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Guatemaya Spanish Academy

With more than twelve years of experience providing our students with the highest professional standards of teaching in an immersive environment. Our school is located in San Pedro La Laguna on Lake Atitlan, which was described by Adolus Huxley as “The Most Beautiful Lake in the World”. Join us, be part of this family and enjoy Spanish lessons in scenic open air classrooms.

Since 2009 we have been offering an authentic Mayan experience. We highly recommend that our students spend some of their time here living with a local Mayan Tz’utijil family. Not only because immersion is the fastest and most effective way to learn Spanish, but also because it allows students to learn more about our Mayan culture. Just be ready to enjoy this amazing adventure!.

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Guatemaya Spanish Academy place picture
5.0
Based on 141 reviews
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Megan Coombs profile pictureMegan Coombs
16:57 08 Feb 25
I had an incredible experience learning Spanish with Roxy. She is an exceptional teacher so patient, attentive, and genuinely passionate about helping her students succeed. Every lesson was both fun and impactful. Highly recommend her to anyone looking to learn Spanish! Thanks Roxy and Eduardo!
Alicia Bérard profile pictureAlicia Bérard
01:11 06 Feb 25
We spent a week at the Guatemaya school, plus we stayed with a very welcoming and warm family: Juanita's! The school staff are really friendly, the view is incredible. They offer a snack and offer activities! I recommend the experience 100% 🙂
Florian Deike profile pictureFlorian Deike
15:50 25 Jan 25
100% recommendation!

Had “booked” a 1-week complete package through Eduardo

Homestay with a Guatemalan family from Monday to Sunday. 3 delicious meals a day (Mon-Fri)
Individual lessons individually tailored to me and my skills.
4 hours of lessons per day. Optionally possible in the morning or afternoon. Includes activities with other students such as kayaking etc. included.

Had a great time with Jimena, my teacher. Laughed a lot and learned a lot.

The view from the school desk is fantastic.

The whole thing was for a comparatively small thaler.

If you want to learn something, you've come to the right place

Everyone was nice, polite and helpful.
Ceyda Albrecht profile pictureCeyda Albrecht
15:02 22 Jan 25
Loved the classes. Everything is perfect. The teacher, the view, the activities they organise. 10/10 would recommend.
Laurène Goin profile pictureLaurène Goin
02:49 21 Jan 25
Look no further; you have found the school to study in! Here, everything is perfect: the quality of the welcome and teaching, the view from the school, the variety of snacks and activities, the small number of students which allows you to know everyone... Two advice: sleep with your family for a complete, useful and pleasant immersion, and... Stay as long as you can! Thank you Eduardo, thank you Anna, thank you Roxana ❤️
Zach Lever profile pictureZach Lever
18:02 17 Jan 25
Had the most amazing time during my week of Spanish School here. The teachers here are all so kind and really ensure you understand what they’re teaching. The views were incredible as well of the Lake and my teacher Jimena was incredible. I highly recommend this school for a Spanish immersion and feel like my Spanish skills have improved immensely. 10/10 you won’t regret.
Julia Howe profile pictureJulia Howe
03:34 09 Jan 25
I spent an amazing two weeks here learning from Mary, who was an incredible teacher and so patient with me. She made learning Spanish fun and pushed me to be more confident when speaking. The view is also unreal😍 Definitely choose this school if you want to learn Spanish!
Zahira Tasabehji profile pictureZahira Tasabehji
19:16 20 Dec 24
I spent 4 unforgettable weeks at Guatemaya Spanish Academy in San Pedro La Laguna, and I can confidently say it was one of the best experiences of my life. Learning Spanish with Roxana was not only highly effective but also deeply enjoyable. Her teaching style is engaging and personalized, making every lesson feel tailored to my needs and learning pace.

Staying with a host family was another highlight of my experience. They warmly welcomed me into their home, treated me to delicious local food, and shared insights into Mayan culture and traditions that I’ll cherish forever. It was a perfect way to immerse myself in the language and the local way of life.

The academy also organizes a variety of activities, giving students the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings and connect with other learners. San Pedro itself is a stunning location, nestled by Lake Atitlán with breathtaking views and a vibrant, welcoming community.

If you’re considering learning Spanish while immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience, I can’t recommend Guatemaya Spanish Academy enough. This journey not only improved my language skills but also left me with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Alice profile pictureAlice
00:52 07 Dec 24
If I could rate six stars, I would.
Thank you for all those who run this school and the lovely people who were students while I was studying.
It’s incredible being able to get such great Spanish one on one lessons and it only being a part of what makes the school so special.
Although I stayed only a week a feel I got brought into a community, learning Spanish and about the Mayan first settlers by the lake.
Staying with a lovely kind host family adds such a deeper learning and wonderful experience. Amazing how easy you made it!
There’s something great about when thinking hard about words being able to look over at the beautiful lake to calm your brain. I will remember this time (and hopefully the Spanish) forever. I want everyone I know to go visit.
Petra Eisová profile picturePetra Eisová
04:17 04 Sep 24
I spent a beautiful and very intense 4 weeks in San Pedro. On the recommendation of a friend, I went to the Guatemaya Spanish Academy and lived with Norma's family.
Eduardo from the school was helpful in everything - transportation between cities, providing a guide for trips, arranging activities for all students.
José took care of us right at school.
We got coffee and snacks.
My teacher Roxy is the best teacher in the world. In addition to her Spanish (she speaks perfect English, great for a beginner like me), she was my Guatemalan guide. She advised and helped me in everything. I dare say we became friends.
The school has a wonderful view of the lake.
Norma's large family received me very warmly. I felt with them like at home.
Norma was an excellent cook.
I highly recommend the Guatemala Spanish Academy, teacher Roxana and Norma's family.