I was this last weekend in Xela and decided to check out the Fuentes Georginas hot springs. I found that there was many places including my hostel offering the tour, with prices going from Q40 (US$ 5.5) to Q75 (US$10) for the round trip.
Even the Q40 price was not bad at all, my friend and I decided to have a bit of adventure and go with public transportation. After asking some people around, we find out we needed to head to the town of Zunil first, and once there we needed to find a pick up to take us to the hot springs.
The buses from Xela to Zunil depart every 30 minutes from the corner of 9a Av and 10a Calle (Is a gas station there for reference) south east of Parque Centroamerica. Even is only 10 km away from the City, it might take you from 20 to 30 minutes to get there since the bus will go slow trying to pick up more people. But this particular ride is really nice and colorful with the bus full of locals and Mayan woman using their beautiful traditional costumes.
The bus will leave you at the entrance of Zunil, where usually you can find a pick up willing to take you to Fuentes Georginas. They will start the price a bit up, but here you can bargain, and if you are with someone else to share the ride probably you can drop the price to Q15 (US$2) per person each way or even lower if you are with more people.
You can also arrange with the driver to pick you up at a certain time, just keep in mind the last bus to Xela from Zunil goes around 6:30 pm. And if you can manage to go to Fuentes Georginas on Monday, I would advice you to check out the market in Zunil early in the morning and then head up to the hot springs in the afternoon.
Even at the end I pretty much spend what the cheapest tour from Xela cost, I was really happy I did it this way. I really enjoy the bus and pick up ride, as the chance to be able to have my own schedule.
On my last trip trough Guatemala, after I visited Semuc Champey I wanted to head to Flores in order to see Tikal and then move to Belize. I was staying at Posada las Marias and they offer me a shuttle service straight to Flores for Q160 ($22). I thought it was a bit too expensive, and refusing to pay more than I believe it was fair my partner and I decided to do it on our own.
We took the public bus to Coban next morning at 6:00 am for Q35 (US$ 4.5), and arrive there around 8:30 am. We got ourselves breakfast and head afterwards to the bus station where we find out the next bus straight to flores was leaving after noon, but since we wanted to be there as soon as possible we start asking around for other options.
A guy that works for other bus companies told us about Don Felix, a guy that runs his own private shuttle for tourist every two days to Flores. After we got his phone number we proceed to call him and even he was a few km on his way to Flores he accepted to came back for us and take us for Q100.
Don Felix is this really nice old guy, that for past 6 years is been doing this route. One day he goes from Semuc Champey to Flores charging Q120 per person, coming back from Flores the next day and so on. Once in the shuttle I start talking with Don Felix (he speaks only spanish) and he told me that he is the one picking up people from Posada Las Marias and other hostels in Semuc Champey sometimes, but explain me that they charge a bit more to keep some money to themselves.
It was without a doubt the nicest shuttle ride I ever had in Guatemala, Don Felix not only became my driver but my personal guide, explaining me a lot of things of the region of Verapaces region, about cardamom and coffee plantations and every single question my curiosity allowed me to ask.
If you have a mobile phone and you speak spanish call Don Felix yourself and ask him if he is doing this trip on the day and time you want to go, either from Semuc Champey to Flores or the way back and he will pick you up wherever you are staying. His phone # is 5773-8841.
Don Felix is well know in this places so if you ask around probably somebody will know him and be able to tell you where to find him. He usually waits as well for the public buses from Semuc Champey in Lanquin asking if anybody is heading to Flores around 7am, though is much better if you are able to give him a call.
The prices might vary since the price of gasoline is raising on frequent bases.
The hospitality exchange networks are changing the way of traveling all over the world, not only offering free accommodation but beyond that, giving travelers a more authentic experience by been able to participate in the daily life of locals. Couchsurfing is the biggest organization of this type with almost 600,000 members all over the world… 600,000 people willing to share a couch with you, a meal, go out for a drink or even take sometime to show you their cities.
Guatemala has a bit more than 400 members all over the country in places like Guatemala City, Antigua Guatemala, Xela and Flores. Even is a small community considering in places like Germany there is over 50,000 members, the Guatemalan community is without a doubt one of the warmest and organized in the region.
“I love couchsurfing, I got to know a lot of people over the past few years and made great friends. The most important thing for me of all this, is that people gets to know a country beyond the guidebook, and you leave feeling a bit local yourself” says Alvaro, a local Couchsurfer. This 26 year old Guatemalan guy hosted more than 100 travelers from all over the world in his house over the past 4 years, and when time allows it he even joins them to travel trough the country.
“The Guatemalan community organize weekly meetings in Antigua Guatemala every Friday night, so if you are already a Couchsurfer or you would like to learn more about it, you are welcome to join us, just ask the bartender where you can find us” says Cynthia, another Guatemalan Couchsurfer. The meetings take place in the bar/restaurant Estudio 35 (5 Ave. Norte #35) located in the arch street, every Friday night at 8pm.
