Hi! I studied Spanish at Celas Maya in Xela for three weeks. It was a great experience. Xela is a great town for getting to know some local Mayan people and customs. (But there are also a lot of foreigners) I took part in a traditional Mayan New Year Ceremony and stayed with a local family over the Xmas holiday. El Cuartito was my favorite little studying hangout, close to Central Park. I traveled to Lake Atitlan - which I highly recommend. It's beautiful - we went kayaking and horseback riding - very cool. I also hiked and camped on Volcan Tajulmulco - which was no easy feat, but rewarding nonetheless. A nice day trip not too far from Xela was the Hot Springs - I think they were called Georginas Fuentas - something like that? I went to Antigua for only a few hours - I wish I had stayed at least a full day. While it is pretty touristy, it's a beautiful city. If I were staying as long as you, I think I'd try to hook up with some sort of volunteer organization - they've got some good opportunities out there set up for foreigners. Well, that's about all I can tell you - hope you enjoy it!

Kim : )

sounds good!

welcome to matador!

i'd love to hear any article pitches you have about travel in Latin America..