Welcome to Xela, Quetzatelnango

Quetzaltenango is the second largest city in Guatemala. It is located in the western highlands of the country and serves as the commerce centre for the area. The city is home to about 180,000 people: about 61% indigenous or Amerindian, 34% Mestizo or Latino and 5% European.

​Quetzatelnango is known for the best place to learn Spanish. Not only you will receive good value for money for your lessons, but it's a city where you have to communicate your needs in Spanish as well. English in not that widely spread here.

The name Xela (pronounced SHAY-la) is short for Xelaju, which was the city’s name before being conquered by the Spaniards in the early 1500's. The Spanish conquistadors changed the city’s name to Quetzaltenango which roughly translates to “the fortress of the Quetzal bird” (Guatemala’s national bird). Many people still refer to the city by the original name Xelaju or Xela which means “under the seven mountains” in the indigenous K'iche language.

Around Xela you will find lots of hiking trails, great views from mountain tops, natural sauna experiences and lot more. The city only a few hours drive from Lago Atitlan as well as the black sand beaches of the Pacific coast. And also the weather is super nice here!

Need help getting here?

Helpful links 
Facebook group : Xela Expat and Travelers Community
XelaVida: https://www.xelavida.com
​Guatemala offical tourism site: https://www.visitguatemala.com