Quetzaltenango, Guatemala's second-largest city at 90,000 is the commercial center of southwestern Guatemala. More commonly called Xela (SHAY-lah), the town's major sights are the Parque Centroamerica and the neoclassical buildings which surround it. These buildings, such as the Municipal Theater and administrative buildings stem from the era in
the 19th c when Xela was a major trading and artistic community.
Many eco-tourism organizations offer hiking and camping in the mountains. Quetzaltenango's altitude of 2,333m /8,000 ft ensures warm days, cool nights and no mosquitoes.
It is a base for excursions to the many nearby villages, noted for their hot springs and handicrafts.
Quetzaltenango is well-known for its Spanish-language schools