10 Best Lake Atitlan Spanish Schools (2023)
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Looking for the best Lake Atitlan Spanish schools? You’re in the right place!
Guatemala is one of the best countries in Central America to learn Spanish, and Lake Atitlan is undoubtedly one of the prettiest and most adventurous locations to start in.
If you’re backpacking Central America, just doing your daily 15 minutes on Duolingo might not cut it (especially if you’re like me, and never had the chance to learn Spanish in school).
Whilst online language apps are great at familiarising you with basic words, it’s nothing compared to being back in a classroom and learning Spanish.
But, how do you decide which Spanish school in Guatemala to study in? There are a few things that you need to look for, which I will delve into in this post.
From the cost, class sizes, immersive experiences and homestays, you will leave this post knowing a lot more about Lake Atitlan Spanish schools than you did before.
So, let’s get started and find out the best Spanish schools in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala!
Still have a question about the best Lake Atitlan Spanish schools? Let me know over on Instagram or shoot me an email at jennie(@)jenniewanders.com!
🇬🇹 Other Guatemala posts:
- 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala
- Backpacking Guatemala: COMPLETE Guide + ROUTES
- Lake Atitlan Boat Schedule: How Do Lanchas Work?
| 🌎 Top Travelling Tip!
🚘 For a more convenient transportation option around Central America, check out GetTransfer, where you can compare the prices and choose a handy transfer in advance!
Lake Atitlan Spanish Schools: A Summary
Luckily, Spanish classes in Lake Atitlan are cheap. Even one-to-one lessons or small group classes are affordable for budget backpackers.
Most even offer affordable homestays with delicious home-cooked meals made by a local Mayan family.
Lake Atitlan is one of the best places in Latin America to learn Spanish, especially if you are continuing to travel south of the continent, as it becomes harder and harder to communicate with locals in English.
But what do you need to look for when finding the best Spanish school in Lake Atitlan? How do you know which Spanish school is best?
First, you need to decide what you want from the lessons. Do you want conversational classes? Grammar? One-to-one sessions? Group classes? How much are you willing to pay? Would you like a homestay included? Are extracurricular activities important to you?
Ultimately, when you are looking for the best Spanish schools, you need to look at:
- 📍Location: Are you able to get to your Spanish school on a daily basis, or if it’s a homestay, are you happy living in that area? Some of the towns around Lake Atitlan are known for different vibes and activities. Do some research on the town before you book a Spanish school.
- 💸 Price: Are the Spanish lessons within your budget?
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: Do you want one-to-one lessons, or would you prefer to be taught in a group?
- ⏰ Timings: Can you attend all of the classes around your schedule? Are they too long or too short?
In each of the summaries below, I’ve made it easy for you to decide by using these four main deciding factors.
So, let’s discuss the best Spanish schools in Lake Atitlan!
Related post: 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala
10 Best Lake Atitlan Spanish Schools
1. Lake Atitlan Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Pedro
- 💸 Price: Starting from $100 USD per week for 3x hours per day
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1 or 2:1
- ⏰ Timings: variable depending on the course
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Lake Atitlan Spanish School:
One of the best and well-known Spanish schools in Lake Atitlan is the Lake Atitlan Spanish School.
The school is made up of local teachers dedicated to giving travellers an authentic Spanish-speaking experience at a reasonable price.
Lessons are taught in 3-hour blocks, and weekly booking is advised. These lessons are made up of speaking, grammar and writing, based on the European Common Framework.
As well as daily Spanish lessons, the school gives the opportunity to partake in activities such as Spanish club, art classes, film club, weekend excursions and hiking, mountain biking and even organised group trips to Chichicastenango, the largest market in Central America.
You can also book a homestay through the Lake Atitlan Spanish School, and improve your Spanish by having daily conversations with your host family.
When booking a homestay, you will receive 7 nights of accommodation, along with 3 home-cooked meals per day. There isn’t an easier way to learn Spanish naturally!
