as it is the most important Huapango contests in the country.

The founding of the city of Querétaro is celebrated in July with various cultural and gastronomic events. Conchero dancers go in procession to the La Cruz Church to commemorate the appearance of Saint James.

Buy
Handcrafts produced in the state include baskets, textiles, metal objects, pottery and items made from wood, leather and paper. Basket making is common in many parts of the state, and similar fibers are also used to create hats, decorative items and more made from various materials such as reed, willow branches and palm fronds.

Eat
The cooking of the Sierra Gorda region is strongly influenced by the Huasteca cuisine of neighboring Hidalgo and San Luis Potosí states. One notable dish is sacahuil, which is a large tamal wrapped in the leaves of a plant called a papatla. This dish is most prevalent in Landa de Matamoros and Jalpan de Serra. During festivals in San Miguel Tolimán, the main dish is chickpeas with saffron accompanied by tortillas in a number of colors. In Peñamiller, they celebrate with goat meat, accompanied by pulque. Another common dish in this areas is a variety of tostadas called arriero (donkey handler). Simichol is a fermented corn drink prepared in Santiago Mexquititlán. In San Joaquín, the drink is called charape, made with piloncillo. In this and other central municipalities, gorditas de migajas (literally crumb gorditas) is a common dish.

Traditional food products include a candy made of guava fruit and sugar, jams, and sweets made from pulque, milk candies from Bernal, a hard bread called mezquitamal, which is made by the Otomis, and various types of mole sauces made in Amealco. In the Sierra Gorda area, gorditas can be prepared with sugar, cheese, and piloncillo. The zacahuil, a large type of tamale, is filled with chicken, turkey or pork with dried chili pepper. A number of insects are used, especially in indigenous dishes such as tantárreas (ants from a type of mesquite tree) and escamoles, often cooked with cactus flowers. One native beverage, called mejengue, made with piloncillo (a type of sugar derived from the cane plant), banana, pulque and corn.

Drink
The state promotes its wine and cheeses with a Ruta de Queso y Vino (Wine and Cheese Route). The center of Queretaro's wine country is the town of Ezequiel Montes. The Wine Route includes three major wineries, Freixenet, La Redonda and Los Aztecas, and several smaller wineries, along with various artesanal cheese producing facilities and some small towns chosen for their charm, such as Tequisquiapan and Bernal. There is also a Cheese and Wine Museum. At the wineries, one can observe how the product is made, which includes both sparkling and normal wines. The cheese producers make their products from goat, cow and sheep milk, and in the two villages, one can enjoy both wine and cheese at the same time. At the end of July and the beginning of August, there is the first harvest, called the Vendimia. At the end of May and beginning of June, Tequisquiapan hosts the National Cheese and Wine Fair. The Feria del Queso y el Vino (Cheese and Wine Fair) is held at the end of may and beginning of June in Tequisquiapan featuring wine producers from various parts of the world in addition to the local products. Grape harvest festivals are held at Freixenet and La Redonda at the end of June.

Stay safe
Queretaro is generally a safe state to travel in. There are no special problems related to driving in the countryside. Normal precautions are always wise.

Go next

 * San Miguel de Allende
 * Zimapán
 * Guanajuato
 * San Luis Potosi

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Querétaro (state)


text:
Quesada

Ciudad Quesada is a city in the North Zone of Costa Rica. It is the capital city of the canton San Carlos in the province of Alajuela. Although Ciudad Quesada is the official name, it is commonly called San Carlos.

The city is one of the region’s main trading and business centers. It is a rapidly growing and a vivid city untouched by tourism. The city itself does not have tourist attractions but there are several hot springs in the area, some of which have developed into resorts more popular with Costa Ricans than foreign tourists.

By bus
Quesada has frequent bus connections from, for example, San José and La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano). The bus terminal is located by Plaza San Carlos about 1 km north from city center. To get to the center, get a cab for about ₡800 (colones) or walk. To reach the center by foot, walk through the shopping center (to east), then up the hill to the first crossing street, turn right (to south) and walk about 800 meters.

Get around
The city center is small enough to cover by foot. Bus network is quite good but of course requires that you have some knowledge about the surroundings.

See
Attractions are located outside the city. There are not many (or possibly none) tour operators or tourists information centers.

Buy
There are plenty of stores in the city center. Mostly selling local stuff, but some international brands can be found as well.

Eat
There are a lot of restaurants in the center of Quesada, mostly serving typical Costa Rican dishes. If you feel like having something you're eating at home as well, at least Pizza Hut and KFC can be found.

Drink
As in most places in Costa Rica, there are not many places that are just bars - usually they're also restaurants.

Sleep
As the city itself is not a tourist attraction, hotels are pretty scarce.

Up Range

 * Hotel El Tucano Costa Rica

Go next

 * San José — Capital of Costa Rica
 * La Fortuna — City where most people going to Arenal Volcano stay in.

title: Quesada


text:
Quesnel

Quesnel (pronounced kwinnel) is a city of about 12,000 people (2016) in the Cariboo region of British Columbia on the bank of the Fraser River. The town got its start via its location on the Cariboo Wagon Road which transported thousands of prospectors seeking their fortunes during the Cariboo Gold Rush. Today the city is supported by the forestry industry.

Understand
Quesnel is at the confluence of the Fraser and Quesnel Rivers.

History
Long before the arrival of prospectors during the Cariboo Gold Rush of 1862, the Southern Carrier (Dakelh) people lived off the land around Quesnel, occupying the area from the Bowron Lakes in the east to the upper Blackwater and Dean Rivers in the west. The Southern Carrier Nation were known among themselves as ‘Uda Ukelh’, meaning ‘people who travel by boat on water early in the morning’. The name "Quesnel" is derived from Jules Maurice Quesnel, who accompanied Simon Fraser on his journey to the Pacific Ocean. Quesnel came to be called 'Quesnellemouth' to distinguish it from 'Quesnel Forks', 97 km (60 mi) up river. In 1870 it had been shortened to Quesnelle and by 1900 it was spelled the way it is now. Quesnel is along the gold mining trail known as the Cariboo Wagon Road and was the commercial centre of the Cariboo Gold Rush. It also marks one end of the Alexander MacKenzie Heritage Trail. Because of its location on the Fraser River it was also an important landing for sternwheelers during 1862 until 1886 and then from 1909 until 1921. The last sternwheeler on the upper Fraser was Quesnel's own namesake craft, and home town product, the Quesnel.

Climate
Quesnel's humid continental climate is very mild by Canadian standards, being subject to marine airflows from the Pacific. Overnight lows are still cool even in summer, but daytime temperatures average above 24 °C (75 °F) in that season.

By car
Quesnel is on provincial Highway 97 320 km north of Cache Creek and 110 km south of Prince George.

It is nearly equidistant between the cities of Prince George and Williams Lake, on the main route to northern British Columbia and Yukon.

Airlines
Airlines operating to Quesnel:

By train

 * The Rocky Mountaineer train travels through and stops overnight in Quesnel, coming from North Vancouver and Whistler on is way to Jasper.

Go next

 * Barkerville, a ghost town and National Historic Site, which appears as it did during its heyday during 1860s, when it was the main town of the Cariboo Gold Rush. The only road in is from Quesnel.

title: Quesnel


text:
Quetico Provincial Park

Quetico Provincial Park is a vast wilderness area in northern Ontario, adjoining Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area. It is famous for its array of small- to medium-sized lakes and the wildlife they provide a home for.

Understand
It is known for its excellent canoeing and fishing. This 4,760-km² (1,180,000-acre) park shares its southern border with Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which is part of the larger Superior National Forest. These large wilderness parks are often collectively referred to as the Boundary Waters or the Quetico-Superior Country.

The Dawson Trail Heritage Pavillion contains exhibits about the past of Quetico. Downstairs, the John B. Ridley Research Library, which is open the public, provides resources for the study of biology, geology, history, culture, archaeology, and wilderness management of Quetico and environs. The collection includes books, articles, pamphlets, maps, slides, photographs, and oral history tapes. There are also index card files on topics such as chronological history, biography, lake names and birds.

History
In 1909, the Government of Ontario established the Quetico Forest Reserve. Early the same year, the United States federal government established the adjacent Superior National Forest and Superior Game Refuge, which eventually became the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Quetico Provincial Park was created by the Ontario Legislature in 1913, but road access wasn't built until 1954.

