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Introduction Package for
Casa Xelajú & Quetzaltenango Callejón 15 D13-02 Zona 1 ---------------------- Tel: 502-7761-5954/55 Fax: 7761-5953 Emergency Cellular Number: +(502) 5796-1486 (spanish
only) or If you are in the Guatemala City Airport call to: 5686-1917, 5200-5770, ask for Karla Zaper or Gerardo Pérez
OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, 8am to 1pm & 2pm to 5pm and from May 15 - August 15, 8am to 1pm & 2pm to 7pm. Closed on Weekends. We ask students to pay, by the latest, on their first day of school. If you decide to stay an extra week, you must pay by the Thursday before to be assured a teacher for the following week. If you need to change your class hours, or if you are travelling and can not return in time for class you must advise your teacher and the school ahead of time. By the latest on Thursday so you don't have to pay for the following week, we can inform your host family, and give your teacher another student. You will not be reimbursed for classes missed because you simply did not show up. There are various forms of payment for classes: cash (US dollars or quetzales), checks (personal or traveler´s), or with credit card (we accept all major credit cards). When paying with a credit card, there is a 25% surcharge imposed by the Guatemalan government in addition to the cost of the classes. We are happy to answer all questions and help you make calls during our office hours. We ask that you please refrain between the hours of 1 and 2, as we have only an hour for lunch. Our office hours can vary in case of an arriving student, student illness, or late departure for lunch. The following days are national holidays that will be observed here at Casa Xelaju with a day off from classes. Though classes will not be held these days will be included in tuition are as follows: January 1 Good Friday In addition, please only pay for the
weeks that you are sure you will attend Casa Xelaju. It is our policy
that any cancellation prior to the beginning of your studies will
not be penalized, but once commenced, if there is a necessity to cancel,
you will only be refunded 50% of what you have paid for that week.
All of the teachers at CX are either university graduates or in their last year of study, and are fully licensed by the Ministry of Education. They have received extensive training teaching Spanish as a second language in a one-on-one format. Our teachers use occasional examinations and weekly reports to determine each student's Spanish level and continuing needs, but we encourage you to offer suggestions in terms of what materials you would like to use, grammatical topics you wish to cover, or what percentage of each class you would like to devote to conversation versus drills and exercises etc. If you have special learning needs or a learning disability please inform the office or your teacher so appropriate accommodations can be made. Should you wish to take a trip during your class time, please advise your teacher one day in advance, and be aware that students are responsible for teacher expenses incurred during class time (bus fares, etc.) III. Families Families provide one of the most memorable and practical environments for utilizing your Spanish and experiencing Guatemalan culture. Some of our families have been with the school for as long as ten years and maintain address lists of former students. All families provide a house key, a private room, bed, table, chair, adequate lighting, place to keep one's clothing and toilet paper. They also provide students three meals a day and purified drinking water which is either bottled or boiled. Families are encouraged to involve the students in family activities as much as possible and converse with the students at mealtimes. It is always a good idea to keep your room closed when you are out. Some families have servants who operate businesses out of their homes which do not allow them to keep track of who is in the house at all times. Your family may provide you with a key to your room. It is a good idea to lock your room to avoid children playing with your things and any misunderstanding. The school recommends Rapiservicio, a Laundromat on 7th Calle near 13 Ave, Zone 1. In most showers, the hot water comes out of the same tube as the cold water. The farther you open the faucet, the more cold water you are adding to the hot water. Try opening the faucet just enough to get a steady stream of water. If you can't get it to work, ask your family for help. Please remember to put toilet paper in the bucket next to the toilet, and not in the toilet itself. The plumbing cannot accept it. Also, please remember that it is important to always try to maintain an observance of cultural sensitivity when living with you family. This includes the way you speak, address one another and the way you conduct yourself within your home. Very importantly, please do not bring overnight guests back to your host family´s home. Although some families may in fact be comfortable with this, many will not and to ask or impose that circumstance upon your family is wholly