After School Programs and Activities at El Mundo en Espanol

Spanish Language School & Community Service Center in Quetzaltenango “Xela” - Guatemala

Experience our way of life, culture, language and exuberant nature



		BIENVENIDOS
		OUR SCHOOL
		LEARNING SPANISH
		THE FAMILY
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		ABOUT XELA
		REFERENCES
		PHOTO GALLERY
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COMMENTARY

While I was enrolled at El Mundo en Español, we were presented with a variety of excursions and extracurricular activities. These are offered at
no extra cost.

One of highlights was a visit to Fuentes Georginas, a lovely hot springs located in the mountains above Quetzaltenago. January can be pretty nippy in Xela, and we all enjoyed soaking in the hot mineral waters. On the way back the group stopped off in the village of Zunil and visited the legendary San Simon, a syncretic Catholic/ Mayan deity who dwells in a small house on a hill above the Catholic Church.

San Simon San Simon sat in his throne like chair, and observed while Mayans ladies prayed and we students offered candles. Red candles are for love, green for financial success, and black for protection from witches. The extranjeros from El Mundo en Español mostly picked red.

Bob Gefert
California, USA

After School Programs and Activities

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.
All photo-images were taken by former students. See Photo Gallery
for more student photos...


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.
Aguas Amargas Located some forty minutes from Quetzaltenango, the name "Bitter Waters" comes from the fact that the water has a special flavor because of volcanic minerals. There are small rooms where you can relax and also a hot water pool. Many enjoy these baths for their curative properties.
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 Andres 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".
Totonicapan If you want to visit a laid-back pretty highland town with few other tourists in sight Toto is the place to go. Toto's main plaza has the requisite large colonial church as well as an attractive municipal theatre. Market days are Tuesday and Saturday; it is a locals market, not a tourist affair, and winds down by late morning.
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.
Volcán Santa María Santa Maria is the highest volcano in the Xela area, reaching a height of 3772m. You can reach the summit in about 4 hours and on a clear day you can see all the way to coast. A definite highlight is watching Santa Aguito, the most active volcano in Central America, erupt.
San Cristobal Falls San Cristobal is home to the second oldest church in Central American, which you will pass on the 15-20 minute hike to the falls. Marvel at the water cascading hundreds of feet from the cliffs above. It is also possible to take a trail up past the falls which leads to the small town of Pachaj.

Also. . .

Weekly Classes of Salsa & Meringue
Films - From Cuba, Spain, Mexico, Central America and South America about History, Politics and Culture
Indigenous Weaving classes - Learn traditional techniques and designs from Indigenous women
Cooking - Gladis and her mother are both excellent cooks, and offers classes to interested students on traditional Guatemalan dishes.

There is so much more to experience in Xela and information on additional cultural and sporting events are made available to students depending on Xela's current calendar of events.

We invite you to embark on an adventure to
improve your Spanish and explore beautiful Guatemala ....

- Enjoy Learning Spanish at El Mundo En Español -
8 Avenida Calle B, A-61 - Zona 1 - Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Email: gladiolalife@yahoo.com
Tel/fax 502-7761-3256

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