The creation of the park created a conflict with the Lac La Croix First Nation who had a reserve in the park. In 1915, the province cancelled the band's right to the reserve and relocated the people on the reserve. The grievances of the band were not addressed until 1991 when the Minister of Natural Resources made an apology in the Legislature for the move. Wildman also addressed one of the band's request to allow mechanized boats in the park for the purposes of guiding.

The origin of the park's name is a mystery. Locals say the park is named after the "Quebec Timber Company"; however, no such company existed. The name may also be a version of the French words quête de la côte, which means "search for the coast". It may also be from an Ojibwe name for a benevolent spirit who resides in places of great beauty.

Landscape
Quetico is near the southern edge of the Canadian Shield, an exposed 1600-km expanse of ancient Precambrian rock, some of which is among the oldest exposed rock in the world. The park consists of a large number of "young" lakes (only tens of thousands of years old) contained by this ancient bedrock. Due to its proximity to the Laurentian Divide, the park can be considered to be in the headwaters of the Hudson Bay watershed. This helps to make it, along with the adjacent Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the most popular canoe area in the world. The southern part of the park is drained by the Basswood River, the central and eastern parts of the park by the Maligne River, and the northern part of the park by the Quetico River. All of these rivers flow into the Namakan River west of the park, which then flows into the Rainy River, Winnipeg River, Nelson River and finally into Hudson Bay.

Fauna
Because of Quetico’s strict regulations for keeping the habitat of animals unchanged, there are a wide variety of animals that will be seen during a visit to Quetico. A majority of the animals include small mammals. These small mammals include, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, groundhogs, rabbits, minks, gophers, weasels, and porcupines. Other small animals that live in Quetico are otters, muskrats, beavers, and fishers. Besides small mammals, the wildlife in Quetico makes a perfect home for larger mammals. While visiting, one may see moose, wolves, coyotes, lynxes, bobcats, cougars, white-tailed deer, foxes, and black bears. Due to the risk of bear attacks, it is important to see how to handle bear encounters.

There are also a wide variety of birds living in the park. Some of the common birds seen in Quetico include common loons, bald eagles, herring gulls, Canada geese and red-tailed hawks. Quetico is known for its excellent fishing. The four most popular fish in Quetico’s water are smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and lake trout.

Flora

 * White pine is a common tree in the area, these trees are home to bald eagles and other large birds.
 * Red pines are different from white pines in that the red pine has long clusters of two needles with red bark. The white pine has five soft thin needles.
 * Other trees include cedar, birch, trembling aspen, red osier dogwood.
 * Because of all the wet marsh areas, there are many wetlands in Quetico. Labrador Tea is a shrub that can be found in some of these wetlands. Labrador Tea has a leathery texture with a soft green color. This plant was commonly used by Aboriginal people and voyageurs (Europeans trading by canoe) for tobacco and tea. Bunchberry plants have four or six leaves. The plant has white flowers in the spring and red berries in the summer.

Although there are many plants in the park with berries, it is important to learn which berries are edible before eating them.

Get in

 * From Atikokan: 45 km south on Highway 11B and east on the Trans-Canada Highway to Dawson Trail.
 * From Fort Frances: 185 km east the Trans-Canada Highway to Dawson Trail.
 * From Thunder Bay: 165 km west on the Trans-Canada Highway to Dawson Trail.

Fees and permits
Daily vehicle permit:
 * Regular $11-20
 * Ontario Senior $9.00-16
 * Ontarian with Disabilities $5.50-10

See
Since the most of the park is only accessible by canoe, you are going to have to plan what you want to see ahead of time. There is a number of pictographs throughout the park and a majority can be seen right from your canoe on the water. You will need to purchase a map to help find them.

There are a lot of falls in the park. Louisa Falls is one of the more common destinations for the southern part of the park.

McAree Lake is the most convenient of the four entry points accessible from Lac La Croix. From here, it is only 5 km to Quetico’s interior. Beyond is some of the most beautiful scenery in the Quetico-Superior region. Argo and Crooked Lakes, Curtain Falls, the Siobhan and Darkwater rivers and the pictographs of Darkwater Lake are among the not-too-distant attractions.

Do
Swimming, hiking, wildlife viewing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and picnicking at one of the day-use areas are available at the campgrounds during the summer. The winter months offer groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing and ice-fishing.

Buy
A small Park Store selling Quetico souvenirs can be found at each entry station, and at the Dawson Trail Heritage Pavilion.

Eat and drink
Bring food and drinking water with you from Atikokan or Thunder Bay.

Can-op Quetico Restaurant, Gas & Convenience Store is on the Trans-Canada Highway 5 km west of Dawson Trail.

Backcountry
Quetico is known for its wilderness canoeing. If you plan on going, you need a canoe. The majority of the park is only accessible by a canoe. The backcountry has over 2000 primitive camping spots in some of the most beautiful scenic views in the area. You are limited to a maximum of 9 people in your group and no more than 4 canoes. Since the majority of the park is primitive, you have to plan accordingly. Everything you take in has to be packed out.

There are six access points into the park where you can obtain permits for the backcountry: Cache Bay and Prairie Portage ranger stations for those entering from the United States in Minnesota, Dawson Trail Ranger Station and Atikokan Ranger Station accessible by car in Canada and finally, the Lac La Croix and Beaverhouse stations. For those entering Canada from the United States, you must obtain a Remote Area Border Crossing permit from Canadian immigration or by mail.

Stay safe
As Quetico is a wilderness park there are restrictions that users must be aware of. Group size may not exceed 9 members. Containers of fuel, insect repellent, medicines, personal toilet articles, and other items that are not food or beverage are the only cans or bottles that may be brought into Quetico. It is an offence to possess non-burnable and non-reusable food or beverage containers. Mechanized devices such as power saws, generators, ice augers, or portage wheels are prohibited. It is furthermore illegal to damage live trees and other plants.

Fishing regulations regulations state that only barbless hooks and artificial bait are permitted in the park. "This means that no live or dead organic bait can be used in the park, including but not limited to leeches, worms, and salted minnows." Barbed hooks may be in a tackle box but must not be on the fishing line. Barbed hooks must be pinched before being attached to a fishing line. It is recommended that park users only use lead-free tackle when fishing within the park.

Hunting or molesting wildlife or possession of a firearm or fireworks is not allowed.

Go next

 * Adjacent the southwest corner of Quetico is the Anishinabe community of Lac La Croix. The lac La Croix Park Entry Station is here. This small community hosts a traditional Pow Wow and other public events throughout the summer.

title: Quetico Provincial Park


text:
Quetta

Quetta (Urdu: کوئٹہ, Balochi: کویته, Pashto: کوټه) is the capital of Balochistan province in Pakistan. If you are taking the overland route from Istanbul, Turkey to New Delhi, India without going through Afghanistan you will have to pass through Quetta.

Quetta is an excellent base for exploration of Balochistan. Kan Mehtarzai, which at 2224 m above sea level was the highest railway station in Pakistan until the line closed in 1986, is a two-hour drive away. Loralai, the almond bowl of the country, is 265 km away. Besides, there are numerous other valleys that are fascinating places for explorers.

Understand
The name Quetta is derived from the Pashto word "Kwatta" which means a fort possibly because it is a natural fort surrounded by imposing hills on all sides. Three large craggy mountains — Chiltan, Zarghun and Koh-e-Murdar — seem to brood upon this town, and there are other mountains that form a ring around it. Their copper red and russet rocks and crests are powdered with snow in winters add immense charm to the town.

Strategically, Quetta is an important city due to its proximity to borders with Iran and Afghanistan. There is a huge military base just outside the city. Historically, Quetta owes much of its importance to the Bolan Pass which links it to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Excavations in the Quetta valley have proved that humans have lived there since pre-history. Modern day Quetta is a growing centre of excellence.

The population of Quetta district is approximately two million, and the city has an area of 2653 km2.

Climate
Quetta is 1,680 m (5,500 feet) above sea level and enjoys a healthy climate. The temperature drops a few degrees below the freezing point in winter following a typical autumn when the leaves turn golden and then a wild red.

Quetta is known as the fruit basket of Pakistan. Plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, guavas (locally called zaitoon), some unique varieties of melon such as "Garma" and "Sarda" and cherries, pistachios and almonds are all grown in abundance. Some pistachios also grow in Qila Saif Ullah. Saffron grows very well and is being cultivated on a commercial scale. Tulips are an indigenous flower of Pakistan. The yellow and red varieties of tulip grow wild in the area.