inappropriate and prohibited. IV. Activities We try to offer you students a wide and varied calendar of activities for each week of the month and hope that you will be excited about participating in them. We understand that you will also want to spend time with your families and friends that you have made here in Xela and that might conflict with a planned activity. Please know that in order to actualize a planned activity we need more than one participant. With only one interested student, we cannot conduct the activity and of course, the activity will be more fun with as many students possible! It is also best to gear yourself for the activities with the goal in mind to speak Spanish. Your coordinator will translate anything that isn´t understood, but please try to practice your Spanish as much as possible outside of the classroom as well. A. Cultural Activities The school schedules cultural activities almost everyday of the month to compliment your language classes. They provide an excellent forum for learning about Guatemalan social, political and environmental reality. The activities include movies, lectures by local experts, visits to various organizations, and trips. We always meet at the school, and CX provides transportation to all activities. You should be given a calendar when you arrive at the school. In addition, each month's activities are posted on a wall on the second story. It is a good idea to check the calendar every day in case there are changes. You must sign up for some activities and weekend trips in advance, and sign-up sheets are always posted in the school lobby. Unscheduled activities with your teacher are possible during class time, student must pay travel expenses etc. Weaving classes are available by request for 150 Quetzales for 8 hours of classes. For dances classes (Salsa and Merengue) at Q40 per hour for private lessons, please ask in the office about it.
LA PEDRERA is a local community of scarce resources with whom we have a community development program. We do various projects including accredited literacy classes, English and Math tutoring with various educational workshops on nutrition, sexual education, and hygiene. In addition we look for sponsors to send the children to school, as the majority of the people cannot afford even the cost of public schools. We always need volunteers, ideas, and donations. Volunteer work is an excellent way to acquaint one's self with another culture and practice your Spanish. If you would like to help or have any questions, please talk to the International Coordinator, or the Community Projects Coordinator for further information. Please see last two pages of packet for more info.
Volunteers are always needed to help with the school's project - La Pedrera; please see one of the coordinators. Otherwise, CX can help place you in a volunteer position with another organization. Most organizations require a 1 month commitment and an Intermediate Spanish level. Please talk to the Coordinator or the Community Projects Coordinator as to you field of interest and skills. You could work with orphans, battered women, street kids, building (Habitat for Humanity) and environmental agencies.
A. Payment with Credit Cards There will be a 20% surcharge added to all payments by credit card. This is not a Casa Xelaju policy but rather is mandated by the Guatemalan government. If you choose to pay with credit card please keep this in mind as is will considerably increase the charge on your card. We do not recommend this form of payment and instead encourage you to withdraw cash from the ATMs here in Xela or pay by travelers or personal checks. B. Library Our library contains a variety of Spanish textbooks and the accompanying workbooks at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. It also contains dictionaries, Latin American novels, poetry and other books in Spanish exploring history, feminism, and environmental issues. We also have a variety of novels, books and articles in English which you must sign out from the office. If you would like to avoid lugging books back to your non-Guatemalan homes, we gladly accept donations!!! Please return all books, magazines, and other materials before you plan to leave the school. It is very difficult, inconvenient, and costly for us to replace these books, especially the English ones. C. Videos and DVDs Students are welcome to view any of the videos by talking with the office staff. We encourage you to offer any suggestions for films or documentaries that Casa Xelajú should add to its collection. You're not allowed to take out DVDs and videos from Casa Xelaju. D. Phone, Fax, E-mail and Computer Facilities Calls can be made during office hours
only. Please no phone calls from your Quetzaltenango home, although
it is okay to receive calls there. If you make calls from your Guatemalan
home, even on your calling card, they will be charged about 0.75 quetzals
a minute by the phone company. Public phones in Xela are on a calling
card system and the cards can be bought around town for 20 and 30
