Culture Class
Every Wednesday afternoon students can participate in culture classes free of charge. The sessions are guided by a Spanish teacher and focus on various Guatemalan traditions, culture, and people. You will learn about the Semana Santa holiday in Antigua, typical Guatemalan pottery, Mayan weaving patterns, gastronomy, literature, music, and much more. The school can also tailor the classes to students' particular interests. This program is a great way to enhance your cultural immersion during your stay in Guatemala!

Some of the excursions the school offers are listed below:

Tikal Some believe that Tikal is the most fascinating archeological site in the Americas. The stunning ruins of this gigantic former Mayan city are set in a tropical jungle home to spider monkeys, iguanas, jaguars and many colorful birds. On this excursion, a bilingual guide can show you the ruins, museums, and natural beauty of the national park, or you can discover it on your own. Lodging is available both inside the park and in the nearby town of Flores. Flores is one hour by plane from Guatemala City or 14 hours by first class bus. One, two, and three-day trips are available.

Rio Dulce and Livingston This area of Guatemala is a tropical paradise. The Dulce River winds its way through the tropical jungle from Lake Izabal to the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can rent a taxi boat for the spellbinding 2-3 hour journey to the coastal town of Livingston. A relaxed, Caribbean town with strong African roots, Livingston has more in common with neighboring Belize than with the rest of Guatemala. You can swim at the hot springs, visit the beach, and get a close up view of beautiful jungles and ecological reserves. On your way back to Antigua, stop and visit the Mayan ruins in Quirigua. Two or three-day trips are available.

Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango English novelist Aldous Huxley called Lake Atitlán "the most beautiful lake in the world." Boasting crystal-clear waters, surrounded by volcanoes, and dotted with indigenous villages, Lake Atitlan makes a spectacular weekend getaway. The two-day trip takes you to three different lakeshore villages and then returns to Panajachel for an overnight stay. On Sunday morning, the group heads to Chichicastenango, Guatemala's premier market town, famous for colorful handicrafts and incredible bargaining opportunities. Rounding out the trip is a visit to the open-air market and various historic churches.

Coban Located north of Guatemala City, Coban has uniquely beautiful terrain with unspoiled cloud-forest reserves. The city has a semi-tropical climate and is the capital of the coffee producing state of Alta Verapaz. Near Coban lie the Mayan ruins in Quirigua, Lanquin Cave, and the Sierra de Las Minas Biosphere. Here you will take a guided tour to Semuc Champey, rapidly gaining acclaim as one of Guatemala's most beautiful destinations!