People and culture
Quetta is the most diverse city of Balochistan but the largest ethnic groups found in Quetta are Balochs and Pashtuns while a minority of Hazaras also lives here... Languages spoken include Brahui, Balochi, Pashto, Hazarigi, Urdu, Punjabi, etc.

By train
Pakistan Railways runs daily train connections with most major cities in Pakistan. The overnight sleeper Bolan Mail departs Karachi daily at 6PM, arriving afternoon the next day. Another sleeper train, Akbar Express starts in Lahore and runs via Faisalabad and several other cities in Punjab, travel time for the full journey is about 24 hours. Coming from Afghanistan, there is a train departing the border town of Chaman every day early afternoon, arriving later that evening just after 7:30PM.

In theory, there is one international train from Zahedan in Iran. However, over the last few years service has been interrupted several times due to security concerns. Inquiring about the current status before travelling is essential. The train is supposed to depart Zahedan the 3rd and 17th of every month at 10AM, supposedly arriving the next day at 8:30PM. Delays are the norm, the actual arrival time is usually between 3-6 hours after schedule. On some occasions this train might be cancelled, sometimes replaced by bus. As of early 2023 local information suggests this service is only being used for freight for now.

By road
The highway connects eastward to Karachi and westward via Koh-e-Taftan to Tehran, Iran, 1,435 km away. The road to Sibi connects it with Punjab and upper Sindh. The road via Loralai - Fort Monro -D.G. Khan and Multan is a shorter route for Punjab. The Chaman Road is a link between the country and the Afghan border.

On foot
The city centre is small enough that a visitor can reach most places by foot. It is a place of ancient monuments, wide tree-lined boulevards and sterling British architecture. Even more compelling, Quetta has a dramatic setting, with a mountainous backdrop on all sides. Most sights can be easily seen in a day: the impressive Archaeological Museum of Baluchistan, the fort or the city’s many colourful bazaars which are great places to buy marble, onyx and some of the finest carpets in Pakistan.

The main thoroughfare and the commercial centre of Quetta is Jinnah Road, where the Tourist Information Centre of Pakistan's Tourism Development Corporation is located as well as the banks, restaurants and handicraft shops. Shahrah-e-Zarghun, a tree-lined boulevard, runs parallel to Jinnah Road, here many important buildings like the Governor's House, Post and Telecommunication Offices are located.

By auto-rickshaw
Auto-rickshaws give Quetta polluted air, and are the most popular and the cheapest way to get around the city but they are rapidly being replaced by more environmentally friendly 4-stroke CNG rickshaws.

From the airport - When you arrive at the airport you will likely be besieged with touts offering you taxis and rooms. It's wise not to book anything through them and arrange a taxi yourself to the hotel of your choice. Some of the mid-range and most top-end hotels offer a courtesy shuttle from the airport.

See

Festivals
There are religious and social festivals celebrated by the people of Quetta. Two major religious festivals are Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fiter. On these festivals people adorn their houses, wear new dresses, cook special dishes and visit each other. Eid-Meladun-Nabi is another religious festival. It is a celebration of the birth day of the Muslim prophet, Muhammad.

Numerous colourful social festivals are also source of jubilation. Sibi festival that traces its roots to Mehrgarh, an archeological site of ancient human civilization, attracts people from across the country. It is attended by common folk, ministers and other government officials. Folk music performances, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows and a number of other amusing activities. Buzkashi is a peculiar festival showing the valor of Pashtun people. It is celebrated on horseback by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from each other.

Buy
Local handicrafts, specially green marble products, mirror work and embroidered jackets, shirts, and hand bags, pillow covers, bed sheets, dry fruits, etc.

The main bazaar is on Jinnah Road. Prominent bazaars of Quetta are located on Shahrah-e-Iqbal (Kandahari Bazaar) and Shahrah-e-Liaqat (Liaqat Bazaar and Suraj Gang Bazaar). Here you can find colourful handicrafts, particularly Balochi mirror work and Pashtun embroidery. The Pashtun workers are expert in making fine Afghani carpets, with their pleasing and intricate designs, fur coats, jackets, waist-coats, sandals and other creations of traditional Pashtun skills.

Balochi carpets are made by the nomadic tribes of this area. They are generally not nearly as fine or expensive as the Persian city products, or even the Turkoman tribal rugs from further north, but they are generally better than Afghan carpets and more authentic than the copies of Turkoman and Persian designs that the cities of Pakistan produce. They definitely have a charm of their own. They range from relatively crude rugs that can, with some bargaining, be purchased for very reasonable prices to fine and valuable pieces. Many are small enough for easy transport.

Eat
In the old bazaars are old tea-shops, which are the local social clubs. There are also many popular eating houses offering different types of delicacies. Among the popular delicacies is Sajji (leg of lamb), which is tender and is not very spicy. It is a whole leg of lamb marinated in local herbs and spices and barbecued beside an open fire. It is very popular among the locals and is offered with great insistence to the guests. The Pathan tribesmen of the valley also enjoy Landii (whole lamb) and Khandi Kebab. Landhi s a whole lamb which is dried in shade and kept for the winters. Kebab shops are very popular, the best being Lal Kebab and Cafe Baldia. They serve Pakistani and Continental food. The Chinese restaurant that is one of the oldest in town is Cafe China. Some of the finest mutton in the country is raised around Quetta. It has a delicious smell which can be sampled in the 'Pualao that most of the eating houses.

There is famous Lehri Sajji house and Mir Afzal Karahi at Jinnah Road. The most famous is the Khadi kebab kebab which is just behind the street at Liaquat Bazaar

The Pashtun people are also known for their refreshing green tea and Dood Pati shops

Very few places can compete with Quetta valley in having wide range of tasteful fruits, exported to all parts of the country as well as abroad. There you can find plums, peaches, pomegranates, apricots, apples, olives, different types of melon, water-melon, cherries, pistachios, almonds and other dry fruits. Saffron and tulip are also grown and cultivated on a commercial scale. The fruits heaven is Urak, called Samaristan meaning the land of fruits in Persian.

Drink
There is a liquor store on the main street though it's difficult to find (it's best to ask your hotel, which should be able to provide directions).
 * Being an Islamic country, Alcohol is banned but is available for non Muslims. None of the hotels have bars, although at some alcohol can be ordered as room service.
 * Quetta is well known for its Kawa (Green Tea) and Shere Chai also known as Dood Pati Chai. Kawa has a unique flavour, and is usually served sweet, lemon and ginger powder are optional additions.
 * Sharbat-e-Sandal is a sweet, non-carbonated drink unusually found in markets in summer. It has a good taste and a yellowish-green transparent colour - look out for the black seeds. Served ice cold.

Stay safe
Quetta is firmly planted on the overland to/from Iran route and sees its fair share of travelers, and most don't run into problems. Balochistan gained some media attention as a hideout and winter home for the Taliban and Al Qaeda, and some high-profile wanted men have been captured here. While this may invoke fear in some, you're unlikely to be bothered here, as they're more in hiding and trying to blend in than out starting trouble.

In 2009, the general level of safety for foreigners deteriorated as the Head of the UNHCR office in Quetta was kidnapped and taken to Afghanistan. If you are on an official mission or high-profile business some caution should be exercised.

All in all the people of Quetta are friendly but don't question their religion, culture and tradition. The Pashtuns pride themselves on their tradition of hospitality (milmastia in Pashto) to guests. Just a greeting of Salaam Alaykum will get you far in endearing yourself to people.

Cope
FM100 Pakistan is the state-run radio channel with local news and other information. FM105 is an ew private radio channel which in a short time have captured the young audience of Quetta valley due to its modern and open approach to songs and current affairs.

All regional languages are represented at local TV-stations including Pashto, Brahui, Baluchi, Punjabi, Persian, drama and current/youth affairs are the main trends.

Urak Valley
Driving through wild roses and fruit orchards, you may reach the Urak Valley at a distance of 21 km.

Pishin valley
Filled with numerous fruit orchards, the Pishin Valley is 50 km away from Quetta. These orchards are irrigated by ‘karez’. There is the attraction of cool waters, i.e. man-made lake with Bund Khushdil Khan (Tareenan).

Ziarat
A visit to Quetta May be considered incomplete without a trip to Ziarat (133 km from Quetta, 3 hours by car), a hill town 8000 feet above sea-level, where the founder of Pakistan Quiad-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah spent his last days. Air-conditioned coach and taxis take anything between an hour or two from Quetta, an ideal and relaxing summer retreat with rows of juniper trees and ever green slopes.