Located in the center of Coban (3ª calle 4-46 zona 3), Casa Duranta is one of the top end hotel options you will find in this city. This 100 year old colonial style hotel combines a quiet atmosphere with elegance.
Casa Duranta has a total of 10 rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, and cable television. Two of the rooms are wheel chair accessible. Free Internet access (wi fi) is also available for guest or if you are looking for a comfortable place to read a book they have a great living room, where you can also watch movies.
Rates
Singles - $41
Doubles - $ 57
Triples - $ 73
Check in at 3pm
Check out at 1pm
Cafe Duranta
Even if you don’t stay in the Hotel I highly recommend the restaurant, one of the best places to get a meal in Coban. Cafe Duranta opens for breakfast from 7 am to 11 am and then again from 3pm to 8pm for a late lunch or dinner.
The average price of Breakfast here is $4 and I highly recommend the chilaquiles (tortilla with cheese covered in tomato sauce), red friend beans, fried plantains with cream and coffee. Or for those who like something lighter for breakfast they serve a delicious bowl of yogurt and fruit.
In the evening you can get spaghetti for $6 or soups for $3.5, while a Gallo Beer here will cost you $2. And if you are a crepes lover, this is the place for you.
Tours
Casa Duranta offers daily round trips to Lanquin and Semuc Champey at $40, departing at 6 am and returning to Coban at 6pm. The tour includes guide, breakfast, lunch and transportation.
The Hermandad Educativa is a sisterhood of two nonprofit language schools in Quetzaltenango (known locally as Xela) and Nuevo San José, Guatemala. The oldest school, El Proyecto Lingüistico Quetzalteco de Español, was established in 1988. La Escuela de la Montaña followed in 1997. The schools offer affordable, quality Spanish language instruction to foreign visitors while generating decent-paying jobs and income to support projects that benefit the people of Guatemala.
Total Immersion Learning
La Hermandad Educativa uses the methodology of “total immersion” in language learning. Total immersion is effective at promoting rapid language acquisition, and also helps you acquire an intimate familiarity with the culture and people of Guatemala
At the PLQE in Quetzaltenango, immersion learning has four dimensions: one-on-one instruction five hours a day, during which students spend 90% of the time speaking Spanish; home stays (from Sunday to Sunday) in which students can converse with Guatemalan families; lectures and trips during which students learn about the politics and cultures of Guatemala; and a location in Quetzaltenango, which, unlike Antigua, does not cater to non-Spanish-speaking tourists, therefore presenting another opportunity for students to implement what they have learned.
At La Escuela de la Montaña, immersion consists of four hours a day of one-on-one class time; three meals a day practice with a host family in the neighboring Spanish- and Mam-speaking rural villages of Fátima and Nuevo San Jose; lectures and visits concerning nearby projects and communities; and a full week of housing in the main school building, in which staff and faculty speak only Spanish. Note: Enrollment at La Escuela de La Montaña is limited to ten students per week. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged.
During your first day of class at the PLQE or La Escuela de la Montaña, your teacher will assess your Spanish language ability with a written examination and personal interview. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses, your teacher will be able to choose appropriate materials and techniques for your language level, and draw up a class plan for the week. Your week´s activities will combine grammar learning, conversation, vocabulary building, and practice in reading and writing. Your teacher will also assign daily homework; students benefit considerably by practicing what they have learned by themselves or in groups.
Upon request, the Hermandad will administer a written examination that the student may used to acquire university credit. The Hermandad can also help arrange university credit through travel/study academic credit programs. The school in Quetzaltenango is accredited by the Guatemalan Ministry of Education and the Guatemalan Institute of Tourism.
Families and Groups
The PLQE in Quetzaltenango has years of experience teaching children as young as four, and accommodating families. With advance notice and an extra fee, the school will arrange childcare for toddlers. Special information regarding family groups is available through the North American and European reservation offices. Families are welcome at the Escuela de la Montaña as well. The teachers there have taught children and young people of all ages. However, childcare can be arranged for youngsters who do not study formally. Additionally, there are over 100 potential friends in the communities of Nuevo San José and Fátima who can teach the intricacies of using slingshots in the coffee fields, making beautiful kites out old plastic bags, and preparing mud-tamales (instead of mud-pies).
Life with a Guatemalan Family
Students at PLQE are encouraged to immerse themselves completely in the culture of Guatemala by living with local Guatemalan families while they study. However, home stays are not obligatory and students are free to arrange alternative accommodation.
At La Escuela de la Montaña, students eat three meals a day with a local family, but sleep in the communal schoolhouse, which formerly belonged to the owner of the coffee farm in its earlier incarnation.
