📖 About Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango, locally known as "Xela" (from the K'iche' Maya name Xelajú), is Guatemala's second-largest city. With approximately 180,000 residents, this highland city at 2,333 meters elevation serves as the commercial and cultural center of western Guatemala. Cool climate and strong Maya heritage define its character.

Xela is a major center for Spanish language schools—thousands of students come annually for immersive learning. The surrounding highlands are home to K'iche' Maya communities maintaining traditional culture. Nearby volcanoes include Santa María, which erupted catastrophically in 1902. Quetzaltenango represents highland Guatemala—Maya culture, colonial architecture, and cool mountain air.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Quetzaltenango's economy centers on commerce, serving the western highlands region. Agriculture (vegetables, fruits) from surrounding areas passes through. Textile production is traditional. Spanish language education brings foreign students and tourism. Manufacturing and services have developed. The economy is more diversified than rural Guatemala but less dynamic than Guatemala City.

K'iche' Maya culture is strong—indigenous languages are spoken alongside Spanish. Traditional dress (traje) is worn daily by Maya women. Markets overflow with textiles. Catholicism merged with Maya spirituality. Food includes tamales, pepián, and highland vegetables. The culture is more indigenous-influenced than Guatemala City—Maya identity proud and visible in Guatemala's second city.

📜 History

Xelajú was a major K'iche' Maya city conquered by Pedro de Alvarado in 1524. Spanish colonial town developed. The 1902 eruption of Santa María devastated the region. Quetzaltenango briefly declared independence in 1838-1840 as capital of the State of Los Altos before Guatemala reclaimed control.

The 20th century brought modernization while maintaining highland character. The 1976 earthquake caused damage. Civil war affected the highlands; Maya communities suffered violence. Today Quetzaltenango serves as Guatemala's second city—colonial architecture, Maya heritage, and Spanish schools drawing visitors to the cool western highlands.