The city of Quetzaltenango, better known as Xela, is located in Quetzaltenango department. This region is very rich in culture and Guatemalan history. It was here that some of the most important battles of the Spanish conquest were fought. In the year 1524, one of Guatemala's greatest heroes—Tecún Umán— died in battle on February 12th. The city of Quetzaltenango of the Crown was founded may 15th, in 1524 by Don Pedro de Alvarado. This city later expanded and became the department of Quetzaltenango we know today. Xelajú has many tourist attractions, many of which are of great importance in Guatemalan history.

Quetzaltenango is the Southeastern region's economic center. The city is also the second largest in Guatemala. The city has all the commodities and comforts anyone could look for in a city, and it is also a great place for ecotourism. You can visit the famous “fuentes Georginas” hot springs, a few miles from the city, or you could visit the little village of Zunil, where, aside from the beautiful traditional market, you can visit the famous cathedral that is located there.

Due to the fact that many villages in Quetzaltenango are built on Quiché grounds, you can also visit various archeological sites and monuments which were the stage for much of Guatemala's early history. For those who enjoy the outdoors, you can visit a series of mountains that surround Quetzaltenango City with professional guides and organized tours.

¿Did you know…?

* Quetzaltenango is the second largest city in Guatemala, second only to the capital city
* Quetzaltenango was an independent state named “Estados de los Altos” for a brief period of time.
* Quetzaltenango was predominantly Quiché territory in pre-Hispanic times until the conquistadors arrived in the sixteenth century.
* Many communities in Quetzaltenango are established over Mayan grounds due to the fact that when the Spanish drew the community lines, it was easier to use existing communities rather than redraw the map.
* Quetzaltenango was the stage to some of the fiercest battles in the Spanish conquest, including the Pinal plains battle, and the Urbina plains battle.