Quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango is Guatemala's second city. It has a great atmosphere – not too big, not too small, enough foreigners to support a good range of hotels and restaurants, but not so many that it loses its national flavor. The city center has an interesting mix of architectural styles – once the Spanish moved out, the Germans moved in and their architecture gives the zone a somber, even Gothic, feel.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Centro Intercultural de Quetzaltenango

    Centro Intercultural de Quetzaltenango

    Quetzaltenango

    Quetzaltenango's railroad station, 1km east of the Templo de Minerva along 4a Calle, lay dormant for many years until the city converted it into this…

  • Parque Centro América

    Parque Centro América

    Quetzaltenango

    Most of Xela's sights crowd in and around the broad central plaza. It's a great place for a stroll or to sit and people-watch. It was originally two…

  • Cemetery

    Cemetery

    Quetzaltenango

    Quetzaltenango's enormous cemetery is a pleasant and fascinating green space for a walk. To the left of the main entrance, visit the grave of the gypsy…

  • Cerro el Baúl

    Cerro el Baúl

    Quetzaltenango

    This wooded hill is a popular weekend destination for city dwellers, for its wonderful views across Xela's broad plain and to the volcanos that fringe it…

  • Museo de Arte

    Museo de Arte

    Quetzaltenango

    An interesting if chaotic collection of some 400 paintings by Guatemala's leading modernists is exhibited here, including works by Efraín Recinos, Jorge…

  • Museo Ixkik'

    Museo Ixkik'

    Quetzaltenango

    This museum is devoted to Maya weaving, with traditional outfits arranged by region. Director Raquel García is an expert on the symbols and meanings of…

  • Templo de Minerva

    Templo de Minerva

    Quetzaltenango

    Rising incongruously from an island in the middle of traffic-choked 4a Calle, this temple was erected by dictator Estrada Cabrera to honor the Roman…

  • Iglesia El Calvario

    Iglesia El Calvario

    Quetzaltenango

    The church that lends its name to the neighborhood west of the center was built four centuries ago on a rise to avoid Xela's periodic flooding. Check out…

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