Testimonials
I studied Spanish at Cima Del Mundo in Antigua during June and July (5 weeks) in 2007. There, I had my own instructor with many activities which enabled me to interact in Spanish. The staff were pleasant, understanding, and encouraged me to learn and practice. The staff also help to ensure that your stay in Antigua and study at the school is an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend this school for learning Spanish and developing proficiency within a short amount of time.
Chichicastenango
It is a small town on the crests at the top of a mountain at an altitude of 1,965 meters. It is located about 140 km and 2-3 hours drive northwest of Guatemala City and is home to what is surely the most colorful native market in North and Central America.
The famous handicraft market of Chichicastenango draws not only the K'iche' Maya of the surrounding region, but vendors from all over Guatemala. They represent many of Guatemala's linguistic groups such as Mam, Ixil, Kaqchikel and others, each hawking his or her products in a riotous cacophony of color, dialects and costumes, smoke, and smells. This town in the mountains of Quiche has been, since pre-Hispanic times, one of the largest trading centers in the Maya area.
Another major attraction in Chichicastenango is the 400-year old church of Santo Tomas which is situated next to the market. Shamans still use it for their rituals, burning incense and candles and in special cases a chicken for the gods. Each of the 18 stairs that lead up to the church stands for one month of the Mayan calendar year. The Mayan calendar has 18 months and 20 days each.
