What to Do in Xela After Spanish Classes
What to Do in Xela After Spanish Classes
What to Do in Xela After Spanish Classes
Quetzaltenango, or Xela, as locals and students call it, is a vibrant city with many options to enjoy after a day of Spanish classes at Celas Maya. Whether you’re looking to relax, practice the language, or immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture, Xela has something for you.
1. Explore Central Park
Parque Centro América is the heart of the city and an excellent place to relax, read, or practice Spanish with locals. You can sit on a bench and watch daily life, visit the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, or enjoy a coffee at one of the surrounding cafés.
2. Have Coffee at a Local Café
Xela is famous for its high-quality coffee. Cafés like Baviera, Panadería La Vienesa (offering both sweet and plain bread), and Café Chinajul provide a cozy atmosphere to study, chat with friends, or simply enjoy a good cup of Guatemalan coffee.
3. Visit the Fuentes Georginas Hot Springs
If you want to relax after a day of studying, the hot springs of Fuentes Georginas, located about 40 minutes from Xela, are the perfect destination. Surrounded by mountains and nature, these thermal pools offer a total relaxation experience.
4. Join a Language Exchange
Some bars and cafés host language exchange events where you can practice your Spanish with locals in exchange for helping them with their English. These events are fun and a great opportunity to make friends.
5. Enjoy Local Cuisine
Try typical dishes such as paches (potato tamales), chiles rellenos, or a good pepián at restaurants like Tertulianos, Sabor de la India, or Albamar. It’s an excellent way to learn about the culture through its food.
6. Go Hiking on Santa María or Chicabal Volcano
If you like adventure, you can join a hike up Santa María volcano to see the sunrise from the summit or visit Laguna de Chicabal, a sacred place for the Mayans, surrounded by clouds and breathtaking nature.
7. Experience the Nightlife
Xela has an active nightlife with bars and live music venues. You can visit places like El Club la Mona Lisa or Salsa Rosa for dance classes and enjoy a craft beer while socializing with other students and locals.
8. Discover Xela’s History and Art
The Railway Museum, the Intercultural Center, or the Quetzaltenango Municipal Theater are great options to learn about the city’s history and culture. You can also find art exhibitions and theater performances.
Xela Cathedral
9. Volunteer
If you want to give back to the community while practicing your Spanish, there are several organizations in Xela looking for volunteers for educational, environmental, and social projects.
Xela offers many options to enjoy after Spanish classes. No matter what your interests are, there’s always something new to discover and enriching experiences that will make your stay unforgettable.
10. Recommended Book of the Week:
If you’re looking to improve your Spanish with a challenging yet accessible read, we recommend El túnel by Ernesto Sábato. This psychological novel is ideal for B2-level students, as it combines a gripping narrative with rich and well-structured language.
El túnel tells the story of Juan Pablo Castel, a painter obsessed with a woman named María, leading him down a path of jealousy and despair. The novel is short but profound, with themes that invite reflection and analysis, perfect for developing critical thinking in Spanish.
Additionally, you can complement your reading with group discussions or vocabulary analysis to improve your comprehension and oral expression in Spanish.
Explore Xela and immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture while improving your Spanish!
