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Antigua Guatemala Spanish Schools: A Guide

Antigua Guatemala is a popular destination for Spanish-language learners, as there are excellent schools here, at good prices.

Beware, however, that not all schools are created equal and the quality of instruction varies. Here are a few pointers to help you choose the right school to achieve your educational goals and to help you make the most of your learning experience.

Antigua Guatemala Spanish Schools

How To Choose a Spanish School

First, try your teacher out before committing to a week-long learning schedule. Sign up for an hour or two of classes, and if you are compatible with your teacher, go ahead and commit to a longer timetable. Switching teachers is not frowned upon, so if you’re not comfortable with the first teacher assigned, request another one – or even switch schools.
Second, set clear expectations about what your goals are. You may want to learn a few key phrases to use during your travels, or set out on a lifelong learning adventure. Either way, this may drastically alter the methods that the teacher uses to impart knowledge, or even the school you choose – leading to my third point.

Types of Spanish Schools

Spanish schools in Antigua divide into roughly two camps, with some overlap – formal and informal.

The schools offering formal instruction tend to emphasize a rather strict approach to learning, focusing on proper grammar and preparing you to eventually use Spanish to conduct business or to use it in an academic setting – these schools are a tad more expensive.
Informal teaching takes a more casual, “fun” approach – students are taught the basics to help them carry on casual conversations without getting too hung up on the rules. It’s really up to you, as some may prefer a structured approach, while others may thrive in a more casual environment.

Formal Spanish Schools in Antigua

If you’re interested in formal learning, visit top-notch Christian Spanish Academy (6a Avenida Norte #15). This school doubles as a DELE (Diplomas of Spanish as a Foreign Language) exam center.

If you want things to be a touch more on the fun side, but still receive academic instruction, check out Don Pedro de Alvarado Spanish School (6a Avenida Norte #39) – homestay programs available.

Maximo Nivel (6a Avenida Norte #16) is also a popular, though expensive choice.

Informal Spanish Schools in Antigua

If you want an effective school, but not in a very structured setting, along with personal instruction, there are quite a few schools in town that could accommodate you. Among them, we recommend La Union (1a Avenida Sur #21), Tecún Uman (6a Calle Poniente #34A), and Ixchel Spanish School (9a Calle Oriente #5).

Probigua (6a Avenida Norte #41B) is also a very solid school. Your tuition fees support their library bus, which visits rural communities (more on Probigua below).

Proyecto Linguistico Francisco Marroquín (PLFM) (6a Avenida Norte #43) is another great option if you’re looking for one-on-one instruction with occasional group activities mixed in.

About Probigua

If you’re interested in lending a hand to improve Guatemalan children’s access to books, consider attending Probigua in Antigua Guatemala. Their Spanish academy helps fund the creation of libraries in rural areas in Guatemala, along with the operation of their cool library bus, which serves villages and towns surrounding Antigua.

Probigua bus, Antigua Guatemala

Founded in 1998, Probigua’s library bus began providing services with a little over 600 books, mostly donated – today, the library bus has over 3,000 books. In 2001, Probigua won the “Access to Learning Award” given by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which also came with a $250,000 grant.

Antigua Guatemala Spanish schools probigua — Space for presentations

The library bus makes scheduled stops weekly, as previously arranged with schools that request it. Most of the learning material in the bus is geared towards students in primary and middle-school grades. Library services are offered free of charge and fees collected from the Spanish school help keep the bus running and to provide ongoing maintenance.

In addition to the library bus, Probigua also provides needed school supplies. They also support the creation of additional libraries in remote areas (over 25 already).

Probigua has another library bus, which serves Chilmaltenango, which is currently out of service because of lack of funds to get it operational once again. If you’re interested in taking the DELE exam, I highly recommend you give Probigua a try.

*This is an excerpt of the Antigua Guatemala – The Essential Guide (2018) (Antigua Guatemala Spanish Schools), which you can find at Amazon.com.*

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Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua Guatemala: Visitors Guide

At first, it isn’t evident how much remains of the original Santa Catalina Virgen y Martir Convent. Because of its prime real estate location, most of what was once the church and convent has over the years been divided into private lots. The cloisters of Santa Catalina are now private property, owned by a local family and turned into Restaurant Hotel Convento Santa Catalina.

