Experience the Magic of Guatemala While Learning Spanish

Hone your language skills while experiencing the beauty of Guatemala during a five-day Spanish & Cultural Immersion Vacation in picturesque Santiago Atitlán, situated on Lake Atitlán, nestled between three volcanoes. Santiago is home to nearly 60,000 Tz'utujil Maya whose unique culture permeates every aspect of life. 

In the mornings

Participate in small classes led by a native Spanish speaker. This intimate setting allows for personalized attention and interactive learning, where students engage in conversation, use real-life examples, and explore visuals to enhance their understanding of vocabulary and grammar. By focusing on speaking in a supportive environment, learners will naturally improve on the language with support through practice and meaningful interactions.

In the afternoons

Use your new language skills to immerse yourself in the unique culture in Santiago Atitlán. Choose between a number of activities such as tours, classes or guided conversations with Hospitalito staff.


Course Includes:

Hone your language skills while experiencing the beauty of Guatemala during a five-day Spanish & Cultural Immersion Vacation in picturesque Santiago Atitlán, situated on Lake Atitlán, nestled between three volcanoes. Santiago is home to nearly 60,000 Tz’utujil Maya whose unique culture permeates every aspect of life. 

Sample Elective Activities Include:

  • Walking exploration of the town of Santiago Atitlán
  • Tour of a nonprofit Maya weaver’s cooperative
  • Traditional Cooking Class
  • Quetzal Watching
  • Guided Rostro Maya Hike


2025 Courses

Semana Santa
April 13th - 19th

Join us during the vibrant and deeply spiritual celebration of Holy Week, marked by elaborate processions, intricate alfombras (sawdust carpets), and traditional music.

Feria
July 20th - 26th

The Feria in Santiago Atitlán is a lively annual festival honoring the town’s patron saint, St. James the Apostle. The week-long celebration features parades, performances, and carnival games.

Dia de Los Muertos
October 27th - November 3rd

  • Complete the registration form.
  • Pay the course fee.
    • Note: Accommodations are limited and will not be booked until payment is received.
    • Upon payment, you will receive a receipt and confirmation email.
        • Cancellation policy: Cancellations received in writing 30 days prior to the first day of the course will be reimbursed 90 percent of the purchase price, 10% will be retained as a cancellation fee. 50 percent reimbursement can be made 15 days before the beginning of the course.
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  • Make travel arrangements to arrive in Guatemala City midday on the Sunday before your Spanish & Cultural Immersion Vacation begins.
  • Free shuttle transport will be provided to Santiago Atitlán. It will return to Guatemala City on the following Saturday morning to accommodate midday flights.
  • Purchase a textbook prior to arriving.

Arrival & Departure

  • Arrive in Guatemala City midday on the Sunday before your Spanish & Cultural Immersion Vacation begins.
  • Take free shuttle to Santiago Atitlan (three+ hour trip).
  • Free shuttle will return to Guatemala City on the following Saturday morning.

Meals

  • Lunch, Monday through Friday, is included in the course fee.

Spanish Language Instruction

  • Spanish tutoring (one-on-one) will take place from 8am to lunch daily.

Afternoon Activities & Excursions

  • Day One
    • Film, ‘Balancing the Cosmos’ introducing participants to Maya traditional culture.
    • Walking tour of the town led by a local guide, including introduction to the use of medicinal plants with a Maya shaman.
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  • Day Two
    • Discussion of traditional Maya medicine and the challenges to managing disease in the context of the Maya belief system.
    • Visit textile cooperative in town
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  • Day Three
    • Discussion with social worker regarding health seeking behavior.  
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  • Day Four
    • Award winning film, ‘Ixcanul’ and following discussion on: women’s issues in Guatemala, migration, Guatemalan Health care system and barriers for accessing healthcare.
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  • Day Five – Afternoon electives
    • Tour of coffee production facility
    • Boat tour to San Juan la Laguna (weather permitting)
    • Guided hike to Chuitinamit, ancient capital of the Tz’utujile kingdom
    • Guided bird watching tour
    • Dugout canoe tour of water conservation program