Quetzaltenango Department, Administrative department in western Guatemala
Quetzaltenango Department is an administrative region in western Guatemala that encompasses highland terrain with multiple river systems flowing through it. The capital, also called Quetzaltenango, is the country's second-largest city and serves as the main regional hub.
The territory was part of the K'iche' Kingdom until Spanish forces under Pedro de Alvarado conquered it in the 16th century. This conquest redirected the region's political and social path for centuries to come.
The area is home to K'iche' and Mam Maya communities alongside Spanish speakers, each group maintaining their own languages and ways of life throughout daily interactions. Walking through towns and villages, you notice these distinct traditions reflected in local dress, celebrations, and how people organize their communities.
The region divides into 24 municipalities, so planning which areas to visit works best with some preparation ahead of time. The capital city offers good road connections and serves as a natural base for traveling throughout the area.
The region contains several active volcanoes including Cerro Quemado, Santa María, and Santiaguito that regularly reshape the landscape through eruptions. These geological features create an ever-changing natural environment that few visitors expect to encounter.
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