Quetzaltenango Department, Administrative department in western Guatemala
The department spans 1,951 square kilometers at an elevation of 2,333 meters, encompassing both mountainous terrain and the Samalá River watershed.
The territory formed part of the Kʼicheʼ Kingdom of Qʼumarkaj until Spanish forces under Pedro de Alvarado defeated it near present-day Quetzaltenango.
The population includes Spanish-speaking Ladinos alongside Kʼicheʼ and Mam Maya groups, each maintaining their distinct languages and customs throughout the region.
The department divides into 24 municipalities, with the capital city Quetzaltenango serving as Guatemala's second-largest urban center and regional administrative hub.
The department contains multiple active volcanoes, including Cerro Quemado, Santa María, and Santiaguito, which shape the regional landscape through periodic eruptions.
Location: Guatemala
Inception: September 16, 1845
Capital city: Quetzaltenango
Elevation above the sea: 2,333 m
Shares border with: Huehuetenango Department, Totonicapán Department, Sololá Department, Suchitepéquez Department, Retalhuleu Department, San Marcos Department
GPS coordinates: 14.84583,-91.51889
Latest update: March 2, 2025 20:55
Santa María
10.5 km
Takalik Abaj
32.3 km
Santiaguito
12.8 km
Almolonga
5.4 km
Volcán San Pedro
34.3 km
Volcán Tolimán
43.8 km
Xetulul
29.7 km
Pascual Abaj
44.7 km
Quetzaltenango Municipal Theatre
873 m
Chicabal
16.1 km
Chocolá
27.3 km
Estadio Mario Camposeco
469 m
Holy Spirit Cathedral, Quetzaltenango
1.4 km
Quetzaltenango Guatemala Temple
2.2 km
Holy Cross Cathedral, Santa Cruz del Quiché
44.8 km
Chapel of the Conqueress of the Immaculate Conception
7.5 km
Minerva
1.5 km
Santa María Hydroelectric Dam
8.4 km
Avalancha
29.8 km
Takalik Abaj
32.6 km
House of Justo Rufino Barrios
31.7 km
Chocolá, Suchitepéquez, Iglesia Católica
27 km
Canton Las Ruinas de Gumarkaaj
43.2 km
Chichicastenango Market
45.1 km
Mariposario Reserva De Atitlan
39.4 km
Fuentes Georginas Restaurant
11.4 km
Riviera de Atitlan
39.3 km
Fuentes Georginas
11.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes