Quetzaltenango Travel Guide
Travel to Quetzaltenango -
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Quetzaltenango is a colonial town surrounded by mist-covered mountains, the Santa Maria volcano and the active Santiaguito volcano. It is the centre of the Quiche Maya people and the second largest city of Guatemala. This beautiful region has many stunning natural features such as volcanoes, the Fuentes Georginas hot springs, valleys, mountains and rivers.
In Pre-Columbian times Quetzaltenango was a city of the Mam Maya people called Xelajú. When the city was conquered by Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado for Spain in the 1520s, it was renamed "Quetzaltenango", generally considered to mean "the place of the quetzal bird" which became the city's official name in colonial times. Many people including its Quiche Maya citizens continue to call the city "Xelajú" or more commonly Xela for short.
In the 19th century, coffee was introduced as a major crop in the area and the economy of Xela prospered. The region has developed with the farming of numerous products such as coffee, wheat, fruits and vegetables, as well as sheep and cattle breeding. More recently, the city has become a popular destination for foreign students studying the Spanish or Mayan language.
The area is now well known for its markets in the surrounding villages which sell the produce grown in this region. Those villages with weekly markets are Zunil, Almolonga and San Francisco el Alto’s outdoor market with all manner of animals, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts.
Attractions in Quetzaltenango
The hot springs of Fuentes Georginas are located a short drive from Quetzaltenango through lush plots of agricultural land.
The picturesque village of Zunil has a market each Monday where the local people wear attractive clothes made by hand using traditional techniques featuring intricate designs and bright colors.
Almolonga has a market on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is well known for its variety of vegetables which are cultivated on the small farms which surround the village.
San Francisco el Alto’s Friday market is an outdoor affair and a wonderful opportunity to experience Guatemalan daily life. It is packed with pigs, cows, goats, chickens and sheep as well as fruit, vegetables and handicrafts.
Activities in Quetzaltenango
Once you have explored the town and the local markets why not hike up to the summit of the Santa Maria Volcano, a steep 3-4 hours climb from the village of Llanos del Pinal. The view, best in the early morning hours, is truly spectacular. You can also see into the crater of the very active Santiaguito volcano which erupts at least once every hour.
Relaxing
After the hustle and bustle of the markets, spend an afternoon relaxing at the hot springs of Fuentes Georginas.
Getting Around
The easiest way to get around the town is by foot although it is not safe to walk around at night, in which case taxis are highly recommended. It is best to catch a taxi on a public square rather than on one of the side streets. Take a note of its number and always negotiate the cost of the journey before you leave.
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