Our introduction to Panajachel included a surprisingly sociable bird, a 24-hour downpour, an unexpected street fair and a fiesta that was louder than we had bargained for. In between, we discovered the lake, the local market and a nearby tropical forest.
Author: Svetlana
September 2026 Travel Budget: How Much Does Spanish Immersion in Guatemala Cost?
What does four weeks of Spanish immersion in Guatemala cost? My September budget covers 95 hours of private lessons, a homestay with meals and a full schedule of school activities in Xela. Here's what I spent and the value I got from the experience.
Xela: Exploring the Mountains Around the City
Surrounded by mountains, Xela offered plenty of opportunities to explore beyond the city. From natural saunas and hot springs to a sacred crater lake and an unforgettable hike to an active volcano, these outings became highlights of my four weeks there.
Xela: Maya Traditions Beyond the City
Beyond Xela, our school trips took us to three nearby pueblos, where we discovered traditional Maya clothing, colourful churches and local customs. From an unexpected encounter with San Simón to a rainy afternoon adventure, each visit offered a glimpse into life beyond the city.
Xela: Independence Day and Beyond
Xela’s Independence Day celebrations were bigger and longer than I expected, with marimba music, marching bands, traditional dress, and a lively annual fair. Just when I thought the festivities were over, another celebration began, giving me a glimpse into the traditions that shape life in this Guatemalan city.
Xela: Beyond Spanish Lessons
Studying Spanish at Utatlán opened doors to experiences beyond the classroom, from helping local children with homework to discovering Maya clothing traditions, learning about women’s weaving, and tasting local chocolate.
Xela: Getting to Know the City
Getting to know Xela meant walking its busy streets, exploring bustling markets, discovering its history on a walking tour, and finding a favourite coffee shop. Along the way, there were unexpected challenges, small acts of kindness, and plenty of everyday moments that helped me see the city differently.
Xela: Spanish Immersion in Guatemala
I came to Xela, Guatemala, to study Spanish and spend time immersed in local life. Living with a Guatemalan family and attending language school gave me a glimpse into everyday life, while introducing me to a city I was just beginning to discover.
May 2026 Travel Budget: The Last Month of Our Southeast Asia Trip
We expected Penang to be more expensive than Ipoh, but April turned out differently. Staying in one place, cooking most of our meals, and exploring at an unhurried pace helped keep our spending surprisingly low.
Melaka: The Last Chapter of Our Journey
Our Malaysian journey ended with three days in Melaka, a memorable walking tour, an unexpectedly stressful border crossing, and one final stop in Singapore. Even the airport turned out to be part of the adventure before we finally headed home.