Antigua Guatemala Travel Forum

Hey guys,

I'm headed to Antigua on July 26th 2007. For 2-4 weeks I'll be taking medical spanish classes at Ixchel Spanish School. I'm debating whether I should stay with a family or rent a place. The whole idea of family homestay seems a bit awkward I guess. In any case, after I finish medical spanish I'll be working on a medical volunteer project in Atitlan, so i'll be in guatemala till around October. It would be nice to get to know a few folks to travel and stuff. Is anyone gonna be in Antigua around the same time?

I was just there and studied for two weeks in Antiqua and than went to San Pedro del lago de Attitlan. my only observation is that staying with a family would help that. there are so many english speakers in Antiqua that you won't be forced to use your spanish. I understand your need for medical terms but if you can get around that I would think about going to lago attitlan. everything costs 50% less, they have great schools and the lake is fantastic. San Pedro Spanish school and The Co-operative are two very good schools.

Hey,

Thanks a lot for your advice. I heard the same exact thing from others as well (that antigua has too many english speakers). I'll definately look into studying at lago de atitlan since i'll be working there as well after i finish these classes. How long did u stay there?

I stayed there for three + weeks, if you need a great, cheap and simple place to stay there is a hot tub site right next to the San Pedro Spanish School. a woman named Misha runs it and has a room for 25 Q per day day with a seperate bath and shower. She and the people who work there love speaking with you. very friendly and it will help your spanish. Just trade off with a few English lessons. She is locally politically active, Mayan and extremely helpful.

An alternative to Antigua is the beautiful Volcano Lodge in Santo Tomas,Milpas Altas.[7 KM.from Antigua]Besides being the headquarters for the US Peace Corps,Santo Tomas is a laid back mountain retreat virtually untouched by global tourism.Phone#7830-2431,5641-0054.

I just visited both towns, staying in Antigua. You'll love Guatemala, enjoy.