Ruins of the church nave – adjacent to the iconic Antigua Guatemala arch, are used to store procession andas. Closed to the public, except during Holy Week, when the former church is open to the public and allowed to get up close to the andas.

Santa Catalina Arch, Agua Volcano in the background

History of Santa Catalina Arch

In 1609, four Augustinian nuns were authorized to start a women’s convent – the second in the city. It became popular given that the dowry required to enter was much smaller than at that of La Concepcion Convent. As the population of the convent grew, housing 105 nuns and 250 servants, the sisters thought it necessary to expand their building. Unfortunately, they were unable to secure a lot adjacent to the original building.

Calle del Arco, La Merced Church in the background

The closest property to the convent that nuns were able to acquire was the one directly across the street. The first solution proposed – closing the road to join both properties – was vehemently opposed by neighbors, who believed that closing direct access to La Merced Church would be a terrible inconvenience. The reason for the nuns proposal was simple – because of their vow of seclusion, nuns were forbidden to interact with the public – inevitable if they were to cross the street.

Eventually, an enclosed footbridge was proposed and approved in 1693, though some neighbors were still opposed. The arch was completed a year later.

Processional andas, Santa Catalina Convent

The 1773 earthquakes damaged the convent and arch. Though partially restored, the convent was finally abandoned in 1776 and rebuilt much later, in 1850. The clock tower now adorning the Arco de Santa Catalina was added in the 1890s. The arch underwent another restoration in the 1940s. The clock suffered damages during the 1976 earthquake, and it remained unrepaired until 1991. Today, the arch is the city’s most photographed attraction and a traditional gathering place for New Year’s celebrations.

The Clock Atop the Arch

The clock and the tower atop the arch date back to the 19th century – it’s a Lamy & Lacroix French clock that needs to be wound every three days. Watchmaker Lorenzo Godoy initially maintained the clock, and the task of upkeep was later taken up by his son. Presently, Rodrigo Gaytan is responsible for winding and keeping the clock ticking.

Closeup of the clock tower, Santa Catalina Arch

The arch’s clock works via a system of weights – three to be exact, each weighing over 200 pounds each. The weights, attached to the clock mechanism by a pulley system and ropes, take three days to make the ropes unwind, at which point Gaytan returns the weights back to their original starting point. In the 1980s, the clock was due for repairs. Some city council members proposed the installation on an electric clock – a proposal which was rejected soundly.

Also, notice that the clock only faces the street on either side. Lean close to the wall on either side of the street, and you’ll see that both, the left and right sides of the clock tower, are adorned by placeholders.

Wallpaper Download

The arch is a must-visit attraction and a world-renowned Guatemalan icon. Don’t miss it! In the meantime, enjoy this Santa Catalina Arch wallpaper :)

Download the photo above as a wallpaper here: 1920×1200 and 1920×1080

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Marañon Jocote (Cashew Apple): Guatemalan Fruits

If you’ve been to Antigua Guatemala’s Mercado (Market) lately, you’ve probably noticed your share of exotic fruits and produce. If in season, marañon will certainly catch your eye.

A widely available fruit when in season, jocote de marañon, better known outside Guatemala as marañón, is a treat. You might know the fruit by its name in English, “cashew apple”. Marañón’s scientific name is Anacardium Occidentale.

Marañón Origins

This fruit, with origins in Brazil, is very popular here, though nowhere more so than in neighboring El Salvador – there, it’s known as “Fruta de la memoria” (memory fruit).

Health Benefits Of Marañon

Cashew apples are loaded with calcium, iron, and up to five times the amount of vitamin C than your average orange. It’s used to make drinks, jams, chutneys, and even alcoholic beverages. The cashew apple is known as an accessory fruit, as the seed grows outside, rather than inside the fruit.

Where To Get Marañon

Since jocote de marañon is available everywhere right now, I figured I’d pick some up to photograph and figure out later what to do with it. I later learned that this fruit is in season during Spring and Summer, which is why I was able to bargain the price down easily, from three for 5Q to four for 5Q.