While Ziarat abounds in tall chinar trees and juniper grows wild as does walnut and a variety of other trees, the area west of this hill station leading up to the Afghan border is rocky and barren. The drive through this unfriendly terrain provides one the grim reminder of the fierce tribes who roamed free in the region and kept the British weary and fearful. The border village of Chaman is also a major trading centre for a variety of fruit, a large quantity of which is still brought in from Afghanistan.

Khojak Pass
This pass will lead you directly to the Chaman Border of Afghanistan, 153 km from Quetta. The scenic beauty is simply enthralling. The border journey is to be materialized through Khojak Sheela, a 4 km long tunnel, at an elevation of more than 1945 metres above sea level.

Bolan Pass
Over the centuries several armies from Central Asia and north intruded into the lands of India through this pass. It is a picturesque hilly road, although you may encounter member of Al-Qaeda.

Lak Pass
While cruising through the hilly tract between Quetta and Kalat, you cansee the route to Zahidan, Iran. Koh-e-Taftan and Saindak copper mines are en route.

Harnai Pass
The entire population of Kharwari Baba and for that matter of the entire Ziarat, migrates to Harnai in extreme winter. Harnai Pass, about an hour's drive from Loralai, is just as spectacular as the Khyber Pass near Peshawar.

Mehrgarh, ancient civilization
A lot has been done to explore the culture and civilization of ancient people. An important site near Quetta is, near the Bolan Pass south of Quetta; the nearest modern town is Sibi. Mehrgarh shows evidence of continuous settlement from circa 7000 BCE up to 500 BCE. The earliest known evidence of farming and animal husbandry in South Asia is from the ancient 7000-5500 BCE layers of this site. Around 2500 BCE, Mehrgarh has relics of the Indus Valley Civilization.

title: Quetta


text:
Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela (pronounced SHAY-la) or Xelaju, is the second largest city in Guatemala. There are a number of attractions in town, and it's also a good base for exploring Guatemala's Western Highlands ("Los Altos"). Situated at the southwest of the country, the surrounding department has a variety of landscapes extending from the cold highlands to the warm Pacific coast. There are numerous volcanos, hot springs, valleys, mountains, rivers. The region provides a harvest of numerous products such as coffee, wheat, fruits and vegetables, and has sheep and cattle breeding.

Understand
The city of Quetzaltenango, the capital and largest city of the department of the same name, is situated on an extensive plain and surrounded by hills and volcanoes. The city of Quetzaltenango conserves the old K'iche' Maya traditions and the colonial past, while maintaining the dynamism of modern life.

The city's roots go back to the Pre-Columbian Maya era. The Mam authority, called Kulahá, reached its most important expansion. The K'iche' lords later conquered the area, and founded the city of Xelajú here, moving it from a previous location at the base of the volcano Santa Maria.

The city was already some 300 years old when Spanish Conquistadors came to conquer Guatemala in the early 1500s. Their native allies the Nahuas from Central Mexico called the city "Quetzaltenango", meaning "the place of the Quetzal bird" in the Nahua language. The Spanish took the name from the Nahuas. It's still the city's official name, but locals are more apt to casually call it "Xela" from the ancient name of Xelajú.

It was the administrative capital of the Western Highland region in the Spanish Colonial period. With Central American independence from Spain in the 1820s it was part of the Central American Federation. Conflicts between the interests of Quetzaltenango and Guatemala City led to the creation of "Los Altos", the "Sixth State of the Central American Confederation", consisting of Western Guatemala (and a slice of what is now part of Chiapas Mexico) with Quetzaltenango as its capital. When the Central American Federation fell apart in 1839-1840, Los Altos was briefly a de-facto independent state, until the army of Guatemalan dictator Carrera brutally conquered the city and hanged its leaders.

The city enjoyed prosperity with the boom in coffee production in the late 19th and start of the 20th century, when many of the city's "Belle Époque" style landmarks still seen were built. Plans for a railway to Quetzaltenango dated back to the 1890s, and construction was started in the 1920s and finally completed in 1930. The "Ferrocarril de los Altos" was proclaimed the engineering marvel of the age -- until it was destroyed by landslides in 1933. The fabled railroad is still remembered in local song and story, and there's a museum dedicated to it in town.

Quetzaltenango's prosperity declined from the Great Depression through the Guatemalan Civil War in the later 20th century, and for a time much of the city looked on the scruffy side. With the new millennium, however, better times are back. The old landmarks have been refurbished and new ones added, and the city is more beautiful and vibrant than ever.

Quetzaltecos are proud of their city, its distinct regional culture, and its rich heritage.

By car
Use the Panamerican Highway (CA-1) which crosses the Highlands or the International (CA-2), parallel to the Pacific Coast.

By bus
As with most cities in the country try to arrange to arrive well before dark since moving around in the city is more complicated and dangerous after dark.

 * From Guatemala City, chicken buses run frequently from the Trebol terminal to the Minerva terminal in Xela for Q35 (quetzales). More comfortable direct connections are offered by companies such as Galgos and Linea Dorada (US$9, 4½ hours, office in 16 Calle 10-03, Zona 1, Tel +502 2415-8900).
 * For 1st class buses to Guatemala City, Galgos has its terminal on Calle Rodolfo Robles, at the southern end of the La Democracia market district in Zona 3, at the end of 18 Avenida. Alamo also has its office in Zona 3, on 14 Avenida, near the corner with 5a Calle, a few blocks northeast of La Democracia.
 * From Antigua, take a chicken bus from the terminal in Antigua to Chimaltenango for Q5. Get off on the main road (under a massive concrete bridge,) walk one block west to catch one of the buses which go from Guatemala City to Xela, Q30.
 * From many villages around Lake Atitlán, buses go to Xela (from some infrequently, usually early in the morning.) A frequent service goes from Panajachel to Sololá and from there to Los Encuentros. There you can hop on one of the frequent buses from Guatemala City to Xela. Make sure to get to Los Encuentros well before dusk since no buses pass by after a certain hour and it is not a very pleasant place to spend the night.
 * From San Cristóbal in Mexico (as a tourist hotspot well connected to many places in the country) inexpensive shuttles go to Xela several times a day. They usually go to Antigua but stop on the way there in Xela. Alternatively you can get on a micro to Comitán, take a micro from there to the border at La Mesilla, get on a chicken bus to Huehuetenango, and from there to Xela.
 * From Tapachula in Mexico, micros run frequently to the border between Ciudad Hidalgo and Tecún Umán from where there are frequent buses until the early afternoon to Coatepeque and from there chicken buses (Q18) to Xela. As the service on both connections in Guatemala terminates relatively early in the afternoon, you should try to leave early in Tapachula.

Local buses
For travel around the countryside, the local buses are very reasonable. They can be entertaining and, at times, quite crowded. Do not plan on carrying much luggage with you on these: some buses have backpack storage above the seats, but most of the time you must store bags that do not fit on your lap on the top of the bus. While they are generally safe up there, they are at risk for weather.

These second-class buses will leave at regular times, but if you load your things on the bus, do not get off as the driver may leave without warning.

These buses at the main terminal do make other stops prior to leaving town (7th Street and 16th Avenue, for example).

 * Panajachel - 11AM. This is the bus to the lake. Q30-35 for this trip. Otherwise take any bus to Guatemala City, and change at La Cuchilla (and possibly again in Sololá).
 * San Pedro La Laguna - 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 16:00 & 17:30
 * San Marcos - 04:00-20:00 Frequent
 * Cantel & Zunil - 06:00-19:00 Frequent buses
 * Huehuetenango - 04:00-18:00 Frequent.
 * La Mesilla border with Mexico at 07:00, 08:00, 10:00, 14:15
 * Retalhuleu & Champerico - 04:30-19:30
 * Santa Cruz del Quiché - Leaves hourly, 08:00-16:30

Minibuses
The city has grown enormously in the 2000s. Minibus routes thread through all parts of the city and, although cramped, cost only Q1.25. The bus costs the same but is slower and less frequent.

When using the minibus to get to Pradera (the large mall with a movie theatre and a supermarket) walk a couple of blocks away from central park and at the side of Pasaje Enriquez to catch the van. The guy will call "Hiper Hiper Hiper" and it is Q1.25 in the day and Q3 at night. This same van also drops you at La Democracia Market Utz Ulew Mall and Montblanc Mall (a slightly smaller mall which also has a supermarket).

This is also the van that you catch to get to the Chicken Bus terminal that takes you to Antigua or Panajachel. Most people tell you to get off at the Roman Columns-Minerva Terminal. You can ask someone where the bus station is or just walk north for 4-5 blocks or you can get down at Pradera and walk along side to the east again 4 or 5 blocks until you reach the bus terminal (exert caution).

