about "xela" quetzaltenango

Quetzaltenango is in the Mayan highlands of Guatemala. It is surrounded by mountains, located in the heart of the Sierra Madres, 125 miles west of Guatemala city. It was the site of the last battle between the Spaniard conquistador Pedro de Alvarado and the Maya king Tecun Uman. The Mayans called the town Xela-juj, meaning under the ten hills. The name Xela (SHAY-lah), survives in common usage even today. Quetzaltenango, meaning the place of the quetzal bird, is the name the Nahuatl tribe, allies of the Spaniards, gave to the town.

All over Quetzaltenango there are old classical buildings and monuments. There are also modern banks, grocery stores, hotels, bars and restaurants.

The Streets are Narrow, Built for Walking, and everything is within walking distance. There is a variety of night life to satisfy all tastes and pockets. Xela is the second largest city in Guatemala and one of the fastest growing cities in Central America with a population of 150,000.

At 2333 meters above sea level, Xela's climate is idyllic. Temperatures year round average 70-80°F (21°C) during the daytime and 45°F(7°C) at night. Apples grow well here. Xela is green all year round.

Quetzaltenango Popularly called by it´s Mayan name Xelajú, or just "Xela," Quetzaltenango is a university town, with one large state university (San Carlos de Guatemala), and six private universities. Because of the large student population, both Guatemalan and foreigners studying Spanish, Xela is dotted with coffee shops and bakeries. The streets are narrow, built for walking, and most things are within easy walking distance.

There is Also an Active Night-Life, with clubs, billiards, bars and cafes. Xela is the second largest city in Guatemala and one of the fastest growing cities in Central America with an official population of 127,569.

The Municipal Theatre is a beautiful historic building where one can see live music and theatre productions. There are also modern banks, grocery stores, hotels, bars, internet cafes, movie theaters and restaurants. The contrast between the old and the new, especially visible in the center of the city around Central Park, is what gives the city its charm.