Quetzaltenango, Mountain city in southwestern Guatemala.
Quetzaltenango, known by most residents as Xela, is a city in southwestern Guatemala located at roughly 2,334 meters (7,660 feet) elevation in a mountain valley within Quetzaltenango Department. The downtown streets are laid out around a central square, and the surrounding neighborhoods spread over several hills with residential areas and markets.
Spanish troops under Pedro de Alvarado arrived in 1524 and defeated the K'iche' Maya near the settlement, which was called Xelajú at that time. The Santa María volcano eruption in 1902 covered the streets with rock and ash, which later changed the way the city was built and grew.
The old K'iche' name Xelajú remains alive in daily life, and most residents use the shortened form Xela in everyday conversation. The K'iche' language is spoken alongside Spanish in many neighborhoods, and you can hear it often in the streets and shops.
The elevation brings cool weather, and it is wise to bring warm clothes, especially during winter months. The city has many language schools and serves as a base for hikes to nearby volcanoes and hot springs.
Winter temperatures at night can drop below freezing, which is not unusual at this elevation, but often surprises visitors from the tropics. Many houses in the city have no heating, and residents rely on thick blankets and layered clothing to stay warm.
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