“Had an incredible experience studying at Lake Aititlan Spanish School. Our teacher Maxi was amazing! Informative, thorough, patient, friendly, warm and funny. Beautiful location in small huts right on the lake. 10/10 would recommend it to anyone looking to learn or improve on their Spanish!” – Google Review, 2023
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the Lake Atitlan Spanish School website.
2. San Pedro Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Pedro
- 💸 Price: from $120 USD per week
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1
- ⏰ Timings: variable depending on the course
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Lake Atitlan Spanish School:
The San Pedro Spanish School is a well-established venue in the heart of San Pedro. It offers native-speaking in-person and online lessons, as well as cultural immersive programs to help accelerate your learning.
If you’re backpacking Guatemala, one of the most popular courses is ‘Spanish for travellers’. This is a course that will guide you through everything you need to know, from asking and answering daily questions to being able to communicate confidently.
As well as extensive Spanish courses, the school offers budget-friendly homestays. Families at the San Pedro Spanish school have been looking after students for years, and pride themselves in making you feel like one of the family.
With free wifi, a private room, 3 meals a day, hot water and your own space, it’s one of the best ways to experience Lake Atitlan, learn a new language and have a unique cultural experience.
If you do opt for the homestay experience, there will be a variety of activities and excursions to choose from to keep you busy during your downtime!
“I had a fantastic experience with San Pedro Spanish School. Communication was great from the start and everything was well organised for my arrival. My teachers were personable, lovely, professional and very patient with me. It felt more like studying with friends. The school organised great events such as salsa and bachata, kayaking and day trips.” – Google Reviews, 2023
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the San Pedro Spanish school website here.
| 🌎 Booking accommodation?
I highly recommend using either Booking.com or Hostelworld< to compare prices and check out other backpacker reviews!
3. Orbita Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Pedro
- 💸 Price: $159 USD per week for 4x hours per day
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1
- ⏰ Timings: morning or afternoon
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Lake Atitlan Spanish School:
Another great Lake Atitlan Spanish school in San Pedro is Orbita. Offering a program with a professional curriculum, local teachers and a beautiful setting, it’s a great place to learn Spanish.
Teaching all four language learning aspects: writing, reading, speaking and comprehension, Orbita aims to expand your Spanish knowledge in both an enjoyable yet challenging environment.
With twenty-two years of Spanish teaching experience, Orbita has tailored its immersive lessons to ensure you gain the best results.
Orbita also provides students with customised coursework and booklets, as well as tests at the end of each unit. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced options available.
And the fun doesn’t stop there! Orbita also organises fun events to progress your Spanish even further; from movie nights to Mayan ceremonies, group games and chocolate tours.
Finally, Orbita Spanish School offers Mayan family homestays. All families live within 3-12 minutes walking distance of the school, some with children, and some without.
You will also be given your own key if you decide to spend the night partying in San Pedro instead of practising your Spanish lingo!
“Studying at Orbita Spanish School was an incredible experience that I will never forget. Both my tutors Alejandra and Daniela were engaging and made class fun and interactive. The school makes you feel welcome from the beginning and organised many activities for us to explore the lake. I could not recommend Orbita more!” – Orbita Instagram page
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the Orbita website here.
TOP TIP: I highly recommend downloading an eSIM on your phone to ensure you can use it for directions and safety in Guatemala. We found most of the cities to be chaotic and difficult to find local SIM cards. ESIMs are easy to download and ready to use within a few minutes of purchasing, so there’s no longer a need to hunt down free Wifi! ➡ You can check out the prices and packages for eSIMs here!
4. Jabel Tinamit Spanish School
- 📍 Location: Panajachel
- 💸 Price: $95 USD per week for 2x hours per day
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1 / 2:1 / 3:1
- ⏰ Timings: variable depending on the course
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Lake Atitlan Spanish School:
The Jabel Tinamit Spanish school in Panajachel offers Spanish classes both one-on-one and in a group. On your first day, you will be tested to see which Spanish level you are in to ensure you’re put in the right class.
From then, you’ll have the opportunity to speak, communicate and learn Spanish in a fun and immersive way.
There is also a comprehensive school library of Spanish grammar and exercise books to accelerate your Spanish knowledge in your own way!
