Learn. Explore.
Live Guatemala.

Come to Xela to learn Spanish, hike volcanoes, rent an apartment, and connect with local communities through hands-on service programs.

At Casa Xelajú, your journey goes beyond the classroom — through Spanish immersion, shuttle services, online classes, and real Guatemalan life.

More Than a Spanish School

Learn Spanish by experiencing the place, the people, and the culture.

Since 1987, Casa Xelajú has welcomed students from around the world to Quetzaltenango.

We believe the best way to learn Spanish is to use it in real life. That’s why your experience can include personalized Spanish instruction, cultural activities, community connections, and everyday life in Guatemala.

Personalized Learning

Spanish instruction built around your goals and level.

Cultural Immersion

Experience Guatemala beyond the classroom.

Since 1987

Decades of experience welcoming students from around the world.

Our Programs

Student Apartments in Xela

Spanish Immersion Programs

Shuttle Services Guatemala

Online Spanish Classes (Guatemala)

Hike Volcanoes Fuatemala Trips

Community Education Program in Guatemala

Experience Guatemala

Don't Just Study Spanish. Experience Guatemala.

Your classroom is only the beginning.

Quetzaltenango is surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, Indigenous communities, traditions, and incredible landscapes. During your time with Casa Xelajú, step outside the classroom and experience the country firsthand.

Practice Spanish while exploring local culture. Hike a volcano. Discover Mayan traditions. Visit new places. Meet people and experience Guatemala beyond the guidebook.

Community & Purpose

Learn. Connect. Contribute.

Your time in Guatemala can be about more than learning Spanish.

Through volunteer opportunities, internships, and community projects such as La Pedrera, Casa Xelajú gives students opportunities to connect with local communities and gain a deeper understanding of life in Guatemala.

Whether you’re here to study, volunteer, or bring a group of students, we can help you create an experience with purpose.

Stay & Explore Xela

Everything You Need for Your Time in Guatemala

Make your experience easier from arrival to departure.

Stay in Xela

Comfortable furnished apartments for students and visitors who want to make Quetzaltenango their home while studying or exploring Guatemala.

Get Here Easily

Private transportation and shuttle services help you travel between Guatemala City, the airport, Quetzaltenango, and other destinations.

Our Customer Feedback

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Hector Pineda 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy bonito el lugar del igual que es personal, fueron muy amables en toda la estadía.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Caroline Yang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I spent 3 weeks here and really enjoyed my stay. The view of the city was the best thing to wake up to every day and Hilda and Abraham kept everything running smoothly. The apartment had everything I needed and was perfect for a longer stay. I would definitely stay here again. Thank you Casa Xelaju!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lilian Alvarez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cada año es un gusto regresar a este lugar, siempre nos atienden con calidez y esmero
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ella 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really enjoyed my time at Casa Xelaju and really liked my Spanish teacher, Ruby, who took a lot of time to adjust my classes to my level and teach me about topics I was interested in. The classrooms are spacious,  separate enough to focus and have a lovely view of Xela. I look forward to coming back in the future!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Mary Jucup 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My family and I had a great experience, from the booking, to communication to the ride to our destination. I loved it. I was, I’ll be booking again in the future.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alex Gloster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Beautiful views! Very friendly and helpful staff. Would stay again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben Gen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Passer 4 mois dans un des nombreux appartements très confortable. Superbe vue très proche du parc central. Les employés aimables serviables et toujours souriant
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Yasmeen Ismail 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great communication and organization. Gilda was very helpful and walked me through the process and answered all my questions over phone and in person once I reached Xela. I purchased a 3 day private hiking tour from Xela to lake atitlan. There was a change in guide to Monte Verde due to the guide here having a family event but everything worked out great.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Miguel Eduardo Villatoro Alvarado 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Muy bonito el lugar acogedor y a un muy buen precio.
Las personas del lugar son muy amables.
Muy recomendado el lugar
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Astrid López 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fue una experiencia sumamente agradable, el lugar, la atención y la ubicación fue excelente. Amamos la estadía en el apartamento. Demasiado acogedor. Esperamos volver pronto 💕

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Casa Xelajú?

Casa Xelajú is a Spanish immersion school in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala. We offer Spanish language programs, cultural experiences, accommodation, transportation, hiking trips, and other services for international students.

When was Casa Xelajú established?

Casa Xelajú was founded in 1987 in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.

What makes Casa Xelajú different from other Spanish schools in Guatemala?

Casa Xelajú combines personalized Spanish instruction with cultural immersion, community involvement, and real-life opportunities to practice Spanish.

What facilities does Casa Xelajú provide?

The school offers private classrooms for focused one-on-one instruction, internet access, cultural activities, community projects, and spaces with views of the city and surrounding mountains.

How large is the Spanish program?

The school typically has an average of about 25 students during January and the summer, and around 10 students during the rest of the year.

Ready to Experience Guatemala?

Join Casa Xelajú for an unforgettable Spanish immersion experience in Xela.
Learn Spanish, Connect with culture. Make memories that last a lifetime.

Learn. Explore. Live Guatemala.