Taxis
Taxis are relatively common around the city, especially around nightlife hot spots. At night, it is not safe to walk around, so taxis are highly recommended, especially if you are by yourself. Catch a taxi on a public square rather than on one of the side streets and note its number. Negotiate the cost of the ride before you leave. If the driver seems sketchy to you, make a reasonable excuse and do not take it, also that is the most safe way to get around especially to catch a bus to Antigua or any other place if you are carrying a big backpack.

Historical center
The town conserves traces of the colonial period in its streets and avenues. The classical, neoclassical and Italian renaissance styles are evident in the buildings and the houses which have been built during the past century and the beginning of the 20th, with volcanic stones by artistic "Quetzalteco" masons. Some examples of architectural styles:

 * Espiritu Santo Cathedral consists of two structures. The "Espiritu Santo" parish's ancient facade (1535/1896) and to the back the "Diócesis de los Altos" (1899).
 * The Municipal Theatre is a very important Neoclassical work.
 * The Central America park (known as "Parque Central): Situated in the old centre of the town is also centre of cultural activities and amusements.
 * The Enrique Passage: commercial building from 1900 facing the central park.
 * Gobernacion: one block from the central park.
 * Municipal Palace: overlooking the park on the east side.
 * Central market: one block below the cathedral, with a number of handicraft shops selling souvenirs, and with food and drink available below.
 * Natural History Museum A small local museum on the south side of the park, with a collection of curiosities including a few Maya archaeological finds (mostly ceramics).
 * The Cerro del Baúl, where one can have a beautiful view of Quetzaltenango's valley, day or night (accessible by foot, car or taxi).

Cultural activities

 * Occidental Cultural Centre (La Casa de la Cultura de Occidente)
 * Alliance Française de Quetzaltenango, numerous activities are scheduled all year.
 * Artisans' market: The first Sunday of each month, the "Quetzaltecos" install the artisans' market in the central park where handcrafts from Quetzaltenago and surrounding villages are displayed.
 * Annual fair and festival: September 12-18

Do

Volunteering
There are hundreds of volunteer opportunities with organizations and groups in and around Xela, ranging from one-day projects to long-term placements.

Many of the schools listed above offer opportunities for their students. For other volunteer opportunities, see this list:

 * Asociación Nuevos Horizontes, women's and children´s rights non-profit organization.
 * Asociación Nuevos Horizontes, women's and children´s rights non-profit organization.

Outdoors
Xela is well known for its abundance of volcanoes, mountains, and hot springs.
 * A number of different Tour operators among them Adrenalina Tours organizes daily shuttles to the Fuentes Georginas hot springs in the town of Zunil, to areas for hiking and trekking, cultural tours in indigenous villages, walking city tours, or to the tours of the cemetery and beer factory. There are also shuttles to and from most places in Guatemala, and Tapachula and San Cristobal de las Casas in Mexico, or Copán Ruinas in Honduras. This service is equipped (in the case of Adrenalina Tours and some others) with its own vehicles, bilingual drivers, and certified guides. Offices for all of them are located around Central Park and Adrenalina Tours on the west side of the central park, on Pasaje Enriquez. Information: info@adrenalinatours.com
 * Caminando Guatemala Specialized tour operator for treks and hikes, on the third floor above Adrenalina. They organize daily hikes to the local volcanoes of Santa Maria, Chicabal, and Santiaguito. They can also arrange multi-day expeditions.
 * Quetzaltrekkers offers trips to local natural wonders at reasonable prices, and extended treks to Lago de Atitlan and the Cuchumatanes. All guides are either foreign volunteers or local Guatemalans. All profits go towards La Escuela de la Calle, a school in the poorest neighborhood of Xela.

Dance
The salsa, Bachata scene is very active in Xela. Lessons are cheap and there are lots of clubs.

Learn
Xela is an excellent place to take language lessons (both Spanish and some of the Mayan languages specific to the area). There are various schools and NGOs in the city most offer rates based on one week of instruction (approx. 5 hours per day). Some schools offer volunteer opportunities for an additional cost while others offer it for free. Most also offer home stay options, which is an excellent way to make sure you keep practicing at all times. One of the best reasons to learn in Xela is the price. You can expect to pay about US$140-160 per week including home stay. This often includes internet access at the school. Arrangements can be made ahead of time or upon arrival (most schools have multilingual administrators who can help make arrangements via email or phone - some even offer airport pick up from Guatemala City).
 * Casa Xelaju tel 612 235 4307
 * Celas Maya tel (502) 7761-4342
 * Centro Maya Xela
 * Educacion para Todos
 * El Nahual Language School 100% Non-Profit Volunteer Led Organization
 * El Mundo en Español
 * El Portal Spanish School A well-recommended, professional, good value and friendly, non-profit institution which uses fees to support the kids of single mothers through a scholarship program.
 * Guatemalensis Spanish School A fairly inexpensive option with excellent coordinators. Great planned activities and sense of community.
 * ICA
 * INEPAS
 * Guatemala Kamalbe Spanish School in Xela tel (502) 54888 317
 * Kie Balam
 * La Comunidad Spanish School Very good school with English speaking teachers. Also the cheapest rates in the entire city, even US$65 per week cheaper than some! Excellent volunteering activities also.
 * La Democracia
 * La Paz
 * Madre Tierra
 * Miguel Angel Asturias Spanish School. Offers one-on-one classes, homestay with meals, many volunteer opportunities, and specialized instruction. Optional medical Spanish program with clinic and hospital volunteering. University credit available.
 * Miguel Cervantes School of Spanish
 * Minerva
 * Pop Wuj - Spanish School Guatemala Non-Profit Organization run by teachers to support sustainable community development. Provides One-to-One Spanish Instruction, Medical Spanish, Volunteering Spanish for Social workers; There is a clinic supported by the Timmy Foundation located under the school. Medical students come to work at the clinic and learn or improve their Spanish. Living arrangements usually with community based families.
 * Proyecto Linguistico Quetzalteco
 * Sakribal Spanish School 6a Calle 7-31
 * Ulew Tinimit Spanish School tel (502) 77630516.
 * Sakribal Spanish School 6a Calle 7-31
 * Ulew Tinimit Spanish School tel (502) 77630516.

Buy
There are many opportunities to buy goods in Xela. Mayans will approach you, especially in parks, about selling purses, bags and blankets in the local styles. Markets occur regularly in and around Xela. Remember to negotiate prices-- walking away is often a good way to get the price down a bit.

During the monthly market at the Parque Central on the first Sunday of the month, a row of vendor booths is set up in front of the Municipal building & Catholic Cathedral (east side of the park) with vendors mainly selling local products. Showing interest & walking away typically elicits price offers at around half of the original quote. For example: my wife decided against a Mayan tablecloth that was originally quoted at Q250 (a reasonable price) and the vendor's wife proceeded to follow us around the park for a while coming down to Q100 eventually before accepting that my wife simply had decided not to purchase at any price.

Eat

 * Churrasquería Cajola This place is bare bones, dirt cheap, and delicious. You can get carne asada, with tortillas, beans, and cabbage for 10 quetzales (USD $1.25). A soft drink will cost another 4 or 5 quetzales. Located just east of Cervecería Nacional, next to the small roundabout.
 * Sabor de La India A great Indian meal from Q40 to 70, plus drink. Address is 15 Avenida 3-64, Zona 1, next to Vrisa Bookstore
 * Comida Taiwanesa Their specialty is the Taiwanese empanada which is entirely vegetarian. They're Q3.00 a piece and two will make a decent size snack. They also sell soy milk and snow cones with all kinds of toppings. Located south of the Parque Central on 8a calle between 8a avenida and 9a avenida.
 * Café Museo La Luna has the best hot chocolate (spicy!), and decent food (some original takes on local ingredients & dishes) too. They are closed on Sunday. They are located off the east side of central park on 8a Av between 4a and 5a Calle. Around the corner on 4a Calle, is Bajo la Luna that has an excellent wine selection (seriously) and cheese plates.
 * La Red Kat is located in Zona 1 on 3a Calle just west of 15a Av. and has delicious coffee, excellent salads (spinach - no iceberg lettuce thankfully), sandwiches, pasta, soups, tipico meals, and wine for only 15Q a glass. They are closed on Sunday.
 * El Cuartito Cafe is located at the intersection of 7 Calle 7 & 13 Avenida, Zone 1, a block from the SW corner of Parque Central, across from the supermarket La Despensa Familiar. Open daily 8AM-11PM. This cozy & trendy modern-art-decorated cafe serves amazing coffee drinks (Q10-23 using 100% organic & fair-trade Xela cooperative produced coffee), teas (Q15-20), hot chocolate (Q12-17), alcoholic (mojitos - Q20; wine - Q16; commercial beer - Q15; artisan beer - Q30; Irish coffee - Q200), excellent pastries, breakfast plates (Q20-35), and great snacks (chips & salsa - Q15, nachos - Q25, quesadilla - Q20). Free Wi-Fi. Live music often.