quetzals at many stores displaying the LADATEL sign. Internet Room For those students who do not bring their own computers, we offer free access to several computers. Please limit your Internet use to 15-20 minutes in order to give others an opportunity as well. ********NOT ALLOWED FOODS & DRINKS IN THE INTERNET ROOM******** Internet wireless access for those students who bring their own laptop can be provided at anytime during the school is open. Students may use internet connection at anytime when the school is open Monday-Friday, except when the office is overly busy. The computers are shared between the administration, coordinators and teachers. You are welcome to use them when possible. Please check with someone in the office regarding availability. When you use internet, please watch your time (45 minutes) The cost to print documents is Q1 per page. E. Changing Money Local banks are generally able to cash dollars or travelers checks Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 am to 1:00 p.m.; bring your passport, Xeroxes are not accepted. Given the problem of changing large bills in local markets and tiendas, we suggest you request bills no larger than Q20 or Q50 when changing money. Also, you can change money in the office at the school for slightly lower rate and the difference goes toward the school's social projects. There are some ATMs in the Parque Central, one of these is next to Banco Industrial. It is located in the front of the Municipalidad building, half a block up from the church in central park on 11 Avenida. There are two ATMs near the Mont Blanc building, one in the Banco Industrial and the other at Bancor. The machines are marked to accept only VISA and PLUS cards. If you only have a Mastercard or Visa, you can go to the Credomatic office in the mall in Zone 3 named Mont Blanc. If you want to receive a Money Gram, you must use Banco del Cafe. The sender must go to an American Express office and provide them with your name (as it appears on your passport), the name and address of the bank (Banco Del Cafe, 12 Avenida 5-50, Zone 1, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala). It is a good idea for the sender to call you with the money gram number. You can pick up your money within 40 minutes of when it is sent. Many banks are now connected to Western Union and money can be sent from any other Western Union office in the world. You need the order number and the location it was sent from in order to pick the money up here. F. Letters of Credit If you would like to receive university credit, we will gladly give you an official letter stating the hours you studied and the structure of your courses. You must notify your teachers that you are studying for credit so they can evaluate your work at the end of each week. At the end of your stay at the school you will need to schedule a final exam on Thursday during class. The fee for the letter and the exam is $15. A letter is also available for tax purposes, documenting program costs. Let the office staff know if you need a letter and he will gladly type it for you free of charge. VI. Trips to Places in and around Queztaltenango Tour Companies: Adrenalina Tours- Inside Pasaje Enriquez,
13Av. y 4th. Street Zone 1. Quetzaltrekkers- info@quetzaltrekkers.com,
Kaqchikel Tours- 7a Calle 15-36 Zona
1, Monte Verde Tours- info@monte-verdetours.com Destinations: A. Los Baños: Refreshing and relaxing volcanic baths located 10-15 minutes from Xela by bus in Almolonga. The bus to the Baños leaves from the corner of 10 Calle and 10 Av. Z.1 near the Shell Station. Bus fare is approximately Q1 each way. Tubs for about Q 10. On the way back the bus will stop where you got on and will continue onto Minerva Terminal. B. Zunil/Fuentes Georginas: Zunil is a picturesque town in a gorgeous valley. It is also home to San Simon a local saint who is worshipped and receives offerings of Quetzalteca Especial and cigarettes. (Ask around town to see where he is kept). Fascinating! Above Zunil is Fuentes Georginas hot springs nestled in amongst a cloud forest. A gorgeous setting and very refreshing . So bring your swim suit. There is a restaurant next to one of the pools. But does not have much to offer vegetarians so you might want to pack a few veggies. There are bungalows complete with fireplaces for overnight stays, you need to make reservations 2 days in advance. A local honey moon spot. It is quite chilly at night so be prepared. Doubles cost Q150. Take a bus at the same place as buses to Los Baños (Almolonga/Zunil bus). Cost is approximately Q2.50 to Zunil. To find a pick up truck to the hot springs just walk towards the church. Many are parked there and people will ask you if you need a ride. The cost per pick up is around Q35 each way (or 5 quetzales per person, whichever is more) depending on how many people go. C. El Parque y Zoologico Minerva: Located at the intersection of Calle Rodolfo Robles and Calle 4 in Zona 3. Nice park and a zoo. Try to visit the nearby fruit, vegetable and "everything else" market. Take bus #6 Santa Fe from 12 Avenida and 8a Calle. D. Mercado de La Democracia: Large indoor and outdoor market around 15 Avenida and 2 Calle in Zona 3, near Benito Juárez