Your experiences with a Guatemalan family allows you to benefit from total immersion, since you will be practicing your Spanish in conversation at meal times three times a day, and other occasions during the day and evening. We expressly ask that the families correct the Spanish of the students they host, so as to advance the process of language acquisition. Unlike many other Spanish schools, La Hermandad places only one student in each home to ensure that only Spanish is spoken in the house. (Note: families and couples can be housed together if requested.)
The tuition fee includes a private room and three meals per day, from Sunday through Sunday.
For more detail information please visit the following website: www.plqe.org
Ram Tzul in queqchi language means “spirit of the mountain”, a very appropiated name for one of the most beautiful hotels in Guatemala.
Located in the 158 Km of the main Coban highway (Hwy 14), is one of the best options to
spend the night in case you are visiting Biotopo del Quetzal (Km. 161). But there are many other reasons to stay there, from the elegant, spacious and beatiful bamboo construction to a couple of different activities you can do, like hiking to the bottom of a gorgeous waterfall named Rubel Chaim where you can also find some great swimming spots.
Rates
Single Room - $30
Double Room - $35
Additional Bed - $15
Restaurant
Unless you have a car there is not many options to eat around here, but don’t worry since Ram Tzul has their own restaurant. With a nice variety of food, the average prices for breakfast is $4, for lunch if you would like Hamburger with French fries it will be $4 as well, but if you prefer one of the specialties of the house you will have to pay around $10. The prices of a Gallo beer here is $2 while a soda will cost you $1.5.
If after your stay you are going to Guatemala City by bus, they can arrange that the Monja Blanca bus picks you up there.
Ram Tzul is the perfect place for Families who would enjoy their time there with the different outdoor activities the cloud forest has to offer and couples would have the perfect, quiet and romantic spot they are looking for… all of this at a very reasonable price.
One thing I never forget about my travels is the first day, sometimes so great and other times it makes you wish you never left home. But at the end of the day all that matters is that you are back on the road again.
On my last trip through Guatemala I could not have had a better first day. Not only I discovered a wonderful hotel named Ram Tzul, but after I asked them what kind of activity they would recommend for me to spend the afternoon with, they could not have come up with a better idea: A hike trough the cloud forest to end up swimming at the bottom of a wonderful waterfall named Rubel Chaim (Under the Stars).
The tour has a cost of Q30/person (guide and walkingstick included). For a bit more than an hour you will walk through the cloud forest of Baja Verapaz, where you’ll enjoy amazing landscapes and watch different types of birds, or make a quick stop to eat some delicious blueberries that you find on the way. The tour without a doubt will be even more interesting if you speak Spanish, as the guide is going to give you a detailed explanation about the area and the things you see, and even perhaps an interesting class of history .
There is also a great swimming spot at the middle of the hike. The name of the place is Ratim Po (Moon Bath), so if you have the time don’t miss the chance to try the water there.
The hike though might not be easy for everybody, especially during rainy season since it becomes quite slippery. Try to do this hike around noon, the water is pretty cold so the hotter the weather is, the more you will enjoy getting into the water.
Probigua (The Guatemalan Library Project) is a non-profit organization founded in 1990 with the objective of helping children and young people of scant economic resources. The specific objectives of Probigua are:
1. Establish school libraries in rural areas.
2. Establish public libraries directed by their own communities.
3. Open computer centers in rural communities for children, young people and teachers.
Right now, PROGIBUA´S contribution to education of Guatemala is based on 23 libraries, and also achieved the establishing and maintenance of 16 computer centers in the same number of rural communities.
As part of their instruction methodology, PROBIGUA´S plan includes:
* An assessment of your present language proficiency.
* An individualized educational plan tailored to your particular needs and goals - whether they are business, travel or self-growth.
* Selection of a professionally-trained teacher based upon best-match criteria between student and teacher. The student generally stays with the same teacher for at least two weeks, but changes can be made at the student’s request.
* Choices of instructional approach, learning materials, and field trips in order to maximize the student’s skills.
* Excursions to archeological sites, Mayan and colonial ruins, museums, and traditional festivities.
* Movies and documentaries to facilitate discussions about educational topics.
* Group workshops to learn about Guatemalan history, culture, folklore, politics, economics, literature.
They have different prices depending on the number of hours you take, or if you take individual or group classes. For group classes you need at least a middle level of Spanish. Fees are as follow:
Individual classes
Study plan / Price
4 hours of daily classes: US$ 110.- / per week
5 hours of daily classes: US$ 125.- / per week
6 hours of daily classes: US$ 140.- per week
7 hours of daily classes: US$ 150.- per week
Homestay in family: US$ 85.- per week
Group Classes
Study plan / Price
4 hours of daily classes: US$ 90.- per week
5 hours of daily classes: US$ 100.- per week
6 hours of daily classes: US$ 110.- per week
7 hours of daily classes: US$ 120.- per week
PROBIGUA is located in 6a avenida Norte # 41 ¨B¨, La Antigua Guatemala
