Learn Spanish in Xela, Guatemala

Casa Xelajú is a Spanish immersion school in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala, founded in 1987. We offer one-on-one Spanish classes, homestays, furnished apartments, online classes, volcano hikes, and airport shuttles.

Yum Kax, the Maya corn god, illustration used as the Casa Xelajú logo

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 (Xela), Guatemala.

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

One-on-one Spanish instruction built around your goals and level.

Cultural Immersion

Experience Guatemala beyond the classroom through volcano hikes, Mayan traditions, and community projects.

Since 1987

Decades of experience welcoming students to Xela from around the world.

Experience Guatemala

Don't Just Study Spanish. Experience Guatemala.

Your classroom is only the beginning.

Quetzaltenango (Xela) is surrounded by mountains, volcanoes such as Santa María, 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.

Casa Xelajú students on the summit of Santa María volcano near Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Volunteer helping a student with Spanish workbooks at the La Pedrera community education program in Quetzaltenango

Community & Purpose

Learn. Connect. Contribute.

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

Through volunteer opportunities, internships, and community projects like La Pedrera in Quetzaltenango, Casa Xelajú helps students 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 (Xela) their home while studying or exploring Guatemala.

Get Here Easily

Private transportation and shuttle services help you travel between Guatemala City, La Aurora International Airport, Quetzaltenango (Xela), and other destinations.

Casa Xelajú private shuttle van for transfers between Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango

What Customer Says About Casa Xelajú

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Hector Pineda profile picture
Hector Pineda
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Muy bonito el lugar del igual que es personal, fueron muy amables en toda la estadía.
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Caroline Yang profile picture
Caroline Yang
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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!
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Lilian Alvarez profile picture
Lilian Alvarez
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Cada año es un gusto regresar a este lugar, siempre nos atienden con calidez y esmero
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Ella profile picture
Ella
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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!
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Mary Jucup profile picture
Mary Jucup
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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.
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Alex Gloster profile picture
Alex Gloster
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Beautiful views! Very friendly and helpful staff. Would stay again!
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Ben Gen profile picture
Ben Gen
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Passer 4 mois dans un des nombreux appartements très confortable. Superbe vue très proche du parc central. Les employés aimables serviables et toujours souriant
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Yasmeen Ismail profile picture
Yasmeen Ismail
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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.
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Miguel Eduardo Villatoro Alvarado profile picture
Miguel Eduardo Villatoro Alvarado
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Muy bonito el lugar acogedor y a un muy buen precio. Las personas del lugar son muy amables. Muy recomendado el lugar
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Astrid López profile picture
Astrid López
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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

Casa Xelajú is a Spanish immersion school in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala, founded in 1987. We offer one-on-one and online Spanish classes, homestays, furnished apartments, volcano hikes, shuttle service, and community volunteer programs.

Casa Xelajú was founded in 1987 in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala.

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

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.

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.

Casa Xelajú is at Diagonal 13 8-02, Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala. Several of our apartments are close to the city’s central park.

Yes. Casa Xelajú offers online Spanish classes with its teachers from Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, for students who can’t travel or want to prepare before arriving.

Yes. Casa Xelajú offers volunteer opportunities, internships, and community projects such as La Pedrera in Quetzaltenango, as well as programs for student groups.

Yes. Casa Xelajú organizes volcano hikes around Quetzaltenango, including Santa María, and offers private multi-day treks on request.

Ready to Experience Guatemala?

Join Casa Xelajú for an unforgettable Spanish immersion experience in Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala. Learn Spanish, connect with the culture, and make memories that last a lifetime.