Queztaltenango, also known as "Xela", sits at an elevation of 7,690 ft. Volcanoes and mountains surround it. Quetzaltenango is the second largest city in Guatemala. The K'iche' Maya inhabited this region before the year 1524. In 1524 the valley was the site of the first battle between the Conquistadors and the indigenous. After the battle the region became known as Xelaju or Xela.

During Colonial times, Queztaltenango became quite populated. Between 1828 and 1845 Queztaltenango was the capital of a country that claimed independence from Guatemala. It was named "Estados de los Altos", or the High States. Near the end of the century, Queztaltenango was the most important city in Guatemala. In 1906 an earthquake completely destroyed the city.

Queztaltenango is an excellent base for exploring nearby indigenous villages.

Nearby Xela:

The Georginas Fountains: located in a village named Zunil. You will find natural spas.

San Martin Sacatepequez: Climb to the crater of the Chicabal Volcano. At the top of the crater, you will discover a beautiful lagoon. This point is also a meeting place for Maya priests and priestesses.