Why Xela

Quetzaltenango, most often known by its Mayan name of Xela (pronounced Shay-la) is the cultural and intellectual center of Guatemala. Xela is Guatemala´s second largest city but still manages to retain a peaceful atmosphere. While Xela is a modern city, its narrow cobbled streets, colonial architecture, and magnificent central square give it an air of antiquity. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and volcanoes which are accessible for a nice weekend get-away.

With seven major Universities, the city has a long-standing literary tradition. Xela is also a center of marimba music (the marimba is a traditional Guatemalan instrument, similiar to the xylophone). Marimba concerts, given by some of the country´s leading musicians, can often be heard in the central town square.

Many students travel to surrounding indigenous villages to admire the busy markets, colorful handicrafts, and amazing colonial style churches as well as to enjoy sulphur baths and hot springs. During weekends you can travel all across the highlands, visit Chichicastenango, Antigua, Lake Atitlan, or even the beaches on the Pacific. And for those who feel inclined to stay in Quetzaltenango, there is more than enough to do: there are art exhibitions, movie theatres, live music and poetry readings, concerts, bars, nightclubs and cafe´s. You can also attend a sensational soccer game and cheer for the Super Chivos of Xelajú, the popular soccer team of Quetzaltenango.

Learn Spanish or Mayan Languages

Quetzaltenango is an ideal place to study Spanish or a Mayan language, because students can be fully immersed in their chosen language. They will hear and speak it everyday on the street, in restaurants and night clubs, as well as in the school and with their host family. At CBA we make sure that our students are surrounded by native speakers so they can get a taste of Guatemalan languages and culture.