Quetzaltenango

Culture, nature, and tradition in harmony.

Quetzaltenango

A thriving, historically significant, and artistically rich highland city.

Also known as Xelajú, it is the capital of the department of Quetzaltenango, and is also the second largest city in Guatemala, 206 km northwest of Guatemala City. The city is located in a mountain valley in the western highlands of Guatemala with an average altitude above sea level of 2,333 meters (7,734 feet). Its climate is cold in the highlands and hot and humid at the coastal mouth. Spanish, Quiché and Mam languages are spoken. Beautiful city of the highlands, located in an extensive valley surrounded by hills and volcanoes.

Quetzaltenango preserves the ancient traditions of its Mayan-Quiché lineage, combined with a colonial past and the dynamics of modern life. Currently, the city of Quetzaltenango is a strategic place for commerce, services and education, as well as for the textile and liquor industry at a national level.

In the department of Quetzaltenango you can also visit other interesting towns, full of indigenous culture, colorful markets, and nature. San Martín Sacatepéquez, where you can visit Chikabal Lake where, if lucky, you can witness a Mayan ritual. Zunil, home of Fuentes Georginas hot springs. San Francisco El Alto, a traditional Mayan town with beautiful textiles and handicrafts. Almolonga, a small town with coffee production and nature. And Cantel, famous for its pottery, hand blown glass factory, and waving traditions.

Hiking and trekking is possible in Xela since it is surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. The Santa María Volcano has amazing views and hiking trails and Tajumulco is the most challenging hike since it is the highest peak in Central America