As well as learning Spanish in the classroom, you’ll head outside to volunteer with kids and teenagers, as well as take part in Guatemalan cooking classes and explore Mayan caves, markets and local towns with your group.
Homestays with private rooms are available and are all within walking distance in Panajachel. A fabulous way to practise your Spanish in an everyday, relaxed environment!
“Jabel Tinamit has everything a travelling student is looking for – great teachers, a comprehensive curriculum, cultural activities, a beautiful courtyard and terrace, and a view of Lake Atitlan that is breathtaking. Run by a local Mayan family, the school is rich in culture and community. The staff are welcoming and efficient. I stayed with a local family and was able to experience life first-hand in Guatemala.” – Jabel Tinamit website reviews
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the Jabel Tinamit website here.
⭐ Top-rated experiences in Lake Atitlan!
- 3 Mayan Villages Incredible Lake Atitlan Day Tour
- Sunrise and Hiking To The Indian Nose Mountain
- Santa Cruz 6-Hour Water Adventure Tour
- Experience a Motorcycle Adventure from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
- Explore San Juan through a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience
- 3 Mayan Villages Incredible Lake Atitlan Day Tour
- Sunrise and Hiking To The Indian Nose Mountain
- Santa Cruz 6-Hour Water Adventure Tour
- Experience a Motorcycle Adventure from Antigua to Lake Atitlan
- Explore San Juan through a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience
5. Semilla Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Pedro
- 💸 Price: $135 USD for 10 hours
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1
- ⏰ Timings: variable depending on the course
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Spanish school:
Semilla Spanish School is perfect for backpackers and travellers wanting to learn the necessities when it comes to speaking Spanish.
With young, energetic and enthusiastic teachers, the school promises an unforgettable experience in the beautiful San Pedro.
Lessons include lots of different teaching styles, such as games, podcasts, videos, songs, workbooks, and conversations with your instructor. You’ll also have basic tests to identify your Spanish level and ensure you’re matched with the right teacher.
In addition to Spanish lessons, you’ll learn outside of the classroom through movie nights, social outings, writing, drawing, hiking, cooking lessons, playing sports, taking salsa lessons and more.
Homestays and living with local Mayan family options are also available at Semilla, ensuring you have a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience whilst learning a new language!
“My time at Semilla Spanish School was incredible. I learned so much and was able to experience beautiful Lake Atlitlán and San Pedro la Laguna, meet a lot of great people, and advanced my Spanish a lot.” – Semilla Spanish school website
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the Semilla website here.
6. Eco Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Juan
- 💸 Price: $85+ per week
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1
- ⏰ Timings: variable depending on the course
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Spanish school:
The Eco Spanish School was the first Spanish school in Lake Atitlan to take learning out of the classroom and start daily social and cultural activities.
Located on a beautiful coffee farm in San Juan, you are surrounded by natural beauty whilst being taught by university graduates, ensuring you have the highest quality Spanish teaching possible.
You will also have the chance to learn about the Maya and Tz’utujil cultures, take part in some local activities and learn Spanish outside of the classroom.
It’s a great Lake Atitlan Spanish school for those wanting an eco-friendly, high-quality and culturally immersive experience.
“We had the best two weeks at Eco Spanish School! I went from a beginner Spanish speaker to being able to hold simple conversations which has set me up really well for travelling in Central America. The school also set us up with accommodation with a really lovely family in town who made us feel so welcome.” – Google reviews, 2023
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the Eco Spanish School website here.
7. San Juan Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Juan
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1
- ⏰ Timings: variable depending on the course
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Spanish school:
San Juan Spanish school is great for those who want to make friends, have fun and party whilst learning Spanish.
Open since 2005, the Spanish school has welcomed over 10,000 students and offers one of the best environments, classroom setups, community vibe and professionalism in the area.
With airport pickups, homestay accommodations, a fun and relaxed atmosphere, certified teachers, camping options, high-speed wifi, co-working spaces, a coffee hub, vegan and vegetarian food and opportunities to head out at night with your new friends, it’s hard to beat the San Juan Spanish school!