Drink
Don't drink the tap water. Some hostels will have a water filter, which many drink from, and it seems to be safe. Otherwise, drink purified water (agua pura).

Cabro, which some consider one of the best beers in the world, is made locally in Quetzaltenango. Another local beer, Gallo, is more like the Bud Lite of Guatemala -- bland, available everywhere, and sponsoring everything.

If you like dark beer, try the Moza, another local beer, it's some people's favorite. Shop at the liquor store and return Moza bottles for credit but not all bottles will receive a 1 Q credit.

 * El Cuartito Cafe is located at the intersection of 7 Calle 7 & 13 Avenida, Zone 1, a block from the SW corner of Parque Central, across from the supermarket La Despensa Familiar. This cozy & trendy modern-art-decorated cafe serves amazing coffee drinks (Q10-23 using 100% organic & fair-trade Xela cooperative produced coffee), teas (Q15-20), hot chocolate (Q12-17), and many alcoholic beverages (mojitos - Q20; wine - Q16; commercial beer - Q15; several styles of artisan beer - Q30; Irish coffee - Q200). Free Wi-Fi. Open daily 8AM-11PM. Live music often.

Sleep
Quetzaltenango has a variety of accommodations for a variety of budgets, though world travelers will find the prices and facilities in the "high end" accommodations more like that of mid-range places in larger world cities. It is best to always ask to see your room before moving in to it; whether budget or more pricey, some rooms in the same place can often be much better or worse than others. At cheaper places don't expect hot water or heat unless you ask for it; in some the "heat" may be wood to put in a fireplace that you have to order and pay for by the bundle.

Internet cafes
There are dozens of Internet cafes in Xela and free wifi hot spots.

 * Xela Pages - Computer time rental, printing, scanning, cd/DVD burning, fax service, Skype booth with mic and camera. Price from US$0.40 cent/hour up to $1.25/hour - in front of Parque El Calvario 4ta Calle 19-48, Zona 1
 * Alternativas  Computer time rental, printing & scanning, Price from $0.50 cent/hour up to $1.50/hour. In front of Parque Benito Juarez - Zona 3

Consulates

 * 🇲🇽 Mexico
 * 🇪🇸 Spain

Go next
It may be possible to arrange a tour of the Gallo brewery by calling ahead.

You can spend hours in and around the Mercado de la Democracia in the commercial center of Xela. It is where the locals shop for most of their needs.

Any concert is worth attending in the Municipal Theater. It is beautiful inside.

Evening marimba concerts are often given on the steps of the Municipalidad on the west side of Parque Centro America.

Walk around town. In the side streets, you'll often come upon a master giving guitar lessons or a group of men practicing Marimba.

Go to a football game: Xelaju M. C. vs anyone. The crowd is animated and the fireworks alone can be worth the price of admission. Don't pay extra for the high priced seats, they remove you from much of the fun. Try to sit in the corner near the band. A "Xelaju M. C." flag to wave costs Q10. Grilled sausages are less. No alcohol permitted in the stadium.

Fireworks! If it's your birthday, or you just feel like it, spend a couple of Quetzals for a big string of firecrackers. You'll normally hear them any evening or early morning. Bring your ear plugs: they usually sound off about 04:00. They are called God Bombs and are used to wake God so He will hear your prayer. It definitely wakes the dogs who bark till the roosters wake and cock-a-doodle-doo until they figure out it is not dawn. Ear plugs.

Weekend nights are also an option, you will find night clubs in all the center, from the Central Park, to the Theatre, for Q30 you can get in anywhere and drink something. Also in some seasons the "14A" is closed to the traffic because of some music festival, concerts, street art exhibitions etc.

Attractions

 * Zunil is 9 km from Quetzaltenango. Monday is market day. Located on the Samala river and on the main highway leading down the coast, Zunil's people wear attractive clothes made by hand using traditional techniques featuring intricate designs and bright colors. This picturesque town is the center for the worship of "Maximon" or "San Simon" a life-sized mannequin endowed with occult power: Just 8 km from town on the slopes of the inactive Zunil volcano would have found the beautiful "Fuentes Georginas" thermal springs, equipped with restaurant and bungalows.
 * Fuentes Georginas have a dual admission policy charging foreigners twice what they charge locals. The restaurant closes at 18:30 and doesn't serve anything but huevos (eggs) and meager salads after 18:00.  The accommodations are rather spartan by any standards but is downright ridiculous for the Q320/night.  However, the room rate includes admission to the pools for two days.  It is recommended to take the bus into Zunil early and spend the day at the springs, heading back home at sundown.  Admission to the pools for tourists is Q60/day.

Destinations
The "Quetzaltecos" villages of Quiche and Mam origins, have small places with impressive colonial style churches where the tourist will see the regional handcrafts displayed on market days.

 * Salcajá: 9 km from Quetzaltenango. Market day: Tuesday. local festival on 25 August. Here was constructed the church of San Jacinto, the first of the religious constructions of the region and a beautiful example of colonial architecture. Also famous for its hand-woven "jaspe" materials and unique alcoholic beverages known as "caldo de fruta" " and "rompopo".
 * San Juan Ostuncalco 12 km from Quetzaltenango. Situated in a valley of the mountainous region, it is the commercial centre for the Mam-speaking villages which border the department. Here you may acquire musicals instruments, wicker furniture as well as lovely hand woven materials.
 * Almolonga 5 km from Quetzaltenango. Market on Wednesday and Saturday. Annual festival 26-29 June. Known for its variety of vegetables which are cultivated on the smell farms which surround the village. You will also enjoy thermal springs such as "Las aguas amargas" and "El rosario".
 * Cantel 10 km from Quetzaltenango. Visit the interesting cooperative for handmade blown glass. Chojolom, a small K'iche' archaeological site is located on a hill just outside the village. For a guide, ask at the Municipal offices, in a temporary location in a sidestreet to the right of the Catholic church. K'iaqbal is another small archaeological site with a couple of sculpted stones, on a hilltop past the new General Cemetery.
 * Olintepeque : 7 km from Quetzaltenango. The place where according to legend, the famous Maya-Quiche prince Tecún Uman died in battle against Pedro de Alvarado in 1524.
 * San Andres Xecul : 7 km from Quetzaltenango, in the direction of the "Cuatro Caminos" highway junction, with a colonial-style whose facade is both colorful and picturesque.
 * Volcán Santa Maria, 12,256 feet & Santiaguito. The summit of the Santa Maria Volcano lies at the end of the steep 3-4 hours climb from the village of Llanos del Pinal (located 6 km away from Quetzaltenango). You'll best enjoy the truly awesome view during the clearer weather of the early morning hours. The whole coastal plain lies at your feet, along with the cities of Quetzaltenago and Tapachula, Mexico. You can look down into the very active Santiaguito crater which erupts at least once every hour. You can still enjoy the view minus the ragged hike by driving to the top of the adjacent Siete Orejas Volcano. (10,384 feet above sea level). To get there, grab a chicken bus for 3 GTQ (Jan 2023) at triangle in front of Iglesia del Calvario, and drop off almost at the end of Llanos del Pinal which is about 100-200 meters from the trailhead, then just follow the track on Organic Maps app or OsmAnd app. On the trail forks, quite often there are markings where to follow.
 * La laguna de Chicabal, 3 hours by foot from the village of San Martin Sacatepequez (also known as Chile Verde) (14 km from Quetzaltenango). At this very picturesque crater lake, the sorcerers of the whole region meet on the 3rd of may.

The High Country
If you go here be on the look out for pick pockets. Also if you have a camera keep it in your hand since a swish of the knife will cut a strap and you will not even know it till you start to take a photo.
 * Totonicapan Near Quetzaltenango, you have to visit the principal town Totonicapan (in the department of the same name). Known for its hand woven textiles and its potteries, and production of wooden masks for traditional dances.
 * San Francisco El Alto Friday this is the site of the Central America's largest market. If you can buy it in Guatemala, you can buy it here, although there is very little aimed specifically at tourists. If you can, drop by the cathedral and see if someone will take you up on the roof for a bird's-eye view of what's going on.

