CERTIFIED TEACHERS
Come and enjoy Spanish lessons in scenic classrooms. With experienced teachers, motivated to provide the highest standards of teaching.
WIDE VARIETY OF SPANISH COURSES
All levels, throughout the year and the opportunity to start your course any week of the year.
online classes
Follow our online program. Wherever and whenever you want.
Welcome to Guatemaya Spanish Academy
With more than twelve years of experience providing our students with the highest professional standards of teaching in an immersive environment.
Our school is located in San Pedro La Laguna on Lake Atitlan, which was described by Adolus Huxley as βThe Most Beautiful Lake in the Worldβ. Join us, be part of this family and enjoy Spanish lessons in scenic open air classrooms.
Stay with a Host Family
Since 2009 we have been offering an authentic Mayan experience. We highly recommend that our students spend some of their time here living with a local Mayan Tzβutijil family. Not only because immersion is the fastest and most effective way to learn Spanish, but also because it allows students to learn more about our Mayan culture. Just be ready to enjoy this amazing adventure!
For a better tomorrow plant more and letβs make our planet a better place to live.
Be a part of a different project! As an Academy we work on the preservation and rescue of ancestral practices that have been inherited from generation to generation.
We use an organic approach to agriculture and reforestation which is friendly to our families and our ecosystem.
You also donβt want to miss the oportunity to hike and camp in the mountains surrounding Lake Atitlan with our sister project Trek For Kids.
Β Β Β
Fantastic activities to help you get the most out of your stay in San Pedro La Laguna, Lake Atitlan and make new friends from all over the world.
5/5
AnaΓ―s
14:58 07 Mar 26
I spent one week at Guatemaya Spanish Academy and it was truly one of the best experiences. I honestly wish I could have stayed for more weeks, because I learned so much in such a short time. Roxana is an amazing teacher. She really made my week unforgettable!
Staying with the host family was also such a special part of the experience. We laughed so much with them. They were welcoming, kind, and made me feel at home. Especially Juanita is the best.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone. Gracias por todo!
Staying with the host family was also such a special part of the experience. We laughed so much with them. They were welcoming, kind, and made me feel at home. Especially Juanita is the best.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone. Gracias por todo!
Tim Tijhuis
01:58 06 Mar 26
Amina Seba
05:39 23 Feb 26
I spent 2 weeks/40 hours at Guatemaya Spanish Academy and would absolutely recommend it to anyone wanting to learn Spanish!! The teaching quality is excellent and the amount I learnt and retained in such a short time has amazed me. My teacher Idalia was patient, kind, and funny, always making the lessons engaging but with a clear and understandable structure that helped me take my understanding to a level I was not expecting! I canβt thank her enough for creating such a strong base that I will take with me and continue my language journey.
I also stayed with a host family during my time at the academy who were so lovely and welcoming to me and the other student staying with them. We had traditional meals with the family where we could practice our Spanish and even accompanied them to special occasions and events which was an incredible and unique experience.
The academy organise daily activities for students such as learning about the Mayan culture, hikes, kayaking on the lake, salsa etc, making it easier to connect and make friends with the other students after class.
Thank you Guatemaya Spanish Academy!
I also stayed with a host family during my time at the academy who were so lovely and welcoming to me and the other student staying with them. We had traditional meals with the family where we could practice our Spanish and even accompanied them to special occasions and events which was an incredible and unique experience.
The academy organise daily activities for students such as learning about the Mayan culture, hikes, kayaking on the lake, salsa etc, making it easier to connect and make friends with the other students after class.
Thank you Guatemaya Spanish Academy!
Thom Scheper
00:51 21 Feb 26
I have spend 4 weeks of spanish school at this place. I had the best time in San Pedro, it felt like a family. My teacher Juanita learned me a lot and always was helping me with everthing. We had also included 3 Free activities during the week. I miss the place already, really sad to leave your friends
Mazarine Tulp
15:02 19 Feb 26
This is a very late review, but even now, three months later and after a lot of traveling, I realize even more how special this experience was.
The Spanish school was honestly amazing. The location is beautiful and everything was very well organized. But what really made it unforgettable for me was Idalia.
I started with zero Spanish, and she taught me all the basics in such a clear and patient way. She is not only a great teacher, but also such a warm and fun person.There were "muchas bromas" in class, so it never really felt like school and we just laughed so much. It really felt like spending time with a friend while learning something new. She is also incredibly hardworking and passionate, which I found really inspiring.
And the stay with Juanita, our host mom, was just as special. She welcomed us so warmly that it honestly felt like being part of a family, even though we were only there for a week. And her food was so good every single day.
I am so grateful for this experience and would 100 percent recommend this school and especially Idalia to anyone thinking about learning Spanish. I will always look back on this time with such a big smile.
The Spanish school was honestly amazing. The location is beautiful and everything was very well organized. But what really made it unforgettable for me was Idalia.
I started with zero Spanish, and she taught me all the basics in such a clear and patient way. She is not only a great teacher, but also such a warm and fun person.There were "muchas bromas" in class, so it never really felt like school and we just laughed so much. It really felt like spending time with a friend while learning something new. She is also incredibly hardworking and passionate, which I found really inspiring.
And the stay with Juanita, our host mom, was just as special. She welcomed us so warmly that it honestly felt like being part of a family, even though we were only there for a week. And her food was so good every single day.
