Antigua, Guatemala is one of the most pictoresque cities one can imagine studying Spanish or visiting for that matter. Surrounded by volcanoes (yes, they are active!) this city idealizes the postcard image of Latin America. The cobblestone streets center around a main park where cafes, hip restaurants, and galleries weave in and out of the quiet streets. 45 minutes from Guatemala City feels like another world and for less than $200 a week, you can really enjoy all that Antigua has to offer.
Getting There: Fly into Guatemala City (about 45 min from Antigua). Most schools have a shuttle service to pick you up for about $30-40. If you are braver, you can take a Chicken Bus (Camioneta) to Antigua.
Accent: Clean, slow Spanish; great for beginners
- 20 + hours of private Spanish classes a week
- 7 days accommodation at either host family or hotel
- 6 days of meals (if you opted for host family option)
- free/reduced price excursions with Spanish School
Antigua Spanish Schools:
- Ixchel Spanish School~ $240 per week (Spanish + home stay)
- took Spanish here in 2009; good quality instruction
- took Spanish here in 2009; good quality instruction
- La Union ~ $125 per week (Spanish; Homestay prices are not listed)
- rates vary by as much as $20 between low/high season & morning/afternoon classes
- includes laundry service
- Christian Spanish Academy~ $310 per week (Spanish + home stay)
- highly respected school in Antigua
Please note that schools in Antigua offer discounts to students who take afternoon classes over morning and as well as take Spanish in their off-seasons, Sept- Nov.
One of the many churches in Antigua
Accommodation: Budget options are few and far between in Antigua, your best bet is to stay with a host family
Navigation: Antigua is very easy to navigate on foot. City is set up in a grid system and cars have been restricted in many parts. There is a lively central square/park where the city cathedral sits and most of the restaurants and bars are.
Safety: Antigua is very popular with foreign tourists so in turn safety is top of minds to the local police. Tourist Police officers have also been hired to help wayward tourists.
More articles about Guatemala can be found here: The Big Fat World
