A Quick Video Overview
You will be paired with one of our instructors to help guide you through a fun and engaging curriculum to help you learn a new language for the purposes you want. Classes can focus on conversational travel to more advanced themes and business use.
Hours & Schedule
We want to ensure you maximize your experience visiting our Mayan Village and are flexible with schedules.
You are able to choose your Schedule (Mornings from 8:00 to 12:00, or afternoons from 1:00 to 5:00)
During recess, you can have a cup of our delicious organic coffee, tea and bread.
If you have any questions or special requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our Location
We are located in San Juan La Laguna, a small Maya Tz’utujil town on the western end of Lake Atitlán under a famous mountain called, “Nariz Maya” (Maya Nose).
ECO SPANISH is a three hour drive from Antigua and easily accessible via public transportation.
From Guatemala City - 3H 30M
Take a private shuttle, chicken bus or rental car and drive through the Interamericana Highway to a crossroad called “Los Encuentros”, in kilometer 125, turn left to the town of Panajachel (The signs will help you). Once in Panajachel, ask for the public docks and take a 30 minutes boat ride to the town of San Juan, the boat costs approximately Q25.
We recommend taking one of the many travel services that are available in Antigua and Guatemala City and arrange for bus service to Panajachel. You can also call us and we will help you with any transportation arrangements you need. Travel via mini bus is the most comfortable option. It is reasonably priced at around $20 to $25 dollars per person. Those that are on a tighter budget or are more adventurous can ride on a chicken bus. Bus stations are typically near the central market or central park in larger towns and cities.
From Xela (Quetzaltenango) - 2H 20M
From the dock at San Juan La Laguna - 10M
Banking
There is one National Bank in San Juan, Banrural. Unfortunatelly It doesn´t change traveler’s checks, it only changes $50, $100 in good condition, without handwriting on it, not stained or sealed, but offers 2 ATM services, one at the market and at Bank. However, several ATMs are available at the nearby town, San Pedro La Laguna.
In San Pedro the ATMs are located as follows: One is just off the dock and the other is located at the Bank Banrural close to the town´s center. You may also like to take a day trip to Panajachel to use the ATM and buy some European and American style food.
TMs are also available at the airport in Guatemala City. You can use any type of debit-credit card with a four digit pin in Guatemalan ATM machines.
Internet
There is Wi-Fi signal in cafes and restaurants, normally it is doue to the use of their services.
At the Eco Spanish School there is Wi-Fi signal and some of the homestay too. (Good for uploading photos of your journey but not for watching videos!)
Safety & Security
San Juan is a very peaceful town and you can walk the streets in the evening with no trouble. Be aware of chicken buses and fast traffic along the highway and occasionally in town as well. If you need to walk an extended distance at night to a nearby town we recommend you take a mototaxi (tuc-tuc), an inexpensive form of transportation and available at most hours (price ~$2.00 USD/ person). Please check with us at the school for more information about places to visit near San Juan.
Food
The local market is open every da y, and you can find for reasonable prices beans, rice, fresh vegetables, fruits, chicken, eggs, meat, cereal and fresh cheese and yogurt. Milk and other supplies can be found in “Tiendas” (stores) around town. The biggest is called “Super Quick” and is located near the bank. You will also find several restaurants in town. Near the town´s center you will find some establishments called “comedores” who offer excellent and cheap local food. (We recommend Comedor Elenita.)
Hotels
There are several hotels in San Juan: Hotel El Comal in town, Hotel Mirador in town, Hotel Uxlabil and Hotel Chi-Ya and Hotel Pa Muelle. Each one offers comfortable accommodations for tourists.