park. Interesting and has everything. A good place to buy warm clothes for cheap prices in case you didn't bring enough. E. Cemetery: In the El Calvario neighborhood on 4 Calle and 20 Avenida. Amazing!! Make sure you walk from the front to the back in order to notice the striking contrast. Do not go in the late afternoon. Always go in groups to avoid trouble. F. Salcajá: One of oldest churches in Central America. Ask anyone for a "casa donde hagan tejidos". You can also buy Caldo de Frutas or Rompopo, which are fruity, potent liquors made here. Market day is Tuesday. Take a bus to the Rotunda and switch there. It is 65 centavos to the Rotunda and approximately Q1from there. G. San Andrés Xecul: A very funky yellow church. It is painted with fruit and animals and is the main attraction of the town. Get a bus at the Minerva terminal or the Rotonda. Otherwise take a bus to the gas station beyond Salcajá and walk or take a pickup the extra 4 km. H. San Cristóbal Totonicapán: Another small town with lots of hüipiles and other typical items. Interesting market on Sunday. Very old church with a silver and glass alter. Take a bus from same place as the buses to Salcajá. I. Sunday Market: In the Central Park the first Sunday of every month. Blankets, woodcarvings, jackets, typical clothing etc. J. San Francisco el Alto: Friday mornings, biggest market in Guatemala that sells everything from clothes to cows. Be very careful with valuables.!!!!!! Don't take passport, credit cards or a lot of money since pick pocketing is very prevalent here.!!!! K. Volcano Santa Maria: Ask the office for information. Often private guides place their announcements on the bulletin board. Always ask in the office about current safety in regards to this trip. L. Museums: M. San Pedro la Laguna: La Escuela de la Calle offers a unique opportunity for hiking enthusiasts to trek for two and a half days from Xela to Lago Atitlán. Food, equipment and experienced guides included. Look for the information posters in the school, or call Casa Argentina 7761-2470 and ask to speak with one of the guides working for La Escuela de la Calle. VII. Cultural Awareness Please be aware that you are living in another culture. We ask that you observe the same norms of behavior and respect within the school as you would in any professional situation in your home country. Although we expect certain standards from host families and we are happy to make adjustments if these do not exist, we can not transport a "first world" or a Northern living environment to Guatemala and we ask you to understand this limitation. Although most of the families have been working with the school for several years and have experience working with people from other cultures, it is important to respect your families beliefs. Inviting friends to sleep over is not appropriate. If you would like someone to eat at your house it is a good idea to ask your family first and offer them some compensation. Also, if you choose to eat out it is polite and respectful to let your family know ahead of time. It is common courtesy to say "muchas gracias" when you get up from the table. The appropriate response is "buen provecho" which translates roughly as "good appetite." VIII. Health and Security A. Stomach Aliments One of the most common ailments students deal with is diarrhea and this usually occurs within the first week. Many times the body is simply adjusting to its new environment, food and fluids. If the problems persist more that two or three days, it could be evidence that the student has picked up bacteria, parasites or amoebas. To know what is causing the diarrhea, we recommend having a feces sample analyzed in the lab (Q30) at Bionalisis (17 Avenida 4-42 Zona 3). The lab is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m M-F, and for a limited time on weekends. A print out of your results will be available later the same day. It is advisable to then visit a doctor, (approximately Q100) to give you an exam, analyze the lab results and offer a prescription. The school can arrange for an appointment and someone will accompany the students if translation if necessary. We recommend that you do not eat food sold in the streets or markets and that you do not drink tap water, eat salad or uncooked vegetables unless you believe they are safe. 1. DOCTORS: Dra. Ariadna Cifuentes Dr. Oscar de León Anleu Dr. Juan José Maldonado 2. PHARMACIES: Farmacia Herrera: 6a Calle 7-67 Zona 1 Tel. 7761-2783 (least expensive) Farmacia El Descuentazo: 14 Av., entre 4 y 3 Called Zona 1 (economic) Farmacia Xelajú: 11 Av. 8-07 Zona 1 Tel. 7761-4448 Farmacia Moreno: 12 Av. 5-44 Zona 1 Tel. 7761-4371 Note: Malaria pills (cloroquina) are not necessary in Xela. However, you may want to consider them if you plan to go to the coast or the Petén. You may buy them over the counter in a local pharmacy; the dosage is customarily 500 mg at a time once a week, starting one week before your trip until three weeks after. Also taking vitamin B1 (anything with Thiamin) five days before you arrive in an area that has mosquitoes discourages them from biting you, as well as other insects.