 * Momostenango: Wednesday & Sunday: Market. This curious "Riscos de Oro", rock formation produced by erosion.
 * San Cristobal Totonicapan Church and Convent of the XVII.

Toward the Coast

 * El Palmar Town destroyed by Santiaguito Volcano. Lagoons and tropical vegetation.
 * Retalhuleu 62 km, Cuyotenango y Coatepeque 120 km from Quetzaltenango. Swimming pool and tropical climate.

Pacific Beach

 * Champerico, Tilapa, Las Delicias, Tulate.

title: Quetzaltenango


text:
Quevedo

Quevedo is a city in the coastal region of Ecuador. Its population is usually cited between 100,000 and 150,000.

Quevedo is known for its prominent Chinese immigrant population and has even been called the "Chinatown of Ecuador". This gives it a distinct appearance and cultural feeling in relation to other Ecuadorian cities. There are many chifas (Chinese food restaurants) throughout the city of highly variable quality.

Most tourist guide books portray Quevedo very poorly, and indeed, it is not a city well-equipped for tourism. Regardless, accommodation, good food, and a unique cultural experience are all available.

Get in
If you can speak at least a limited amount of Spanish, the best way to get around Ecuador is by bus.

Transportes Ecuador is well-known for being a safe and comfortable bus company. They have buses running between Quito and Guayaquil almost 24/7, all of which will stop in Quevedo, albeit very briefly.

The cost can also be reached from Quevedo. The bus to Manta costs $7 and to Puerto Viejo $6.

Get around
Taxis are everywhere in the city and eager to give you a lift. It seems to be sort of an unwritten rule that a ride from anywhere to anywhere within the main city costs $1. Don't let them charge you more.

Do
Unless you have specific business or plans in Quevedo, the best thing to do is just walk around the city center. As was previously mentioned, Quevedo is not a very tourist-oriented city. Because of this, however, you can get a good taste of what a true Ecuadorian coastal city is like.

Along the waterfront is a bustling fish and produce market showcasing the whole gamut of food products from the area.

Eat
Throughout the city, there are numerous restaurants that serve great food.

Ecuadorian standard fare
Anywhere in the country, one can find comida típica. This usually consists of two courses: a soup and a second. The second (or entree) will likely come with a meat of the day, a generous serving of rice, and a small salad. Often served with juice.

Seafood

 * El Picudo Blanco - A more upscale (this is a relative term) seafood restaurant with a fairly extensive menu. Average plate: $5.
 * Marisqueria Las Redes - Recognized citywide for its encebollado, a delicious seafood soup. Choose between the sencillo (comes with albacore - $1) or the mixto (with albacore, shrimp, chicharrónes, crab, etc. - $1.50). Served with chifles (plantain chips). Av. June Guzman.

Chifa (Chinese food)
There are innumerable chifas in Quevedo.

 * Chifa HONG KONG - Known as one of the best in town. One block north of Parque Central on Calle Cuarta.

Sleep
Quevedo offers both ends of the accommodation spectrum.

title: Quevedo


text:
Queyras

The Queyras Regional Natural Park is in the Hautes-Alpes part of France.

Understand
This is one of the smallest regional natural parks in France, south of Briançon and reaching the Italian frontier. It's hard to see, however, how any other park could beat it on sheer beauty, even though its principal peaks are 300 m lower than the giants of Haute Savoie

History
The area has only been publicly accessible for a short time and is relatively unspoiled.

Landscape
The mountains, though low by Alpine standards, lack nothing in shapeliness.

Flora and fauna
The area is remarkably rich in most of the flora associated with Alpine areas. Marmots abound.

Climate
There is an extremely friendly micro-climate with a lot of sunny days in a year. However campers in June need to expect extreme cold at night. Because of the variation between this and the heat of the afternoon, streams can become rivers during the day and flowers can be seen growing newly where snow has only recently melted.

Get in
Access by road only from Briançon in the north and Giullestre to the west.

See

 * Ceillac
 * Saint-Veran

Do
As many walks as you can manage. Count the sundials in any Queyras village. They are a speciality of the region.

Camping

 * Camping Municipal des Moutets
 * Camping les Melezes

Stay safe
Be very wary of rising water levels from melting snow.

Go next

 * Briançon

title: Queyras


text:
Quezon (Palawan)

Quezon is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 41,669 people in 8,453 households. It is where the Tabon Man lived long time ago in the Philippines.

Get in
The easiest way to reach Quezon is to catch a bus or van from the San Jose terminal in Puerto Princesa. Charing Bus lines has several buses leaving approximately hourly, starting between 4AM and 6AM. There are also vans departing from behind the Charing terminal - just ask around, someone will point you in the right direction. Bus fare should be around, vans will be about the same. All buses or vans will make a meal/bathroom stop around Narra.

Get around
There are plenty of tricycles roving around. At the port, bancas of different length are available to take you to beautiful spots within Quezon waters.

Do
Snorkelling, Scuba Diving, Island Hopping, Bird Watching, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting,

Eat
Experience the unique Palawan cuisine. More often than not exotic foods will be available eg Wild Boar (Baboy Damo), Wild birds (Labuyo), Lobsters, Giant Crabs, Palawan Tamilok, seafoods (shells, exotic fish & edible seaweeds).

Drink
There are bars, restos, cafes scattered all over the place.

title: Quezon (Palawan)


text:
Quezon City

Quezon City (Tagalog: Lungsod Quezon) is the largest city in the Philippines and is one of the constituent cities of Metro Manila. Commonly called QC or Kyusi, it has a population of almost 3 million people in 2020. It has become the hub of information technology and its entertainment industry in the Philippines. Quezon City is a city of contrasts, mixing old and new, rich and poor, and traditional and modern.

Districts
The city was named after former Philippine president Manuel Luis Quezon y Molina. Quezon City was the country's capital from 1946 until 1972, when the seat of government was returned to neighboring Manila. Quezon City consists of five districts. Administratively, the city is divided into 127 barangays that are generally used in addresses and for official purposes; in addition, there are also a number of traditional areas, like Cubao, Diliman, New Manila, etc., that have since been subdivided but are still commonly used in addresses and when giving directions. For the purposes of this guide, these can be broadly grouped into seven districts.

Understand
Quezon City was created to become the future capital of the Philippines. It houses various government agencies whose buildings were constructed under the original masterplan laid out by the American architect and urban planner William Parsons. Quezon City is the largest city in terms of population, resulting from its gradual expansion and rural-urban migration; the 2015 census gives a population of over 2.9 million. The city is home to every person from all walks of life, from the richest to the poorest, and the contrasts are almost ubiquitous to this city.

Quezon City has no single place considered the city center; it is a multipolar city, with central business districts and commercial centers scattered at different points. Quezon City sprawls out in almost every direction, and this is manifested by the low-density developments that border each business and commercial center, and the scarcity of high-density homes for poorer residents have led to its notorious overcrowding illustrated by slums forming overnight, even after demolitions or fires break them down. The major business districts are grand old Cubao, glitzy North EDSA at the North Triangle neighborhood, with its large malls, and the classy Libis or Eastwood area at the southeast (a little version of Singapore's Orchard Road, but with its Hollywood-esque twist: the Philippines' Walk of Fame). If you are seeking the city's nightlife, the Scout Area provides all you need to hang out through the night.

History
Quezon City was conceived as the future capital of the Philippines under the Philippine Commonwealth government, as Manila had become overpopulated. Most of the city was planned by the urban planner, William E. Parsons. Most areas that are now Quezon City are acquired from various municipalities in Rizal. Many government buildings were built to house the agencies as they move from Manila. Only parts of the plan had come to fruition when the Japanese invaded the Philippines in 1941. After World War II, Quezon City further expanded by ceding parts of Caloocan to form the Novaliches district, resulting in the geographic division of the municipality.

Climate
The city has a tropical climate; daytime temperatures fall between 30s (86–102 °F), and has two seasons: dry and wet. Because of its location near the forested and rainy Sierra Madre, the dry season is rather cut short by the southwest monsoon. Average annual humidity is high, making the heat very unbearable, so dry season heat can take toll on your body; you will sweat easily on a short stay outside and do frequent changes in clothing.

Get in
For information on airports and seaports, see Metro Manila.

By plane
Ninoy Aquino International Airport is to the south, straddling Pasay and Parañaque. From there, travelers generally take a taxi or bus.