“I spent a week here and I can highly recommend the school to anyone looking for quality Spanish lessons in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. The classes were fun, informative and well structured – I definitely feel more confident about it as a result. Truly a gem of a place!” Google reviews, 2023
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the San Juan Spanish school website here!
| 🌎 Top Travelling Tip!
📲 Make your travelling easier by downloading an eSIM. This way, you won’t have to worry about roaming payments, mobile connection and Internet quality.
8. Cooperativa Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Pedro
- 💸 Price: $110 US for 15 hours, $225 with homestay
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1 / 2:1 / Group classes
- ⏰ Timings: variable depending on the course
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Spanish school:
Cooperativa Spanish School is one of the best Spanish schools in San Pedro. It’s known for having a group of local and experienced language teachers, and for having taught Spanish for the past twenty years to over 8,000 students (including some as young as 5 and some up to the age of 70!)
As a bonus, every penny you spend on Spanish classes at the Cooperative school goes back into the San Pedro community, through both the wages of the amazing teachers and supporting local community projects.
All of the classes at Cooperativa are immersive, fun and challenging to ensure students are pushed out of their comfort zone and are given the right tools they need to succeed.
Classes can be taught in a way suitable for you – from group classes to lessons online or a 1:1 setting overlooking the surrounding Guatemalan mountains.
All lesson materials are provided, as well as a short test upon your arrival to determine your Spanish level.
Need accommodation? You can either choose to live with a local family in a homestay with three delicious meals a day or head to one of the recommended hostels or hotels in the local area.
“It was a wonderful experience at Cooperativa Spanish School! The staff and teachers are wonderful and with the other students, there is a sense of community. When I left the school to travel back home through Guatemala City, I found that I was able to make myself understood in the shops, hotels and airport! A great feeling!” Thank you Cooperativa Spanish School!! -“ Google Reviews, 2023
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the Cooperativa Spanish School website here.
9. San Marcos Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Marcos
- 💸 Price: $120 USD per week for 15x hours
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1
- ⏰ Timings: Monday – Saturday 8am-6pm
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Spanish school:
With one teacher for every student, the San Marcos Spanish school is great if you really want to improve your communication skills.
The school offers a personalised and interactive classroom approach, with teachers being able to adapt to your needs.
Their saying is to ‘unite cultures‘, and the school does just that by building bridges and using language as a way to join cultures from all over the world through learning, fun extracurricular activities and homestays.
Programs are based on the Common European Framework, which means the school will ensure the classes are right for your unique needs, levels and goals.
In addition to classroom lessons, you can opt for a homestay with a local Mayan family. All families are carefully selected, and you will have the chance to give feedback and learn more about the daily life of a local Guatemalan.
There are also plenty of activities to choose from, such as movie nights, conversation clubs, salsa classes and weekend hiking excursions.
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the San Marcos Spanish school website here.
10. Community Spanish School
- 📍 Location: San Pedro
- 💸 Price: from $105 USD per week
- 👩🏼🏫 Class sizes: 1:1
- ⏰ Timings: variable depending on the course
- 🏡 Homestay accommodation available
- 🥾 Extra-curricular activities organised
🇬🇹 Summary of the Spanish school:
San Pedro is a popular town on Lake Atitlan to learn Spanish and for good reason!
The Community Spanish School is another popular school and is known for its exceptional quality of teachers, private and online classes and multi-language speakers (all of the local teachers are confident speaking in English, too).
All levels are taught at the Community Spanish School, and you can join in with some of the extra-curricular activities to really give your Spanish speaking a boost.
Again, homestays are available at an additional price, and the school recommends this for a truly immersive experience.
With free coffee, free writing materials, individualised learning plans and a fun community atmosphere, it’s undoubtedly one of the best Spanish schools in Lake Atitlan. They also boast one of the best lake views in the area!
“I had an amazing two weeks at the Community Spanish School and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to learn some Spanish! The beautiful classrooms are just off the shore of the lake so you learn in front of some stunning scenery! The school is so welcoming and there are free activities included each week.” – Google reviews, 2023
➡ For prices, availability and information about the Spanish school, check out the Community Spanish School website here.
