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The highland burg of Quetzaltenango is the second-largest city in Guatemala, with a population of more than 300,000. Like Chichicastenango, this was and still is a principal center of the Maya Ki'che of Guatemala—and many locals still refer to the city by its Ki'che name Xelajú. In fact, most people simply call the place Xela (pronounced "sheh-la"). Xelajú is close to the sight where Ki'che King Tecún Umán was killed in battle against the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado. Following Tecún Umán's defeat in 1524, the city was renamed Quetzaltenango, or "place of the Quetzal," which is what Alvarado's Nahuatl mercenaries called it. In 1848, Quetzaltenango declared itself "El Sexto Estado del los Altos," independent from Guatemala. However, while the city retains an independent streak, its political independence lasted only 2 years, and the Guatemalan military quickly brought the rogue state back into the fold.
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AttractionsLas Piedras (Bilbao Stones)
Just north of downtown
Retalhuleu, Guatemala Distance: 24.4 mi. (from destination center) Description: Just on the northern edge of Santa Lucía sits a collection of massive carved stones. The... Read More Museo de Cultura Cotzumalguapa (Cotzumalguapa Cultural Museum)
Retalhuleu, Guatemala
Distance: 24.4 mi. (from destination center) Description: Set just a few blocks inland from the highway on the eastern edge of town, this small museum... Read More AirportsMajor Airports near Quetzaltenango
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