Quetzaltenango (Xela) Travel Guide: Guatemala's Highland Gem with United Travels

Welcome to Quetzaltenango, more commonly known by its Maya name, Xela (pronounced 'Shay-la'). As Guatemala's second-largest city, nestled high in the western highlands at over 2,330 meters (7,640 feet), Xela offers a refreshing and authentic alternative to more tourist-heavy destinations. [5, 9, 28] This vibrant city is a hub of indigenous culture, particularly K'iche' Maya, blended with impressive neoclassical architecture from its coffee-boom past. [4, 12] Surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, it serves as a fantastic base for exploring the natural beauty and cultural richness of this region of Guatemala. [4, 8, 9] Unlike Antigua or Lake Atitlán, Xela provides a genuine glimpse into contemporary Guatemalan life, bustling with local markets, universities, and a thriving Spanish language school scene. [4, 5]