QUETZALTENANGO
Known by locals as Xelajú (or Xela, for short), it is believed by many that this Mayan name is derived from a phrase meaning “under ten mountains”. Quetzaltenango is the second largest city in Guatemala, and offers a unique opportunity to explore both the urban and rural surroundings.
Enjoy the distinct architecture of the city’s historic centre, immerse yourself in the diverse textiles, and travel through fantastic scenery including mountains, volcanoes, and winding roads passing countless fields with row upon row of neatly planted crops.
Things to do in and around Quetzaltenango:
- Venture to a nearby town known for its weekly market – particularly the livestock area where you will find everything from chickens to sheep to donkeys!
- Find your way around the “vegetable basket of the Americas” and count how many varieties of fresh produce you can see
- If you are lucky, local craftsmen may be in production at the glass blowing factory, taking recycled glass and transforming it into beautiful new artifacts
- Check out the church famous for its brightly painted façade and the numerous houses with threads dyed into bright colours hung out to dry in the sun
- Take a tour of a famous Guatemalan rum factory
- Hike a dormant volcano with a crater lake, sacred to the Maya and where spiritual leaders still carry out ceremonies to this day
- End an action packed day relaxing in the mineral-rich volcanic hot springs attributed by many with restorative and healing properties