Jocote de marañon looks very similar to peppers, but the nuts give it away

In season, you can probably buy cashew apples here for 1Q ($0.12) each

My wife picked up the best of the bunch. They felt a bit heavier than peppers – the seller advised us that when the fruit is too firm, it’s not quite ready yet – softer is sweeter. Once I got home, it was time for a quick photoshoot.

Marañon Wallpaper

Such a colorful fruit!

Download the photo above as a wallpaper here: 1920×1200 and 1920×1080

You need about three cashew apples to make a liter of juice.

Close-up of the cashew nut

Download the photo above as a wallpaper here: 1920×1200 and 1920×1080

How Cashew Nuts Are Obtained From Marañon

While you may not be familiar with the fruit itself (it bruises easily, so it’s hard to transport to northern countries), you probably recognize its seed, the cashew nut, which sits atop the fruit.

Each cashew nut contains exactly one cashew. Now, before you attempt to crack the nut, you should know that the inside of the shell is very toxic – it has an acid known as urushiol, which is the same component as poison ivy, and which produces the same skin-irritant effect. The cashew nut must be roasted at a high temperature to get to the cashew inside – the smoke is also toxic, which will get rid of the acid and destroy both shells.

How To Eat Marañon

It’s best to peel this fruit if you want to consume it raw, as the skin has trace amounts of urushiol. In some countries, cashew apples are boiled whole for five minutes to get rid of the toxic.

Since I had no idea, I sliced the fruit, skin, and all, and took a bite. My wife cautioned me that it would “grab my tongue” – I had no idea what she meant, as it’s one of the phrases she uses that can mean anything. After taking a bite, I immediately knew what she meant by “grab the tongue.”

Since the seed is on the outside, most of the fruit is edible

While sweet (it reminds me a bit of mango, pineapple, and a bit of lime), the fruit has an astringent taste – it will dry your mouth quickly, and you’ll feel your throat slightly close up. A strange sensation at first, but it quickly goes away – all of which can be minimized if you peel the skin before consuming.

Marañon Juice Recipe

I found a Guatemalan jocote de marañon recipe online, which I adapted.

Remove and throw away the cashew nut and peel the skin.
Cut cashew apple into 1-inch chunks.
Blend pieces with about a cup of water for every cashew apple
Add a teaspoon of brown sugar per apple
Squeeze the juice of one lime.
Use a blender to mix it all well.
(Optional) Strain the mix to remove the pulp.

It will be enough to make a bit over one liter of a delicious tropical drink. Serve over ice and enjoy!

Fresco de jocote de marañon

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Pacaya Volcano Hike, Guatemala: Visitors Guide

If you want to cross off “~~CLIMB A VOLCANO~~” off your bucket list, you can still do that here with minimal strain. Check out our guide to hiking Pacaya Volcano below.

Before visiting Guatemala, the closest I’d been to a volcano was when I visited Leahi Volcano – better known as iconic Diamond Head Volcano, overseeing Waikiki Beach, in Oahu, Hawaii. Because it’s only 760-feet high, it’s impressive mostly because of its beautiful surroundings. I was even more impressed the first time I saw Agua Volcano, as it loomed over Antigua.

Ask a child to draw a volcano, and what will end up on paper is a pretty close approximation to what Agua Volcano (3,760 meters/ 12,335 feet) looks like – an imposing, triangle-shaped mass that dominates the surrounding landscape. Even more impressive is Fuego Volcano, to the east, which tends to put on a fireworks show for visitors occasionally.

Anyone can book a trek up to Agua’s summit – a strenuous 4-6 hour climb not meant for badly out-of-shape hikers, those with bad knees, or the just plain lazy. To see Fuego up close, you have to climb its next-door neighbor – and currently dormant, Acatenango Volcano, an even tougher challenge, requiring a 6-8 hour climb and an overnight stay near the summit.

Fast Facts About a Pacaya Volcano Hike

The cost to visit: $8 for a shuttle to National Park (includes round-trip transportation, guide, and marshmallows), Q50 for park entrance (mandatory fee), Q5 for walking stick rental (optional/negotiable), Q100-200 for a horseback ride to the top (optional/negotiable).

