Guatemala is situated at the northern end of the Central American isthmus. The country is flanked on the north and west by Mexico, on the southeast by El Salvador and Honduras, on the northeast by Belize and the Caribbean, and on the south by the Pacific. Among its natural wonders are the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, virgin tropical jungles, majestic volcanoes, and remarkable mountain lakes. This diversity of nature, combined with impressive colonial cities, some of the most outstanding places in the Mayan world, and the warmth of its people, makes Guatemala an outstanding place to participate in a Spanish immersion program.

Guatemala is characterized by its ethnic and cultural diversity. Divided into two clearly marked groups are the Indigens and the Ladinos (Mestizos and westernized Maya). The Indigens are descendants of the Maya and are subdivided into several native groups that form the Quiché-Maya group. The other half of the population is made up of European descendants and mestizos.

Despite the fact that Spanish is the official language of Guatemala, the indigenous groups living in the western highlands speak variations of the old Mayan languages. Over the centuries, these people have not only continued to use their native languages, but have also maintained many of their traditions and customs. It is truly a fascinating experience to visit the many small indigenous communities and see firsthand how these people live. If you have the time, visit some of the local religious sites where Catholicism has been mixed with pre-Columbian rituals.

If you are interested in history, Guatemala is a great place to visit. Throughout the country are thousands of colonial churches and buildings. The most impressive colonial city in the Americas is Antigua. This city was once one of the three most important cities during the Spanish colonial rule (Lima and Mexico City were the other two). The architecture of the entire city is done in colonial style. Surrounding the city are three volcanoes. The combination of old style architecture and the three volcanoes towering nearby the city is breathtaking.

If you want to see some Mayan ruins, the best place to go is Tikal. This city, once the largest and most important of all the Mayan centers, is located deep in the jungles of the Peten. This site is a must see! Give yourself at least two days to fully explore the extensive ruins. We recommend sitting on top of the tallest pyramid and watching both the sunset and sunrise. It is quite an experience to see the sun chase away the morning fog to reveal the tops of distant pyramids thrusting upward through the jungle canopy.

In spite of its small size, Guatemala boasts a wide variety of climates due to its diverse physical features. The average annual temperature is 68ºF. In the coastal areas, temperatures of 99ºF have been reached, while in the highest mountain zones temperatures can drop below freezing.

In Central America there is a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season in Guatemala lasts from November to April, and the rainy season runs from May to October. During the rainy season, it is typically sunny in the morning followed by heavy rains in the afternoon.

If you are interested in enjoying nature, Guatemala is a prime destination. Naturalists have identified more than twelve different ecosystems within the steep mountains, the forests of the Petén, and the coral reefs of the Caribbean. On the Pacific coast, the Monterrico Reserve is a haven for sea turtles that come to shore to lay their eggs on the beach. In the mountains are areas where one can see the exotic symbol of Guatemala, the Quetzal. In the Peten jungle live numerous species of birds, monkeys, jaguars, pumas, and insects. In and around the coral reefs of the Caribbean, are hundreds of species of plant and animal life. In this area you will find angelfish, coral of fire, several species of shark , three types of turtles, and saltwater crocodiles.

Without a doubt, a Spanish immersion program in Guatemala will be a rewarding adventure that you will never forget!

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