 * Taxi: All three terminals have taxi stands, served by yellow airport taxis, which charge double as the white ordinary taxis, which can only be used on trips to the airport and can only be hailed outside. It is also possible to just use the ride-hail service Grab from the airport.
 * Bus: For comfort, there are premium point-to-point buses provided by UBE Express, which alight at Cubao. Cheaper, but possibly slower due to Manila's perennial congestion are city buses with more frequent stops, which terminate near Terminal 2.

Provincial buses
As of 2022, provincial bus service only serve the Araneta City Bus Port bus terminal in Cubao, served by commuter routes from Bulacan and provincial routes from Central Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. From elsewhere in the north and south, buses terminate at the North Luzon Express Terminal (NLET) in Bocaue, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) in Parañaque, and Starmall Alabang in Muntinlupa. All of these three terminals have connections with the Manila city bus network.

City bus
A huge majority of Metro Manila's bus routes serve Quezon City; general info is at Metro Manila

Get around
Several options are available covering various distances and some areas are accessible only by certain means of transportation.

By bus
Privately-operated city buses are plenty in Quezon City, and there is also a government-run free-fare bus service.

 * EDSA Carousel: BRT-like service running from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and Monumento (Caloocan) and uses a dedicated lane at the middle of EDSA. Serves Cubao and the Triangle areas.
 * 2 Antipolo-Quiapo: Local bus service between Antipolo (PITX) and Quiapo (Manila via Aurora Boulevard. Major destinations served are Katipunan area, Cubao and New Manila.
 * 6 PITX-Sapang Palay, 7 PITX-Fairview and 34 PITX-Montalban: Local bus services plying Quezon and Commonwealth avenues. 6 runs between Sapang Palay in Bulacan and PITX, 7 runs between PITX Fairview (with stops along Timog and East avenues) and 34 runs between PITX and Rodriguez (Montalban), turning off Commonwealth near the Batasang Pambansa.
 * 18 BGC–North EDSA: Local bus service between SM North EDSA and Bonifacio Global City via Congressional, Luzon, Katipunan and E. Rodriguez avenues. This is one of 4 city bus routes that serve Eastwood to the southeast.
 * QCityBus: intracity bus service operated by the Quezon City government, composed of 7 radial routes (QC1-QC6 and QC8) emanating from the Quezon Memorial Circle and 1 crosstown route (QC7 Katipunan–Welcome Rotonda). Services use air-conditioned coaches.

By train
While covering only parts of QC, LRT Line 2 and MRT Line 3 run through the main points in the city, namely Cubao, North EDSA and Katipunan.

The MRT Line 7, nearing completion, will extend train coverage to Fairview, most of Commonwealth Avenue, the UP campus, Quezon Memorial Circle and North EDSA. Most of the line is already complete, opening 2023 at the earliest.

By taxi
Metered taxis are probably the most comfortable option - just be wary of large taxi fares during rush hours and drivers being picky on their passengers (they try to avoid destinations in crowded areas).

By jeepney
Jeepneys, either traditional or modern ones, are most useful in areas of QC not already served by city buses such as UP Diliman, which is served by a loop service known as the "UP Ikot".

A lot of jeepney routes in QC also take the main roads primarily served by buses such as Commonwealth Avenue, but for trips that involve those roads, taking a bus is preferable.

By car
Driving in QC is not recommended, especially if your destination is along EDSA. Traffic is badly congested, streets are often narrow, left turns are rare than rights, and parking can be expensive in the CBDs. Reckless driving, road rage and police corruption are also problems.

Main roads in QC are EDSA, C-5 (E. Rodriguez Jr., Katipunan, Tandang Sora, Luzon, Congressional and Mindanao avenues), Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, and Quirino Highway. With the exception of Quirino Highway, most of them are wide avenues with a median divider, but these are expected to be snarled during rush hour. Left turns are often prohibited on those roads, with street intersections crossing the median closed and replaced by U-turns.

QC implements the regionwide road space rationing ("number coding") scheme, with window hours before and after noontime except along EDSA.

Parking can be elusive and/or expensive at key locations. Parking spots at malls are bound to be scarce during peak shopping periods and weekly sales.

By tricycle
Smaller lanes and roads in residential areas are plied with bicycles fitted with side cars, termed padyak or traysikel.

Landmarks and parks
Quezon Memorial Circle, in the Triangle Area, is a national park and shrine bounded by the Elliptical Road. At its center is a mausoleum containing the remains of Manuel L. Quezon, the second President of the Philippines. Mabuhay Rotonda in Quezon City/West was built to welcome people to the new national capital that was being built in Quezon City. Tandang Sora National Shrine is the place where the house of Melchora Aquino stood in Northwestern Quezon City It was in this site that she took care of the wounded Katipuneros and provided them food and shelter. Known as "Tandang Sora" she was adopted "Heroine of Quezon City" by a City Council Resolution. She died at the age of 107 on March 12, 1919.

Churches
In Quezon City/West, you'll find Santo Domingo Church, home to the statue of the Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, said to be more than 400 years old, and San Pedro Bautista, which is one of the oldest churches in the country, housing the bones of the patron saint. There is also a catacomb in the basement of the church where the friars of the past were buried. Hearts of Jesus and Mary Parish Church is a quiet church near former President Cory Aquino and current President Noynoy Aquino in Brgy. West Triangle

Other places of interest
Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue Tourist Belt Area in Scout Area is where restaurants, bars, clubs, and other retail and entertainment establishments are found. Araneta Center is a mixed-use residential and commercial complex in Cubao housing several malls and budget accommodations. An ideal transport base as it's LRT-2 and MRT-3 stations connects 2 major lines. It also houses several city and provincial bus terminals for travel within the metro or to other provinces. It is home to the "Big Dome" which is the biggest arena in the country.

Eat
Dining options vary upon each area or district of this large city. In the Diliman/Katipunan area, where some of the best universities in the country are located, dining options are largely geared towards the student population (though this does not say anything about the range or quality of available options -- posh dining is equally possible). The Tomas Morato area is a known nightlife area and serve good options for both dining and drinking, especially afterwork. When all else fails, people flock to the nearest mall (within just this city, there are several) survey the dining options there (from posh and chic restaurants to fast food dining in food courts).

Stay safe
Crime is a major problem in Quezon City. Given its crowded situation, many people are struggling to live, even resorting to crime. Snatching, pickpocketing and robbery are common, so use common sense when going to rough areas. Also beware of the Budol-budol or Dugo-dugo scams, which can rip you off and take your valuables. The dreaded budol-budol scam is noted for using hypnosis and sleigh of hand, but they rarely target foreigners.

Women should be careful, or preferable, wear modestly when outside, as Quezon City has a troubling rate of street harassment, most commonly cat-calling and wolf-whistling, usually by bystanders. Women travellers should travel in groups, especially at night.

Quezon City has its share of rough areas, and the problems do perfectly rhyme: slums, fires, trash, thugs and drugs. Commonwealth and Payatas are the seediest of the city's barangays, but there is more of it; parts of the Scout Area are best avoided. Fortunately, most slums are outside the tourist track, so they are best avoided for a good reason.

Beware also of scams on taxis and tricycles, most commonly where the driver pretends to know you. There are numerous case of locals falling victim to these scams, usually becoming victims of robbery, or brought to illicit locations, if not being ripped off on the fare. Women should take caution when calling a ride, especially at night and when alone.

Within Metro Manila
Visiting Manila may come to your mind after staying in Quezon City. Other options within the metro are:

 * Makati – Philippines' financial capital, with towering skyscrapers, the glitzy Ayala Center, and high society, contrasting with the hassles of crowded residential districts.
 * Marikina - The "Shoe Capital of the Philippines", not complete without visiting its Shoe Museum or strolling the Riverbanks.
 * San Juan – Shop till you drop at the Greenhills Shopping Center, or if you're lucky to visit on June, join the Wattah-wattah Festival, part of the Feast of St. John the Baptist celebrations with water fights resembling Songkran celebrations, and get wet.

Northern Luzon
Quezon City is a hub for buses to northern Luzon.

 * Alaminos – The Hundred Islands with its pristine beaches.
 * Baguio – The "Summer Capital of the Philippines", with cool climate, pine trees, and mountains.
 * Banaue – World-famous rice terraces and Ifugao culture
 * San Fernando – Taste of Kapampangan cuisine and the spirit of Filipino Christmas.
 * Vigan – Heritage city with a well-preserved downtown

title: Quezon City