Learning Spanish is not the only thing you can do in Guatemala. Many attractions are waiting to be explored and there is plenty of opportunity to have fun and learn more about Guatemala at the same time.
Guatemala offers an amazing variety of attractions for such a small country: Mayan ruins and colonial towns, sandy beaches and pristine mountain lakes, limestone caves, active volcanoes, and much more!
We organize weekend tours to all the popular destinations in Guatemala and neighboring countries. The tours typically leave Antigua early on Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon or evening.
Why participate?
Weekend tours are a fun, easy and inexpensive way to make the most of your vacation time in Guatemala. Take a break from studying Spanish once in a while and go traveling! Guatemala offers many fascinating sites and you'll have a great time exploring them!
Guatemala offers many fascinating destinations that are easy to visit from Antigua Guatemala
Weekend tours are a great way to take a break from studying Spanish and get to know a few of Guatemala's many attractions.
From Mayan ruins to colonial cities, from sandy beaches to mountain lakes – Guatemala has it all! Most destinations are easy to reach from Antigua and can be visited on a weekend.
During the Classic Period from AD 250 to 900 Tikal was one of the most powerful cities in the Mayan world. Many temple pyramids, palaces and monuments have survived to this day and show us the splendor of the ancient Mayan civilization.
The Mayan ruins of Tikal are among the most popular destinations in Guatemala and attract visitors from near and far. Don't miss them!
Read more about weekend tours to Tikal
Lake Atitlan in the Central Highlands of Guatemala is often called the most beautiful lake in the world. With good reason! The lake is surrounded by mountains on all sides and three impressive volcanoes sit on its southern rim.
Lake Atitlan is one of the top three destinations in Guatemala and a trip to Guatemala just isn't complete without visiting the lake!
Read more about weekend tours to Lake Atitlan
Monterrico is a small town on the Pacific coast of Guatemala. Uncrowded beaches and the laid-back atmosphere attract locals and travelers who want to take a few days off to relax and recharge their batteries.
Monterrico is an easy two-hour drive from Antigua Guatemala. Tours leave Saturday morning and return Sunday in the afternoon.
Read more about weekend tours to Monterrico
Copan, located in western Honduras just a few miles behind the border, and Quirigua are popular destinations for travelers interested in Mayan history and archaeology. These sites are famous for their artful stelae and inscriptions that have taught us much about the ancient Maya.
Visit Copan and Quirigua and learn more about the history of these fascinating sites!
Read more about weekend tours to Copan
Semuc Champey in the department of Alta Verapaz is an area of stunning natural beauty that few other destinations can match: a 300 m (980 ft) natural limestone bridge with the Cahabon river flowing underneath and a series of turquoise pools on top, surrounded by subtropical forest.
The drive to Semuc Champey is a bit arduous but well worth it!
Read more about tours to Semuc Champey
Chichicastenango – or Chichi for short – is home to one of the largest outdoor markets in Latin America. Vendors and buyers from the entire Quiche region and beyond come here to trade everything from hand-woven fabrics to household goods to clothing and footwear.
Visit Chichicastenango and you are sure to find a great souvenir of your trip to Guatemala!
Read more about day trips to Chichicastenango
Niels Ballegaard, Denmark
I attended Ixchel for two weeks in order to improve my spoken and presentation skills in Spanish as I need this for business.
Over the weekend I went on a tour of indigenous Mayan areas with a tour guide, Juan Carlos. He had an incredible amount of knowledge of the country as well as the culture. I would definitely recommend any student of Ixchel to go on a tour with him.
Niels BallegaardDenmark
Janelle ten Cate, USA
For me, Ixchel was the best way to start my travels. The school was very welcoming and provided me with an amazing teacher. The family that lives at the school is very helpful and provides amazing meals.
I stayed for 5 weeks which was of course too short but my teacher Isabel provided me with an excellent introduction to Spanish and a good foundation of grammar and vocabulary.
Janelle ten Cate BrouwerUSA
How long has Ixchel Spanish school been in business?
Is Ixchel Spanish School registered with the Guatemalan Ministry of Education?
Where exactly is Ixchel Spanish School located?
Can I call you on the phone or on Skype?
How do you pronounce "Ixchel"?
