Xela is a bit off the beaten Spanish track in Guatemala, Antigua and Lake Atitlan being the most popular. It is the 2nd largest city in Guatemala and this hidden paradise is emerging more and more as a destination for serious Spanish speakers. The prices are good (most under $200 a week), the influx of foreigners is still quite low which leaves you ample time to get down with the locals. There are several good schools in Xela, but I have only listed a few.
Getting There: Fly into Guatemala City. Most schools can arrange to pick you up via private shuttle, prices could range from $20-40. A more budget option would be to take a have a Chicken Bus (Camioneta) to Xela.
Accent: Clean, slow Spanish; great for beginners
- 25 hours of private or group Spanish classes a week
- 7 days accommodation at host family with 6 days of meals. No meals on Sunday.
- Free/reduced price excursions with schools like dancing, cooking classes and afternoon trips
- Please note that there could be a registration fee, could range as much as $100
Xela Spanish Schools:
- Utatlan Spanish School~$150 per week (Spanish + home stay)
- La Democracia Spanish School ~$175 per week (Spanish + home stay)
- Miguel Cervantes Spanish School ~$150 a week (Spanish + home stay; registration fee of $30 USD)
- Sakribal Spanish School ~$175 a week (Spanish + home stay)
Xela, Guatemala
Accommodation: Hostels are your best option in Xela. They range in price from $5 a night for a dorm style bed to $10 or 15 for more private accommodations.
Navigation: Any able bodied person can walk from the center to any point in Xela in about thirty minutes. Minibus routes thread through all parts of the city and, although cramped, cost only 1.25 Quetzal flat fare. The bus costs less but is slower and less frequent.
Safety: Relatively safe city, but as anywhere foreign, stay alert.
