Visit Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango
799.1 thousand

Quetzaltenango, also known as Xela, is a city in the western highlands of Guatemala. Located at an altitude of 2,330 meters above sea level, it is the second largest city in the country. The climate here is cool and pleasant year-round, making it a great destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking. There are plenty of attractions to explore in Quetzaltenango including its vibrant local markets where you can find handmade goods and traditional Guatemalan cuisine. Some must-see tourist spots include Cerro El Baul archaeological site where you can find ancient Mayan ruins dating back to 600 BC,and Fuentes Georginas hot springs which offer therapeutic baths surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Quetzaltenango also has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times and was once a center of trade between different Mesoamerican cultures. Today it remains one of Guatemala's most important cities due to its strong economic growth over the years since its founding in 1524 by Spanish conquistadors.
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