Theft in Guatemala is generally no more prevalent than most other places in the world. Like everywhere in the world, please take proper precautions, particularly in crowded places such as markets or buses. If students keep things in a money pouch, it should be under clothing. Note: We highly recommend carrying a copy and not your original passport so as to avoid paying $50.00 and waiting 3 days in Guatemala City to receive a new one in the case that you lose it!! Keep your passport in a safe place or leave it in the office. When travelling, carry with you a photocopy of your passport. If you are going to be travelling on unknown bus routes, please ask in the office about the safety of the area. We do not want any of our students getting into bad situations that could have been avoided. Xela is a relatively safe city, probably more than most in the U.S. or Canada. Students generally feel safe walking around until 9PM or later. However, after dark following the "stay away from deserted streets that aren't lit" rule is always a good idea. Please remember to look both ways before crossing the street, as pedestrians do not have any manner of claim to the road. In fact, we recommend paranoia as a companion while traversing the streets here. We encourage students to walk each other home after nighttime activities. Always remember that a taxi is a good value for the safety it can give. We recommend the following taxi company: RulyTaxa Company (the red taxis) 7761-6575. They will charge from 20-30 quetzals to get from the park to just about anywhere in town. ANTIGUA: There have been lots of robberies in Antigua recently. So do not walk around with a lot of money or your passport. Also it is strongly advised not to climb the volcanoes or mountains in the Antigua area. Please be very careful!!!
There have been a series of night attacks and armed robberies on primarily first class buses (Galgos, Alamo etc.) traveling between Guatemala City and Quetzaltenango. Also, there have been some problems in the Petén on night buses travelling to and from Tikal.
Guatemalan addresses consist of the street/avenue on which the building is found, the nearest cross street/avenue and a building number. Casa Xelajú for example: Callejón 15 D13-02 is found on Callejón 15 near Diagonal 13 and number 02 on the block. Although disconcerting at first, it is pretty easy once you feel you way around. Local buses are good for long distances and only cost Q1 (one quetzal). However, most places can be reached on foot in less than 30 minutes. The buses basically go in two directions: to the Minerva terminal or the Rotunda and all pass by Parque Central at some point. It is always best to ask. Buses going to Minerva terminal can be caught in 4a Calle at the intersection of 14 Avenida. They either go out 4a Calle (El Calvario) or up 14 Avenida and nearly all pass through or near La Democracia. Going to the Rotonda, buses stop at 12 Av and 9 Calle near Central Park. IX. Communication A. Regular Post Office The post office is located at 4a Calle, 15 Avenida, Zone 1. It is a little slow to and from the US. It is managed by Canada Post. Many students send mail with students leaving on a Friday back to the USA. B. Mail Services C. DHL Express Service There is an office located on 12 Avenida
C-35, Zone 1. They guarantee arrival in 3 days and charge $47.30 for
packages from 0-2 pounds and an additional $9.90 for each 1/2 kilo
there after. If you need to receive a package quickly, this is probably
the best way to do it. There are several places around town that offer internet service including the school. The fees for all of them run between 2.5-6 quetzals an hour. Below are some of the closest and most recommended. 1. "La Cafetera.Net near to Casa Xelaju 2. "El Sitio" 9 Street 9-25, Zone 1. (also international calls) 3. "Megatel" In front of the Municipal Theatre on 1 Calle, Zone 1 4. ¨El Inifito¨ 7 Calle 15-18 Zona 1 (sells fresh tofu)
A. Coffee Houses 1. La Luna: Corner of 8 Avenida 4 Calle. This quaint little cafe has the best cup of hot chocolate in town!! Also serve coffee and great desserts. It is great for studying since the music is soft. 2. Café Baviera: 5a Calle 13-14, Zone 1, just off of the park. Good music and many types of coffees and desserts. 3. Blue Angel Video Cafe: 7a Calle 15-22 Zone 1. Coffee and light meals available. Movies shown in the evenings (usually English with Sp. subtitles see list in school for details) with a Q10 charge which includes delicious popcorn. Traveler's hang out. 4. Casa Babylon: On the corner of 5a Calle and 13 Avenida, Zone 1, just off the park. Nice atmosphere for studying - good music. Food is good too. 5. Los Balcones Café: 7a Calle 10-67 Zone 1. Tipical Food and Fast Food. Classical and Contemporary Music. Great place to Study.
