Join More Than 500 Million Spanish Speakers – Start Learning at Spanish Schools in Guatemala
Study Spanish abroad and immerse yourself
in Guatemalan culture. 🇬🇹
Apart from being a beautiful language, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, thereby opening up a whole new spectrum of opportunities in academics, professions, and communication.
More than 500 million people would like to hear from you.
Study Spanish abroad and immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture. 🇬🇹
Apart from being a beautiful language, Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, thereby opening up a whole new spectrum of opportunities in academics, professions, and communication.
Discover the Best Spanish Immersion Experience at Spanish Schools in Guatemala
Center for Linguistic, Anthropological and Social Studies
“Learn Spanish and obtain transferable university credits. Total immersion courses help you acquire a vast Spanish vocabulary, grasp language grammar, enhance fluency, and understand cultural nuances. Advanced courses offer in-depth grammatical analysis, discourse study, and phonetics. This means you can choose from beginner, intermediate, or advanced Spanish courses.”
The School: Program
Throughout the years, Celas Maya has established itself as one of the best schools in Guatemala and Latin America, specializing in individual (one-to-one) teaching methods. We have national and international certifications, the most important being from the Cervantes Institute of Spain. We also offer accommodation with wonderful homestay families.
The City: Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Celas Maya is located in the legendary neighbourhood of Los Chocoyos, just three blocks from the Central Park in the heart of the historic centre of Quetzaltenango. The building, constructed in 1880, features a café, an open courtyard with a garden, and various other rooms that foster a peaceful, welcoming, and pleasant environment for learning.
Spanish Immersion School in Guatemala.
Center for Linguistic, Anthropological and Social Studies
“Learn Spanish and obtain transferable university credits. Total immersion courses help you acquire a vast Spanish vocabulary, grasp language grammar, enhance fluency, and understand cultural nuances. Advanced courses offer in-depth grammatical analysis, discourse study, and phonetics. This means you can choose from beginner, intermediate, or advanced Spanish courses.”
The School: Program
Throughout the years, Celas Maya has established itself as one of the best schools in Guatemala and Latin America, specializing in individual (one-to-one) teaching methods. We have national and international certifications, the most important being from the Cervantes Institute of Spain. We also offer accommodation with wonderful homestay families.
The City: Quetzaltenango (Xela)
Celas Maya is located in the legendary neighbourhood of Los Chocoyos, just three blocks from the Central Park in the heart of the historic centre of Quetzaltenango. The building, constructed in 1880, features a café, an open courtyard with a garden, and various other rooms that foster a peaceful, welcoming, and pleasant environment for learning.
Our specialized courses
Online Spanish course
Start today and learn Spanish online with our experienced tutors and a free trial lesson.
Business Spanish course
Enroll in our one-on-one business-focused Spanish course, emphasizing technical vocabulary.
Our specialized courses
“Learn Spanish and obtain transferable university credits. Total immersion courses help you acquire a vast Spanish vocabulary, grasp language grammar, enhance fluency, and understand cultural nuances. Advanced courses offer in-depth grammatical analysis, discourse study, and phonetics. This means you can choose from beginner, intermediate, or advanced Spanish courses.”
Online Spanish course
Start today and learn Spanish online with our experienced tutors and a free trial lesson.
Business Spanish course
Enroll in our one-on-one business-focused Spanish course, emphasizing technical vocabulary.
How Celas Maya was born...
In 1999, Leslye Rivera and Federico Velásquez founded Celas Maya to provide top-tier Spanish education in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Our initial vision was simple: offer a professional language school with skilled teachers, quality coffee, and effective instruction.
Today, we embrace and promote diversity and friendship. We’re proud to be an Accredited Center of the Instituto Cervantes, an Official Testing Center for DELE and SIELE exams in Guatemala.
All of this is the result of the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team of teachers, administrators, and directors. Our coffee remains great, our facilities are excellent, our staff is experienced, and personalised academic attention remains our top priority.
How Celas Maya was born…
In 1999, Leslye Rivera and Federico Velásquez founded Celas Maya to provide top-tier Spanish education in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. Our initial vision was simple: offer a professional language school with skilled teachers, quality coffee, and effective instruction.
Today, we embrace and promote diversity and friendship. We’re proud to be an Accredited Center of the Instituto Cervantes, an Official Testing Center for DELE and SIELE exams in Guatemala.
All of this is the result of the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team of teachers, administrators, and directors. Our coffee remains great, our facilities are excellent, our staff is experienced, and personalised academic attention remains our top priority.
¡Uno a uno: más humanomás efectivo!
¡Uno a uno: más humanomás efectivo!
Our Academic Program
Learn Spanish in Guatemala: Language, Culture & Connection
1. A Rich History of Spanish Education in Guatemala
Spanish language education in Guatemala has a long tradition. Thanks to its neutral accent and clear pronunciation, the country has attracted students from all over the world for decades. Today, dozens of language schools operate in places like Antigua Guatemala, Quetzaltenango (Xela), Cobán, and Petén—this last one near the Tikal ruins, where some programs combine language learning with immersive archaeology experiences.
Many schools also offer volunteer opportunities, allowing you to practice the language while supporting local communities.
2. Where to Study Spanish in Guatemala?
The regions with the highest concentration of Spanish schools are:
- Antigua Guatemala: colonial and charming, with many tourist options
- Lake Atitlán: surrounded by nature and Mayan towns
- Petén: in the jungle near Tikal, with rural schools
- Cobán: peaceful and green, ideal for focused learning
- Quetzaltenango (Xela): cultural and affordable, great for full immersion
3. More Than Just Classes: Host Families and Cultural Activities
Studying Spanish in Guatemala isn’t just about grammar. At Celas Maya, living with a host family, participating in a volunteer program, and joining weekly cultural activities are part of the experience.
This strengthens your conversation skills, connects you with local traditions, and helps you improve your Spanish daily in real-life situations.
4. A Global Community of Friendships
At Celas Maya, you’ll find a space where cultures come together. Students from Japan, Germany, the U.S., Canada, France, and beyond all arrive with the same goal: to learn Spanish and build meaningful connections. Because when we learn together, we grow together.
5. Celas Maya: We Are Your Family in Guatemala
From the moment you arrive, we take care of you. Our team supports you in every step: housing, classes, activities, volunteering—or just helping you settle in. Here, you’re not just a student—you’re part of our community.
6. Academic Quality at the Core
Our Spanish courses are based on solid academic standards. Aligned with the CEFR (A1–C2), we offer:
- Private classes
- Small group courses
- Spanish for healthcare professionals, diplomats, or travelers
- Preparation for DELE and SIELE exams
- Live online Spanish classes
Our goal is for you to speak clearly, confidently, and authentically.
7. Guatemala: One of the World’s Most Beautiful Cultures
Studying Spanish in Guatemala also means diving into a vibrant cultural world. From traditional Mayan weaving to spiritual ceremonies, from street markets to sacred cacao rituals, every corner of this country offers something to learn, and something to feel.
8. Our Favorite Spot: The Celas Maya Coffee Table
At Celas Maya, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a social ritual. Between classes, students and teachers gather around the coffee table to chat, laugh, and practice Spanish informally. It’s where some of the best lessons happen—naturally and joyfully.
Start Your Journey Today
If you’re ready to learn Spanish in a place that combines academic quality, cultural immersion, and human warmth, Celas Maya is waiting for you. Whether in person, online, in volunteer programs, with a host family, or exploring places like Xela, Antigua, or Tikal—we’ll help you create an unforgettable journey.