Antigua Guatemala

Quetzaltenango

Guatemala City

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Quetzaltenango, often known as Xela, is the second largest city in Guatemala tucked away in a valley surrounded by stunning mountainous landscape. It's located in the western highlands, about 200 kilometers from Guatemala City. This vibrant destination is popular for its rich Mayan culture and charming Spanish colonial architecture. Known for its bustling traditional markets, Xela offers an intimate glimpse into authentic Guatemalan life. The city is a renowned hub for language schools, offering immersion Spanish courses. It serves as an excellent base for hiking adventures to nearby volcanoes and hot springs, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The city's historic center, laden with neoclassical architecture and cobblestone streets, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth exploring, while the nearby indigenous villages break the uniformity with their rich traditions and vividly colored textile markets.

I loved Quetzaltenango. There are gangs that target buses to the capital but otherwise, it was a safe place when I traveled.

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Antigua Guatemala

Quetzaltenango

Guatemala City

Panajachel