√ Quetzaltenango (Guatemala): information on the city, what to visit and what to do Quetzaltenango?

Quetzaltenango

Population: ~ 127.000

Time difference to London - Time zone GMT/UTC: -6 hours (+/- changes due summertime/daylight saving)

Climate, weather: 24ºC (77ºF) all year long with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.

► Basic information on Guatemala

Quetzaltenango is the second largest city in Guatemala. It is situated near several volcanoes in the heart of the Sierra Madres, 200 kilometers west of Guatemala City.

Quetzaltenango’s altitude of 2,333 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level ensures warm days, cool nights and no mosquitoes. - Within a few kilometers of the city there are several Mayan towns which are famous for their busy markets and colorful traditional costumes and woven goods.

Quetzaltenango (Guatemala) - Things to See:

Casas de la Cultura Musuem

Mercado Democracia – Street Market

Quetzaltenango (Guatemala) - Local Fiestas and Festivals:

Fiesta Quetzaltenango (middle Sept)

Quetzaltenango is the second most important city of Guatemala

Quetzaltenango is currently considered as the second most important city of Guatemala, due to its size, industrial, cultural, and commercial activity.

It has preserved its colonial architecture. Colorful inclined stone-covered streets that rise and fall, parks, churches, and mansions built by the rich local coffee growers are part of the urban landscape of the city.

Quetzaltenango’s surroundings include several villages and tourist sites, and also a good opportunity to watch more than 700 birds species. The villages, of Quiché and Mam origin, have several small market-places with amazing colonial-style churches, where the tourist can appreciate the agricultural and handicraft richness of the region on market days.

Also called Xela ...

Quetzaltenango (also called Xela) is nestled in the heart of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Guatemala.

The city is located at four hours from the Mexican border and Guatemala city.

It's known as the 'cradle of culture' of Central America, offering all the advantages of a cultural center without the feeling of being in a tourist's metropolis.

The city is a Highland city, which means the climate is template.

In the Guatemalan highlands you will also be able to observe and live the Mayan Culture.

Church of the Saint Spirit

Located in the center of the city and constructed by the Bishop Francisco Marroquín in the year 1535. Of the original construction only the outside facad remains as it was completly reconstructed in the year 1899.

Only a small portion of this still stands after a large earthquake in 1902. Today the church is one of the most inportant catholic churches of the region and currently under a restoration process. Every year large religious festivals like holy week in the spring and the Virgin of Rosary in October are celebrated here.

Municipal Palace of Quetzaltenango

An important part of the historic center, the Municipal Palace is built from Stone with various columns that represent 10 men of high standing.

Built in 1881 and continues to serve as the municipal government of the city. The Palace is also a place where Guatemalan politicians receive other diplomates from around the world.

Cultural House of Quetzaltenango

This building was constructed around 1875 to be the city jail, but on the 27th of October 1955 it became the Cultural House of the area.

It offers a library, auditorium for cultural plays and events, and a natural history musem of Quetzaltenango.

Municipal Theatre

Located in the central part of Quetzaltenango, an architectural jewel of the Neoclassic style. In 1891, during the municipal administration of Manuel Estrada Cabrera, the first stone was placed to begin the construction of the building and to be inaugurated for the first time in 1895 without it's facade.

In 1908, when Estrada Cabrera became president of the country they celebrated the inauguration of the facade, done in a Greek style. Every September - since 1916 the trophy ceremonies of the Floral Games of Central Aemrica, Mexico and the Carribean take place in this theatre.

San Juan Ostuncalco Market

San Juan Ostuncalco is a town located about 12 kilometers (7 miles) outside of Quetzaltenango. It is an indigenous area that produces the regions vegitables, mostly potatoes and fruit.

Each Sunday the people gather here to sell their products. This market is not well known as tourist stop, but offer some of the rich culture of area.

COPAVIC

COPAVIC is a coopertive organization that produces fine blown glass products using only recycled glass.

Founded in 1976 by the local indigenous people 'quichés' and located 13 km (8 mi) outside of Quetzaltenango. Guests can observe this process in action upon visiting COPAVIC.

Second most important city of Guatemala

It is currently considered as the second most important city of Guatemala, due to its size, industrial, cultural, and commercial activity. It has preserved its colonial architecture.

Colorful inclined stone-covered streets that rise and fall, red roofed houses, parks and churches, and mansions built by the rich local coffee growers are part of the urban landscape of the city.

Quetzaltenango’s surroundings include several villages and tourist sites, of Quiché and Mam origin, and that have several small plaza with amazing colonial-style churches, where the tourist can appreciate the agricultural and handicraft richness of the region on market days. For this reason, it is recommended that this city be used as an operations center.

Markets

In Quetzaltenango there are many interesting markets to visit. Some examples are Mercado La Democracia, Mercado Minerva, Mercado Las Flores, etc.

At these markets you can find fresh fruit and vegetables (for a low price!) from which the majority is cultivated in villages around Quetzaltenango or at the coast.

Besides fruit and vegetables you can find everything you need at the market: from typical fabrics, pots and pans to clothes, toiletry and all kind of music ...

Natural hot water springs or steam bathes

From Quetzaltenango it’s easy to visit one of the many natural hot water springs or steam bathes around the city.

Very nearby are: Aguas Georginas, Almolonga, Aguas Amargas and Los Vahos. These springs and bathes are natural and considered as medicinal because of the minerals (like sulfur) found in the water that comes from the volcanoes and mountains.

More information and interesting Web-Sites regarding Quetzaltenango:

► www.muniquetzaltenango.com

City administration of Quetzaltenango

Web-Site in SPANISH

► Ad a link regarding to Quetzaltenango

How and what they are speaking/talking about in Quetzaltenango? Radio and TV stations from Quetzaltenango in Spanish live & online:

Radio Diamante

Radio station

Quetzaltenango

Type and programme style: traditional/folk music

Checked on Sunday, 1st of November 2009, quality of streaming: ok, player type: Windows Media Player.

► Listen live Radio Diamante

FM Mundo

Radio station

Quetzaltenango

Type and programme style: comprehensive

Checked on Sunday, 1st of November 2009, quality of streaming: ok, player type: Windows Media Player.

► Listen live FM Mundo

To propose another radio/tv more, simply contact us:

► contact www.spanishcourses.info

► Information on Guatemala