Quetzaltenango

I really enjoyed going to Quetzaltenango (Xela), because of the climate and the old Spanish architectural influence. If you want a nice place to visit, without traveling in “fear,” then this is a good place to hgo in Guatemala.

I stayed here for one night. And by coincidence, that night was the finals of the guatemalan football league. Xela won 4-1. At first we didn’t know what was happening, but it sure was fun to see all these people go crazy. Then I asked them what was happening, and it made a lot clear to me. I was invited by a couple of locals to join them, as they were going to continue celibrating in the pub where che guevara apparently planned the cuban revolution. although i had to get up at 4am the next morning, it was completely worth it.
A magical night with lots of friendly people!

Xela the best place in the world

Quetzaltenango (Xela) is a nice little city… people told me not to go becuase it would be cold and there was nothing to do there. I found it convenient to a lot of the volcano tours and a nice little town to spend about 2 or 3 nights. The bus trip there and back from Guatemala City can be a bit long – normally 4 or 5 hours but with recent construction may take longer. If you are continuing your journey to a place like Huehuetenango or even onto Coban or Tikal, it’s worth stopping in.

Studied Spanish at Celas Maya for 6 weeks. Good people, good instruction.

My wife and I spent a month in the summer of 2005 in Xela (also known as Quetzaltenango) and loved every minute of it. There are tons of language schools so there is a good mix of people from all over the world. Guatemalan’s are very friendly and welcoming, never once did we feel in any type of danger. It’s a much better option than Antigua if you are looking for a place to stay for any length of time.