Quetzaltenango is situated in a geologically active region of the Guatemalan highlands and is surrounded by several notable volcanic features that shape both its landscape and natural environment. One of the most prominent is the Santa María Volcano, which experienced a catastrophic eruption in 1902, one of the largest volcanic events of the 20th century. That eruption caused widespread destruction in the surrounding region and significantly affected local agriculture. At the base of Santa María lies Santiaguito, an active lava-dome complex that has been in near-continuous eruption since 1922, producing ash plumes and occasional lava flows. In addition to these volcanic structures, the nearby Zunil Volcano contributes to the area’s geothermal activity, which feeds the Fuentes Georginas hot springs, a well-known natural attraction.
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