What is Quetzaltenango known for?

Quetzaltenango is a centre for trade between the coast and the highlands and a processing centre with textile factories, mills, and breweries. The city has preserved much of its Neoclassical architecture.

What is Quetzaltenango known for?

Quetzaltenango is a centre for trade between the coast and the highlands and a processing centre with textile factories, mills, and breweries. The city has preserved much of its Neoclassical architecture.

How did Quetzaltenango get its name?

When Alvarado conquered the city for Spain in the 1520s, he called it by the Nahuatl name used by his Central Mexican Indian allies, “Quetzaltenango”, generally considered to mean “the place of the quetzal bird.” Quetzaltenango became the city’s official name in colonial times.

What is the heart of Quetzaltenango?

Quetzaltenango (or Xela) is a charming town in the heart of the Sierra Madres mountains in Guatemala’s Western Highlands. First inhabited by Mayan people, the city fell under both Spanish and German influence before becoming an important coffee-trading center.

Which country is Xela?

Guatemala’s
Quetzaltenango — or Xela (pronounced sheh-la) for short — might be Guatemala’s second largest city, but it offers something completely different to the country’s capital.

Is Quetzaltenango worth visiting?

Quetzaltenango is a great place to base yourself if you want to do any of the great hikes in the local area. This includes hikes to Volcan Tajamulco (Central America’s highest point). This is a little further away, but many Quetzaltenango hiking agencies offer a multi-day guided hike to its summit and back.

What is the coldest city in Guatemala?

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures Baja Verapaz is the coldest region in Guatemala with an average high temperature of only 26°C.

Is Quetzaltenango safe?

Although, generally speaking, Quetzaltenango is a safe, mid-sized Central American city, travelers should always use precaution when traveling anywhere new, and Xela is no different. However, with a little common sense and respect for new lands, your stay in Quetzaltenango is sure to be a fun and safe experience.

What is Guatemala known for?

Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

How safe is Quetzaltenango?

What can you buy in Quetzaltenango?

The rich and flavourful locally grown coffee is a must-buy in Quetzaltenango. Jade and silver jewellery are also popular buys, and traditional pottery and wood carvings look good in the modern home.

How do you get from Antigua to Quetzaltenango?

The best way to get from Antigua Guatemala to Quetzaltenango without a car is to Local Chicken Bus and bus which takes 5h 20m and costs $16 – $24.

Why is Guatemala famous?

Guatemala is best known for its volcanic landscape, fascinating Mayan culture and the colorful colonial city of Antigua, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But this small Central American country has a wealth of homegrown produce and talent.

Is Guatemala or Peru safer?

For major cities in those countries you get more relevant data by specifying cities….Crime Comparison Between Peru and Guatemala.

Index Peru Guatemala
Crime Index: 67.17 57.80
Safety Scale: 32.83 42.20

How do you pronounce xelaju?

“Xelajú” (pronounced sheh-lah-HOO) is the K’iche’ Maya name for the Guatemalan city Quetzaltenango, still often popularly called “Xelajú” or “Xela”.

Did Guatemala invent chocolate?

Cacao use can be dated as far back as 1500 BC! Although the Aztecs and Mayans spanned throughout Latin America, Guatemala is the country with the title “the birthplace of chocolate.” This is because it housed the capital of the Mayan civilization: Tikal.

Is Guatemala a poor country?

With a population of 17 million and a GDP of US$77.6 billion (2020), Guatemala is the largest economy in Central America and an upper middle-income country, measured by its GDP per capita (US$4,603 in 2020).

Is Xela worth visiting?

Quetzaltenango – or as it is more commonly known, Xela – is vibrant, down to earth, and there’s so much to do in and around the city to keep you busy. If you’re in Guatemala, I would definitely suggest you take some time to visit this city.