Having inked a peace deal in the mid 1990s that ceased the 36 year guerilla war, this Central American country, somewhat smaller than the state of Idaho, seems to be transforming into the next hotspot with a immense growth of tourism. No longer just for the young traveler, vacationers worldwide visit Antigua for its promise of colorful diversity, plentiful tales of folklore, natural marvels, Semana Santa parties and Spanish language learning.

Some travelers find themselves starting off their trip with Antigua as their base. Antigua is perhaps one of the only interesting colonial cities in South America, and from there international study abroad students can see the lots of trips that provide for foreigners to enjoy. This tiny and tranquil cobblestoned town, found in a valley next to 3 volcanoes, Agua, Acatenango and Fuego, boasts ruined and restored building, a pleasant variety of excellent restaurants, lively bars, lots of shopping, and the peaceful central area. Central America and especially, Antigua, is known for its inexpensive and gobs of Spanish language schools that appeal to travelers who wish to take an educational holiday to learn Spanish.

While in Antigua, it is highly suggested that you Check out their Spanish schools, where there are hundreds chances for visitors, young and old, to learn Spanish, volunteer in the plenty of social, educational and healthcare administrations in need, participate in homestays with local Guatemalan families, enjoy the schools after class excursions, and join up with the other students for excursions, salsa dancing or a beer.

While Antigua is known to many as the Spanish school capital of Central America with as countless visitors it pulls in. But now and then you have to look for extra opportunities to use your Spanish language outside of the classroom setting. For example, many international students stay with local Guatemalan families to practice speaking with them. Others volunteer in Guatemalan projects or accept volunteer positions at charitable organizations.  Or one may want to teach English as an ESL teacher in Guatemala. Or go to the open marketplace on the west side of the city where the locals shop or ride in one of the many motorized “tuk tuks” that take you in and around Antigua. There is no shortage of chances to speak Spanish in this colorful and captivating city!

Despite the comfort and ease of Antigua, traveling all over South America is a definite must for tourists who would like to try out all that Guatemala has to offer. One of the benefits of learning Spanish is that college students can venture out of the schoolroom to delight in its innocent beauty while continuing the learning process. The Spanish language is the official language of Guatemala but there are several different Mayan languages.

On the other hand, no trip to Guatemala would be worthwhile without a trip to the dramatic Mayan pyramids of Tikal, in the north of the country. Get ready to enjoy some of the leading archeological wonders in the world even though the majority of the temples remain unexcavated. Tikal, the greatest and likely the grandest of the Mayan cities, has a couple of skyscraper like pyramids extending toward the moon, beyond the dense jungle canopy. But the temples and jungle vegetation are not enough, Tikal presents an excellent opportunity for wildlife and bird watching.

Traveling in Guatemala is an adventure in and of itself. Sitting on a “chicken bus” and you are sure to learn Spanish while laughing. These brightly painted recycled U.S. school buses overflowing with religious artifacts and loud, festive music take local Guatemalans and foreigners in and out of Antigua. Stopping anywhere a traveler wants to get on or off, there are forever people jammed into the child sized seats and aisles. This makes studying the Spanish language a must.

So why not travel to South America and live the Spanish language