Casa del Quetzal y la Marimba, Museo
About This Museum
You might not expect to find one of Guatemala's most charming museums tucked away in a quiet street in Salamá, but that's exactly where you'll discover the Casa del Quetzal y la Marimba. It feels more like walking into a beautifully preserved, historic family home than a formal institution. The air is filled with the faint, sweet scent of old wood and polish, and the sounds of a marimba often drift from a back room. It’s a place that immerses you in the soul of Guatemalan culture through its everyday artifacts and national symbols.
Collection Highlights
The collection shines a spotlight on Guatemala's two great emblems: the Quetzal bird and the marimba. You'll find everything from vintage photographs and taxidermy quetzals to an assortment of beautifully crafted marimbas, some historical and others brightly painted. Look for the intricate dioramas depicting rural life and the displays of colorful traditional textiles from the region.
Visitor Information
It's a small museum, so an hour or two is plenty. Ask if someone can demo the marimbas for you—it really brings the place to life. It's easy to find right on the RN-5 highway as you pass through town.
Architecture & Building
Housed in a classic Spanish-colonial style building with thick whitewashed walls, a red-tiled roof, and rooms that open onto a central courtyard.
Contact & Location
Address: Salamá, Baja Verapaz, 15001, Guatemala
Phone: +502 5417 7622
