201km (125 miles) NW of Guatemala City; 90km (56 miles) S of Huehuetenango
The highland burg of Quetzaltenango is the second-largest city in Guatemala, with a population of more than 300,000. Like Chichicastenango, this was and still is a principal center of the Maya Ki'che of Guatemala -- and many locals still refer to the city by its Ki'che name Xelajú. In fact, most people simply call the place Xela (pronounced "sheh-la"). Xelajú is close to the sight where Ki'che King Tecún Umán was killed in battle against the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado. Following Tecún Umán's defeat in 1524, the city was renamed Quetzaltenango, or "place of the Quetzal," which is what Alvarado's Nahuatl mercenaries called it. In 1848, Quetzaltenango declared itself "El Sexto Estado del los Altos," independent from Guatemala. However, while the city retains an independent streak, its political independence lasted only 2 years, and the Guatemalan military quickly brought the rogue state back into the fold.
Thanks to the presence of a large national university and scores of language schools and foreign volunteer programs, there are several good coffee shops and used bookstores in Xela, and even a couple of art-movie houses. You'll also find more nightlife here than anywhere else in the country outside of Guatemala City.
Quetzaltenango makes an excellent base for visiting a host of nearby towns and attractions, including hot springs, small villages with impressive markets and churches, and towering volcanoes waiting to be hiked. The city also serves as a convenient gateway to both Mexico and the Pacific coast of Guatemala.
Quetzaltenango Travel Experiences
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Super Chivos!
Interesting bus journey - bus kept on breaking down and was sat next to a coffee grower who I practiced my Spanish with. Surprised... Continue reading »
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Week 1 - The Mountain School
After 12 hours or so of sleep, we woke up, showered, and ate pancakes. After breakfast I decided to explore the neighboring communi... Continue reading »
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Santa Cruz La Laguna
After San Pedro, I parted from the British and Irish friends I had made. 2 were heading on to Costa Rica, a... Continue reading »
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"Gringotenango..."
Thinking of spending a relaxed weekend at the beautiful Lake Atitlan, for instance in the town of Panajachel? Well, don´t. In... Continue reading »
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Volcan Tajumulco
Hi. My name is Sam and I have a problem... I´m addicted to climbing volcanoes. Volcan Tajumulco marks my third volcano in 6 weeks, so it... Continue reading »