2. Ut'z Hua: 12 Avenida 3-02 Zone 1. Typical Guatemalan food. For vegetarians they serve fruit, granola and yogurt. As well as delicious soup. 3. Cardinalli's Pizza: 14 Avenida, below the Teatro Municipal. Good pizza, Italian style and safe salads. 4. Guiseppe's: 15 Avenida 4 Calle. Second floor of the commercial center across from the post office. Great pizza, Italian food and safe salads. 5. Cafe Royal Paris: 3a Calle 14 "A"-32. It is on the corner of 3a Calle and 14 Avenida "A" up on the second level. Amazing veggie sandwiches & salads & all sorts of food. Whole Wheat bread for sale. Variety of wine and beer. 6. Hotel Modelo: 14 Avenida A, 2 blocks above 4 Calle, Zone 1. North American style coffee and breakfast. Try the pancakes!! Hours: daily 7:15-9 AM, lunch 1-3 PM, dinner 7-9 PM. 7. Pension Bonifaz: Corner of the Parque Central, fairly expensive Western style meals. Breakfasts are reasonable and the atrium is a nice place for a cup of coffee or tea. 8. La Taquería: On the corner of 5th Calle and 8th Ave, Zone 1. Very good, autentic Mexican food.
1. Helados Americano: 14 Ave 4-41 Zone 1. Great ice-cream and banana splits. They also sell Snickers, Butterfinger and other candy bars. A dangerously seductive place for the ice cream fanatic. 2. Helados Don Jose: 5a Calle between 14 Ave and 15a Zone 3. Good rich ice cream. 3. Helados Pops: 11 Ave 5 Calle Zone 1. Good ice cream too!
1. Paiz: This is Guatemala's answer to Woolworth, McCrory, Zayre all wrapped in one. In Zone 3 (19 Avenida y Calzada Minerva) located in the Mont Blanc Building. 2. Despensa Familiar: A smaller discount version of Paiz near central park at 7a Calle and 13 Av., Zone 1 3. Hiper Paiz: The same as Paiz but as the name would indicate, it's much larger. Located in La Pradera Mall. Zone 3 off of Avenida Las Americas
The panaderias are all over town but one is special. The Bake Shop, 18Av. 1-40 Zone 3 in the Centro Comercial Industrial, is a Mennonite Bakery selling whole wheat bread, glazed donuts, coffeecake, cookies to die for, various pies and granola. Open Tuesdays and Fridays (9:00- 5:00 but it's best to get there before 1:00 PM). XI. Other Miscellaneous Addresses/Information A. INGUAT: (Tourist Office) 7a Calle and 12 Avenida, Zone 1 B. Bookstores Vrisa Books: 15 Av. 3-64 Zone 1, New and Used Books in English and other languages. Libreria Popular: 15 avenida, 1 Calle, Zone 1 Libreria Evangelica: 14 avenida, 1 Calle, Zone 1 Libro Abierto: 15 Avenida ¨A¨ 1-56 Zona 1 Libreria Bellas Letras: 3a Calle 12 - 31, Zone 1 - Tel: 7763 1680
Servi-copias: On the corner of 7 Calle and the diagonal in front of Blue Angel Café. Inside the store. This is the closest to the school. In front of the University Rafael Landiver on 14 Av. Is the cheapest, with many photocopy centers.