Where to stay in Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan has many different areas for backpackers to stay in. Some are more popular than others for several reasons. Where you stay in Lake Atitlan will depend on what kind of traveller and person you are.
For example, if you’re keen to party, you’ll want to stay in San Pedro. Or if you want to experience the zen, hippy part of the lake, head to San Marcos.
For a remote hostel experience (with little around, so you’re all-in with your hostel friends), look at hostels in Santa Cruz (like Free Cerveza). Another popular location is to actually stay in Panajachel, Lake Atitlan’s main town.
I recommend either staying in a social hostel or a hotel/apartment with a lake view. We stayed in a few different locations around the lake, and whilst we liked our Airbnb in Panajachel, it was so far away from the lake that it didn’t feel like we were there.
If we were to return, we’d splurge a little more and stay in an apartment in one of the smaller towns overlooking the volcanoes and water.
But of course, most backpackers (like us!) can’t afford this, so we stick to the hostels. Our favourite hostel on Lake Atitlan was Free Cerveza (a full review can be found here).
- Free Cerveza (Santa Cruz): for backpackers wanting to SUP, swim, socialise, be off the grid for a few days and soak in everything the lake has to offer ➡ BOOK NOW!
- Dreamboat Hostel (Panajachel): if you want to party in Panajachel ➡ BOOK NOW!
- Mr Mullet’s (San Pedro): for BIG party backpackers and solo travellers (they run their own crazy boat party)➡ BOOK NOW!
- Chirris Hostal (San Juan): for a nice hostel in the middle of San Juan ➡ BOOK NOW!
Do you know I have a whole post dedicated to helping you backpack Guatemala? From routes, itineraries, what to do, where to eat, what not to miss and everything in between! It’s a one-stop backpacking Guatemala guide – don’t forget to check it out!
Other things to do in Lake Atitlan
Lake Atitlan is one of the best destinations in Guatemala, and there are plenty of things to do, such as:
- Staying at a destination hostel like Free Cerveza
- Take a lancha to some of the other beautiful Lake Atitlan towns
- Hiking to the Indian Nose at sunset
- Partying in the smaller towns
- Kayaking, paddleboarding or swimming in the lake
- Trying new foods in Panajachel
- Visiting a unique hippy town – San Marcos
- Standing under the colourful umbrellas in San Juan
- Partying on Mr Mullet’s boat party
➡ Travelling to Lake Atitlan? Check out my full post on how to travel around the lake via a lancha and visit all of the beautiful lakeside towns!
Lake Atitlan Spanish Schools: FAQs
1) What languages are spoken around Lake Atitlan?
There are many Mayan languages spoken around Lake Atitlan, such as Kaqchikel and Tz’utujil. Most locals will speak Spanish, but it might not be their first language.
2) Is Guatemala a good place to learn Spanish?
Yes! Guatemala is an incredible place to learn Spanish for many reasons. The price, the friendly homestays, the necessity to know Spanish (travelling Central and South America is hard without it) and you can learn in some of the most beautiful places in the world.
3) How much does it cost to learn Spanish in Guatemala?
Most Spanish schools in Guatemala charge between $8-15 USD per hour, but this depends on the Spanish school, the hours booked and what type of Spanish lessons you are taking.
Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America
If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.
Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.
I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.
If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.
With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)
Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!
If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!
Lake Atitlan Spanish Schools: In A Nutshell
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about the best Spanish schools in Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. When you’re planning a trip to Guatemala, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!
If you haven’t seen my blog before, I write posts aimed at real-life travellers wanting authentic and down-to-earth information.
I’m currently balancing travelling around the world and living in London with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!
Keep an eye out for more Guatemala content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!
As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!
Happy travelling 🙂
Jennie x
Other posts you may like:
- Lake Atitlan To Guatemala City Airport: Complete Guide
- 15 Best Coffee Shops In Antigua Guatemala (+ Digital Nomad Spots)
- 7 Best Spanish Schools In Antigua Guatemala
MEET THE AUTHOR!
Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.
If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).