Effort level: Moderate – Total distance round trip: 5km

Time: Schedule about 6 hours for the entire trip. Open: Daily – 365 days of the year

Height: 2,562.08 meters (8,405.77 feet)

Where is Pacaya Volcano?

About an hour away from Antigua Guatemala is Pacaya Volcano. The reason why you can’t see Pacaya from Antigua is that Agua Volcano sits directly between you and it – Pacaya can be easily seen from Guatemala City, as it’s only 40 km to the southwest.

While Pacaya Volcano tends to erupt once in a while – in 2010 it blanketed Guatemala City with black ash, like a reverse White Christmas, it’s generally safe to visit.

Volcan Pacaya — Pacaya Volcano’s distinctive 4-peak outline, as seen from Guatemala City

Arranging a visit to Pacaya borders on the trivial – any travel agency in town can book you a seat on one of the shuttles making the trip to Pacaya Volcano National Park. With promises of getting close to scalding rivers of lava – the travel agency pictures did look amazing, we booked a trip with the cheapest shuttle provider we could find, which ended up being about Q60 per person.

Our Visit to Pacaya

The 12-seat passenger van picked us up near a hotel at about 3:30 pm. The van was nearly empty, except for a young couple I later learned was from Australia.

The ride was uneventful, with nothing terribly interesting to see, other than the locals going about their lives in the mostly rural community of San Francisco de Sales, which happens to be located at the foot of Pacaya Volcano. The trip lasted nearly an hour.

At Pacaya’s National Park

As we arrived at the park’s Visitors Center, before we even had a chance to get off the shuttle, we were swarmed by children, each holding long wooden sticks in their hands.

At first, I didn’t understand why they were so excited about our arrival but eventually figured out they were “selling” us walking sticks. Well, we’d technically be renting them.

Later, we ran into the same children once we descended on the other side of the volcano, where they helpfully offered to dispose of our now-useless walking sticks. At about Q5, I figured they would come in handy, so I “purchased” three.

The park’s Visitors Center is located in a small green building, attended by mostly bored-looking staff. Once we paid our entrance fee (Q50/foreigners, Q20/locals), we were handed off to a chipper guide, who would guide our 45-minute ascent.

Climbing Pacaya Volcano

Our guide led us on the well-marked trail, pointing out facts about the vegetation around us, which I found mildly interesting and forgot all about the minute I climbed off the volcano.

With the young Australian couple literally leaping with every step (I’m sure any resemblance to kangaroos was purely coincidental), I became resigned to the fact I’d be the one to bring up the rear. The fit Australians impatient stares only made me even more embarrassed to be so out of shape. All this happened during the first five minutes of the climb – I was going to be in for a long afternoon.

We stopped quite a few times along the way to admire the view and gaze at Agua Volcano in the distance from various lookout points.

walking sticks pacaya volcano guatemala — Horseback rides available

hiking pacaya volcano guatemala — Well-worn hiking path

views from pacaya volcano guatemala — Lookout point

When we arrived at the first clearing, we were joined by two men offering horseback rides to the top. Sensing my distress, my wife suggested I take them up on the offer. At this point, I’d determined I was going to push through even if I had crawl to the top.

In I’m sure is a well-practiced pitch, the man and his horse (Mariposa was her name) followed us nearly to the top, convinced I’d give in once I sensed the onset of a heart attack. The higher we climbed, the lower the price of the ride came down. Though the owner was insistent I take him up on the offer, I didn’t need to be a horse whisperer to know that Mariposa wanted no part of hauling me up.

Atop Pacaya

Eventually, we made it past the treeline and into a stunning landscape reminiscent of Mars – if you’ve seen the movie The Martian (thumbs up, my favorite movie of 2016), you’ll have an idea. Better yet, watch the award-winning Guatemalan movie Ixcanul (see the trailer!), which was actually filmed here. Even if there are no rivers of flowing lava – they cooled off and hardened years ago, the landscape is striking and eerie at the same time.

horses pacaya volcano guatemala — As far as horses will take you

summit pacaya volcano guatemala — Mars-like landscape

Roasting Marshmallows

The guide directed us across the landscape to where a group of tourists was already gathered. Like the children we encountered at the entrance, these tourists all had wooden sticks on their hands, albeit smaller and – curiously – with marshmallows on one end.

