The Programs and Activities
after classes
Language, history, and culture are best experienced with travel and Xela is the cultural-hub and adventure-gateway to the Guatemalan highlands and beyond …. The following are some of the excursions to nearby places of interests arranged by El Mundo En Español..
Fuentes Georginas
This is a beautiful natural spa near to Xela. Here, pools of varying temperatures are fed by hot sulfur springs and framed by a high wall of tropical vines, ferns and flowers. Though the setting is intensely tropical, currents of mountain air keep temperatures cool during the day.
Cerro Quemado
Hike the volcanic rock formations of Cerro Quemado, where one can view the dormant mouth of this ancient volcano, and enjoy panoramic views of Quetzaltenango and the agricultural valley of Almolonga.
Salcajá
Just 6km from Xela, Salcajá is known for its traditional ikat style of textiles. You can watch as the fabrics are woven into intricate patterns on foot powered, wooden looms. Also you can sample a local specialty called “caldo de fruita”, which is considered akin to magic elixirs. Its a like a high octane sangria. A local attraction is the oldest church in Central America, completed in 1496.
San Andrés Xecul
This town boast the most bazaar, stunning, church imaginable. Technicolored saints, angels, flowers and climbing vines fight for space with whimsical tigers and frolicking monkeys on the shocking yellow facade. Up the hill you will come to a smaller (more sedate) yellow church where Mayan ceremonies are still held.
Cantel COPAVIC
Located in Xela and formed by a collaboration, this cooperative uses recycled glass to refashion all kinds of glassware. They have a large facility and it is possible to observe them work. Students have the opportunities to participate and try to make a “figura”.
Laguna Chikabal
This magical lake is nestled in a crater of the Chikabal Volcano (2712m), the center of Maya-Mam cosmo vision. Laguna Chikabal is an intensely sacred place. There are 2 active Mayan alters on its sandy shore and Mayan priests and worshippers come from far and wide to perform ceremonies and make offerings at this sacred place.
Zunil
It is a town of Quetzaltenango, located nine kilometers from the city. In it you can admire the beauty of the typical regional costume, as well as the market has significant potential trade. You can also make a visit to San Simon is a non-Christian Holy venerated in Guatemala by the Maya people.
Tour of the Historic Center
A tour of the most important and popular City Centre places like Central Park, Banks, Cathedral church, the ‘Pasaje Enriquez’, Municipal Theatre, Cafes, etc., this with the main objective of the student to adapt more easily to stay in the City.
Visit to Trama Textiles
It is a cooperative of Guatemalan women who produce clothing, accessories and textiles using the waist’s loom.
Visit to Creaciones Utzil
It is a factory of decorative dolls in traditional costumes of different indigenous communities in Guatemala.
Hike Baúl
The hill ‘el Baúl’ is a park with green area that offers an excellent view of the city of Quetzaltenango. Cover the area with 2.40 square kilometers and has a height of 2.650 meters.
También…
- Salsa and Merengue – every week
- Movies – from Guatemala, Cuba, España, Central and South America about history, political and culture in Spanish.
- Classes fabric of Indigenous Costumes – Learn traditional techniques and designs of indigenous women in Trama Textiles.
- Cooking classes– In the family there are very good cooks and give classes for students interested in learning to cook dishes from Guatemala.
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Chocolate classes
-The experience is fun !! The procedure for this is from the cocoa bean to form chocolates to eat and enjoy a delicious cup of hot chocolate.
There is much more to discover and do in xela culture, economy, sports and history (you can ask for more options).
We invite you to start an adventure to
improve your Spanish and investigate the beauties of Guatemala…