Pastores

Pastores is a small town of roughly 15,000 people located approximately 6 km northwest of Antigua Guatemala in Sacatepéquez department. Situated at about 1,560 metres elevation, it is best known throughout Guatemala for its traditional leather craftsmanship — boots, belts, bags, and saddles made by generations of local artisans. The town's name means "shepherds" in Spanish, reflecting its pastoral origins.

The climate is typical of the central highlands: mild year-round with temperatures between 18–25°C. The dry season runs from November to April, with rainy afternoons from May to October. Pastores has a quiet, local atmosphere and is far less visited by international tourists than nearby Antigua.

The town appeals primarily to shoppers seeking high-quality, handmade leather goods at prices far below what similar items cost in Antigua's tourist shops.

By Plane

La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City is approximately 45 km east. Shuttles and taxis to Antigua take about 1 hour; Pastores is a further 10–15 minutes by road.

By Car / Road

Pastores is on the road between Antigua Guatemala and Chimaltenango, about 10–15 minutes by car from Antigua. Chicken buses from Antigua pass through or near Pastores for Q5. From Guatemala City, take the CA-1 west and then south (about 1.5 hours).

The main street with leather shops is easily walkable. The town is small enough to explore on foot in an hour or two.

• Leather shops along the main street — dozens of small workshops and storefronts line the road through town, displaying handmade boots, saddles, belts, wallets, and bags. Watching artisans at work is part of the experience.

• Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion — the town's parish church on the central plaza, a modest but well-maintained colonial-era building.

• Central plaza — a small, quiet square where locals gather in the evenings.

• Shop for leather goods — Pastores' primary attraction; custom boots can be made to order in 1–3 days. Prices for cowboy boots range from Q200–800 depending on quality and design.

• Watch artisans at work — many shops have open workshops where you can see leather being cut, stitched, and finished by hand

• Visit Antigua Guatemala — a short ride for world-class colonial architecture and dining

A few small comedores near the main road serve Guatemalan staples: desayuno for Q15–25, almuerzo for Q20–30. Options are limited; for more variety, Antigua is 10 minutes away.

Bottled water and soft drinks are available at small shops. Beer is sold at pulperías. There are no notable bars or cafés in Pastores.

• Budget: Limited accommodation; a few basic hospedajes may be available for Q50–80 per night.
• Mid-range / Upscale: No hotels of note in Pastores. Stay in Antigua Guatemala, 10–15 minutes away, which has a full range of accommodation.

Leather goods are the main draw. Handmade cowboy boots (Q200–800), belts (Q30–100), bags (Q100–400), and saddles are the specialties. Bargaining is expected and customary — start at about 60–70% of the asking price. Many artisans accept custom orders.

• Antigua Guatemala (~6 km southeast) — the colonial capital and Guatemala's top tourist destination
• Chimaltenango (~15 km north) — departmental capital of Chimaltenango
• Ciudad Vieja (~10 km south) — site of Guatemala's second capital
• San Lucas Sacatepéquez (~15 km east) — a highland market town