Guatemala is a small country in size but offers a large biodiversity of climate, geographic regions and cultures.

The 36 year civil war, the longest in Central America, ended in December of 1996 with a peace treaty between the government and guerilla forces. This civil war was fought between the government and its own people. It caused the death of more than 100.000 people.

More than 60 % of the population is indigenous. This is the highest percentage of indigenous people in any country in Central America. There are a total of 25 different ethnic groups in Guatemala, most of these are indigenous, but also include Ladinos (people of Spanish ancestry), Garifunas (Afroamericans of Carribean ancestry) and Whites. Most of the indigenous people still practice their traditional customs, ceremonies and religious practices. This makes travelling through Guatemala a very unique experience.

This is one more reason to learn Spanish with us here in Xela!

The city of Quetzaltenago is the capital of the department with the same name in the highlands of Guatemala. With 150,000 inhabitants, it is the second largest city in the country. Quetzaltenango, or "Xela" as it is called by the locals, sits on a mountain plateau at an elevation of 7650 feet. The climate can be pleasant during the day and sometimes quite cool at night.

The history of the city began with the Mam-Indígenas, who founded the city. The city gained importance after it was conquered by the Quiché in the 14th century. The city got its name from the Spanish conquistadors.

Quetzaltenango became an important city because it is situated as the crossroads to the highlands of Guatemala. The city was most important during the coffee trades of the late 19th century. German and Italian influence of this time is still visible. Santa María, a volcano just outside of Quetzaltenango, erupted in 1902. This caused a lot of damage to the city. After this, it lost its importance in commerce, and much of its business moved to the capital.

Quetzaltenango presents itself as a modern city. About 60 % of the population of Quetzaltenango is indigenous. These people are well integrated into daily life, economy and social activities within Quetzaltenango. The City has an infrastructure more or less similar to that of European or Nothern American cities. There are three universities, a lot of (internet-) cafés, (fast-food-) restaurants, shops of different types, art museums, fitness centers, dance clubs, cinemas, etc. In addition to this there are many aspects that contribute to the Guatemalan style of this city: handicraft stores, markets, and street vendors. Quetzaltenango represents the step into modern times of Guatemala without forgetting the traditions of the past.