Maya Color: 1a Calle, 12 avenida, Zone 1 Kodak Photo Club: 3 - 24 , 14 avenida, Zone 1 Quick Photo Konica: 15 avenida, 4 calle, Zone 1
Xela Sin Limites: 1a Calle, 12 avenida, Zone 1. (English spoken) GuateMaya Intercultural: 14 Av. "A" and 3 Calle, Zone 1 If you would like travel to Tikal, ask in the office at Casa Xelaju for the packages and flight tickets sold to the benefit of the children of la Pedrera community.
Fundap Project Momostenango: 5a Calle 14 - 03, Zone 1 Tipica San Juanerita: 2nd Level of Centro Comercial - Near Parque Central ASOTRAMA: Womens fair trade weaving co-op, 3a Calle Zona 1 There are many 'Typical' shops at the Centro Comercial near the parque. Many students have suggested the shop Curiosidad Chivita which is one floor below the Curacao Dept. Store on the corner.
1. Kokoloko: No cover - salsa and merengue. Fun place to go dancing. 2. Marrakesh: No cover- Reggae, funk, hip-hop, drum´n´bass, psy trance. Awesome atmosphere, good food, fun drinks, CHEAP. 2a Calle 14a-30 Zona 1. 3. El Duende: 14 Avenida "A" between 1a and 2a Calle, Zona 1. Tuesday to Saturday - DJ that plays Salsa, Merengue or any kind of music you want. Great place to hang out and have a good time. No cover charge. 4. Pasaje Colonial: 13 Avenida between 6a y 7a Calle, Zona 1. Restaurant and dancing bar. Music live. H. Movie & Video Theatres Cinema Cafe El Paraiso: 14 "A" Av. 1-04 Zone 1-Videos La Pradera: Avenida Las Americas, Zone 3.
Plays, concerts, indigenous activities etc. 1 calle, 12 avenida, Zona 1
4 Calle, 26 avenida in Zona 3 near La Minerva bus terminal. Basketball, soccer, tennis courts, running track, badminton. Many people will let you join them in basketball etc.
If you would like to join a gym while in Xela, please ask for further information in office. M. Churches Cathedral Church: Just off Central Park (Catholic) Bethania Church: 19 avenida and 6 Calle, Zone 3 Monte Sinai Church: Diagonal 16, 11 - 194, Zone 1, La Pedrera
Try to buy your tickets one or two days in advance. Don´t travel at night. Alamo: 14 avenida and 4 Calle, Zone 3. Tel: 7767-4582 and 7763-5044 Galgos: Calle Rodolfo Robles 17 - 43, Zone 1 Tel: 7761-2248 Lineas Americas: 7a Avenida 3 - 32, Zone 2. Tel: 7761-4587 O. Hotels in Guatemala City Chalet Suizo Hotel Spring El Aeropuerto Guest House P. Airlines:
Q. Newspapers: Spanish language papers;
Prensa Libre, Siglo 21 and Nuestro Diario may be purchased in the
Parque Central. Also, El Quetzalteco, the local paper is issued on
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays; also available in the Park. R. Hairdressers
etc.: Ellis (Sala de Belleza), 4th story inside Mont Blanc, Zone 3. Men/Women - Cuts, manicures, perms, coloring, streaks, treatments, various products etc. S. Trips to Tikal: These packages take visitors into the jungles of Guatemala where they will explore the ruins of the Mayan city of Tikal, the largest of the Mayan ruins. Visitors can climb the pyramids, admire the hieroglyphs that cover the stone monuments and watch the monkeys as they swing through the canopies. This price is subject
to change at anytime. Please e-mail to oficina(at)casaxelaju.com
in Quetzaltenango for current rates. |