L Houli

I am considering going to a Spanish school in Antigua, Guatamala. I also want to go to Lake Atitlan and Quetzaltenango. Has anyone done this? Any advise for how to do it. Is June an OK time?

Susan

Antigua, Guatemala (you're spelling it wrong) is a really cute, nice, little town. But there are tons of foreigners going to spanish school there! There are volcanos all around and its incredible beautiful there. The people are really nice and the food you can buy on the zocalo at night is so cheap and home-made. I just didn't like seeing SO MANY AMERICANS there, Europeans as well. The Lake is incredibly beautiful also. Hotels are relatively cheap in Guatemala also. Its cold in Antigua, so be prepared, bring socks! Have fun!

L Houli

Susan,

Thanks for the spelling correction on Guatemala. I am now thinking my husband and I may go travel near Antigua and if I like what I see for schools I will return. I do appreciate your response.

r halvorsen

take a bus around service is good and cheap not much at the lake by is is good fishing go to lake Piton Itza near Flores for a great spot for beauty and ruins near by a special

Laureen

I just saw your message from May. I am leaving in 6 days to go to language school in Antigua for three weeks at Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquin. I wonder if you have already gone and returned. I'd be interested in hearing from you.

mark

if you are in Guatemala, try the following destinations:

Volcan Pacaya--easy bus trip from Guate or Antigua--start early--take water--there is a fruit stand on the trail--make sure you know which way the wind is blowing

Puruhla--take a chicken bus--stay in the cottages--quaint town--ask for an English guide to show you the Quetzals, the national bird--ask for firewood at the cottage

Livingston--take a chicken bus--stay in grass huts--dance to marley--ask for phillip--do not leave valuables in room--take a trip to the falls and hot springs, but don't let your stuff or guide out of your sight--guides disappear when robberies occur--eat at The African Place if it is still there

Nebaj--rent a sturdy two door or small truck--get insurance--do not take personal effects, only id, and necessary items--stay at tres hermanas--shop in homes--children will swarm for the opportunity to sell you something handmade for coins--be fair and safe

Guatemala is most beautiful--do not take safety for granted--do not travel alone if possible--Antigua is nice, but it is for tourists, not adventurers. Always ask to see horses before you pay for the ride.

Also, Soon means later, later means tomorrow and tomorrow means never--don't be in a hurry and you won't get frustrated

Please be kind

Beth

Hi! I have heard that the schools in Antigua are good. I have friends that have gone there and learned Spanish. If you decide to do it try to do one on one because it is better to learn at your own pace. Also if you have no spanish at all then definatly do one on one because you will be totally lost. I went to learn in Mexico in San Miguel de Allende and I did the classroom and I wanted to shoot myself in the head the first few days. By the way San Miguel has tons of Spanish schools and it was an amazing town. Really beautiful. I think it is alot like Antigua. Well have fun! Adios

Cathy

Hola!

We have been to Antigua to language schools several times, and it is a very special place. There are indeed many foreigners there also learning the language and visiting the colonial ruins as well as the volcanoes, etc. I would whole heartedly recommend trying the schools there, but there are also other choces of places to go as well, but none as lovely as Antigua.

It can get cold there as it is rather high up, so bring some warmer clothes, but not too many, as there are all the beautiful things you can buy at the markets there. Remember to barter for everything from taxi cab rides, clothing, food from the open market, etc. Bring good walking shoes, as the cobblestone streets are hard on your feet.

Because there are several dozen language schools, you can be choosey. We also had one on one instructions, and lived in a Guatemalan middle-class home. Our Spanish did improve, and we thoroughly enjoyed our multiple visits there. So much to see and do, to enjoy, to taste . . .

Have a great trip!

Cathy

Garth Abrams

Anyone have advice on seeing the jungle: tours, private guide, or can I see it on my own?

a. lukosky

Our visit to Guatemala was absolutely unbelieveable! First to Antigua, thence to the Thursday market in Chichicastinango, thence to Lake Atitlan and its many local Indian villagesl.
We zipped over to Flores, thence to the Mayan temples at Tikal (stay at the local hotel at Tikal so you can take the early morning tour of the jungle).
Please don't tease the howler monkeys as John did or you may receive uninvited "missiles."
Please don't litter in Guatemala, as the vendors are required to clean up the shores of Lake Atitlan twice each day! Be a beautiful American! Also take Fodors with you as it tells it as it should be told! Thanks for listening! ALL

a. lukosky

Our visit to Guatemala was absolutely unbelieveable! First to Antigua, thence to the Thursday market in Chichicastinango, thence to Lake Atitlan and its many local Indian villagesl.
We zipped over to Flores, thence to the Mayan temples at Tikal (stay at the local hotel at Tikal so you can take the early morning tour of the jungle).
Please don't tease the howler monkeys as John did or you may receive uninvited "missiles."
Please don't litter in Guatemala, as the vendors are required to clean up the shores of Lake Atitlan twice each day! Be a beautiful American! Also take Fodors with you as it tells it as it should be told! Thanks for listening! ALL