Turns out it’s a popular pastime to visit Pacaya and roast marshmallows atop one of the many heat vents – the hot fumes produced by the smoldering lava still trapped underneath the hardened rock on top. Oddly enough, I didn’t smell any sulfur or taste an odd flavor on my roasted marshmallows. The rivers of lava were nowhere to be found – never trust travel agency brochures.

pacaya volcano guatemala — Hiking Pacaya Volcano is a popular activity

tourists pacaya volcano guatemala — Guides will provide marshmallows

roasting marshmallows pacaya volcano guatemala — Roasting marshmallows at a lava heat vent

The Lava Store

Atop Pacaya, there’s also a small kiosk, “The Lava Store”, selling trinkets and jewelry made from lava rock. Unfortunately, by the time our group made it to the top, the kiosk had closed. If interested in buying lava jewelry, you can find it for sale – at a premium, at Casa de Los Gigantes (7a Calle Oriente #18).

Descent

After eating enough marshmallows to get a sugar high, we started the descent via the other side of the volcano. This was much faster, but a bit more treacherous due to the loose rocks and sand blanketing the steep path on the way down.

Kids will gladly receive your hiking sticks

Tired, but satisfied we climbed into the waiting shuttle – not before tipping the guide that accompanied us.

If you’ve never seen a volcano up close, I highly recommend a Pacaya Volcano hike. It’s accessible, inexpensive, and worth the trip.

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More activities here: https://okantigua.com/things-to-do-in-antigua-guatemala/

Our Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide 2017 Edition Is Now Available!

If you’ve been wondering what I’m up to and why I haven’t been writing as much on this site, then wonder no more. I’m pleased to announce I’ve completed my latest project, the Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide.

A lot of work has been put into it to make it as useful as possible for you. If you’re a fan of detailed guides, then this is your chance to get the most complete, up-to-date guide about Antigua Guatemala you could buy. And the best part? It happens to be on sale for Christmas (click the link to view)!

Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide – 2017 Edition

So what’s so unique about this guide? Let’s dive right in with the highlights:

Newly updated for 2017
Self-guided walks and tours of all points of interests in town
Restaurant and lodging recommendations for all budget levels
Tips for kids, shopping, entertainment, and cultural activities, both free and paid
Easy-to-read maps for attractions, walks, and churches, and also for all guided walks
Lent and Holy Week schedule for 2017 so you can plan your vacation accordingly
My picks for what to see and do – no tourist traps here
Two formats: PDF for your computer, ePub for iBooks app on Apple’s iPad

Here’s a look at the Table of Contents (click to enlarge image):

Is this the right book for you?

My previous book, Living in Antigua Guatemala (also on sale), was written for people exploring a move to Antigua Guatemala. It dives into questions someone would have when considering establishing a residence here, whether temporarily or on a part-time basis, and how to navigate the often cumbersome bureaucracy of the local government.

The Antigua Guatemala Travel Guide is all about the fun part of being in Antigua Guatemala, whether you already live here, or are planning a visit. If you’re planning on visiting for a few days, this is the book to get.

If you’re planning a move here, then this book nicely compliments the Living in Antigua Guatemala guide. I suppose that if you’re going to live here, it’s likely you’ll want to have a bit of fun and go out once in a while too.

Both books are, of course, available for purchase on this site. If you prefer, you can buy through iTunes or at Amazon. It would please me greatly if you leave a review on Amazon if you’ve purchased the travel guide already.

My recommendation is that you purchase here, as that allows you to have copies of the book on multiple devices, rather than being locked into one device, either an iPad or a Kindle.

What does the book look like inside?

Glad you asked. It’s filled with some of my best photographs of Antigua Guatemala. It also has detailed information about each point of interest in town – and there are many, along with recommendations on what to do grouped into activities. It also has practical information for tourists and the Holy Week Calendar for Antigua Guatemala’s 2017 Lenten season, and much more. Take a look at the screenshots below (click image to open in a larger size).