I am so grateful for this experience and would 100 percent recommend this school and especially Idalia to anyone thinking about learning Spanish. I will always look back on this time with such a big smile.
Jenny Weager
05:59 05 Feb 26
This has been an incredible experience! Came here with two friends to study for one week but we ended up extending our stay because we loved it so much!
Eduardo 1 was extremely helpful with organizing everything and answering any questions we had, as well as being genuinely friendly and welcoming.
And our teacher, Eduardo 2, was fantastic! We started with barely any Spanish knowledge, and by the end we have seen a huge improvement in our Spanish. Even with three of us sharing the same teacher, we each felt that our individual needs were met. We loved his fun and relaxed teaching style which made even the more challenging lessons feel manageable and easy to understand.
We also really enjoyed our time at the homestay with Norma's family! They were all so warm and made us feel like part of the family, and would often help us practice our Spanish with them.
Also loved the extra activities, snacks during class breaks, free coffee and water, and most of all the incredible view!
Overall, it was an amazing experience and we can't recommend it enough!
Eduardo 1 was extremely helpful with organizing everything and answering any questions we had, as well as being genuinely friendly and welcoming.
And our teacher, Eduardo 2, was fantastic! We started with barely any Spanish knowledge, and by the end we have seen a huge improvement in our Spanish. Even with three of us sharing the same teacher, we each felt that our individual needs were met. We loved his fun and relaxed teaching style which made even the more challenging lessons feel manageable and easy to understand.
We also really enjoyed our time at the homestay with Norma's family! They were all so warm and made us feel like part of the family, and would often help us practice our Spanish with them.
Also loved the extra activities, snacks during class breaks, free coffee and water, and most of all the incredible view!
Overall, it was an amazing experience and we can't recommend it enough!
jaira ligtenberg
21:33 03 Feb 26
I spent 3 weeks at Guatemaya and I truly loved every minute of it. The experience was so good that I extended my stay by a week and honestly I wish I could have stayed even longer!
I stayed with a host family, which was such a special part of the experience. They were incredibly welcoming and it gave me the perfect chance to practice Spanish every day while also learning more about the local Guatemalan and Mayan culture. Special plus compared to other schools: you have maximum 2 other students staying with your family so you truly get the local experience!
The teaching is excellent, the atmosphere is warm, supportive & inclusive and the location by the lake is breathtaking. A special thanks to my teacher, Eduardo, who made learning Spanish both effective and superrrr fun! I learned so much in such a short time and the lessons were never boring. During small breaks between lessons we always got the most delicious snacks (handmade by Eduardoβs wife!) and it was a great opportunity to talk to others at the school. After class there were always different activities planned with other students (and some teachers); visiting a weaving community in San Juan, playing football together, kayaking on the lake and more. Even when there arenβt activities planned, there is so much to see around the lake, youβll always have something to do!
If youβre thinking about studying Spanish in Guatemala, I canβt recommend this school enough. I would 100% come back and extend again if I could!
I stayed with a host family, which was such a special part of the experience. They were incredibly welcoming and it gave me the perfect chance to practice Spanish every day while also learning more about the local Guatemalan and Mayan culture. Special plus compared to other schools: you have maximum 2 other students staying with your family so you truly get the local experience!
The teaching is excellent, the atmosphere is warm, supportive & inclusive and the location by the lake is breathtaking. A special thanks to my teacher, Eduardo, who made learning Spanish both effective and superrrr fun! I learned so much in such a short time and the lessons were never boring. During small breaks between lessons we always got the most delicious snacks (handmade by Eduardoβs wife!) and it was a great opportunity to talk to others at the school. After class there were always different activities planned with other students (and some teachers); visiting a weaving community in San Juan, playing football together, kayaking on the lake and more. Even when there arenβt activities planned, there is so much to see around the lake, youβll always have something to do!
If youβre thinking about studying Spanish in Guatemala, I canβt recommend this school enough. I would 100% come back and extend again if I could!
Doug Lanier
20:26 24 Dec 25
I was finally able to fulfill a trip that I had wanted to take for a long time. Prior to my getaway, I researched several Spanish Schools around Lake AtitlΓ‘n and chose Guatemaya Spanish Academy. I worked online with my Spanish teacher, Rosa, for several months leading up to my three-week trip. It was great to have the option of practicing with her online, getting to know her, and then meeting her in person when I arrived in San Pedro La Laguna. What else can I say, she is patient, understanding, and a great teacher that works with you based on your level. I cannot say enough great things about her - she helped me improve and get over some hurdles. The other teachers were very friendly and supportive, and we all interacted during breaks and activities. The school location is beautiful, and has some of the most spectacular views. This trip was not only to continue my Spanish language journey, but also appreciate and learn about the culture. I enjoyed all the activities we did, including the local excursions such as the chocolate making process, honey farm, weaving, salsa dance lessons, and some of us getting together and playing fΓΊtbol at the local field. I stayed with a wonderful host family and the experiences with them allowed me to be even more involved with the local culture and life. I am forever grateful for the time I had with them. I could write so much more because every moment was special. Thankfully, I have many photos to look back on as memories. I would definitely recommend Guatemaya Spanish Academy to anyone who wants to learn Spanish, no matter what level you are at. Eduardo can help with travel arrangements while in Guatemala, living with a host family, and answer any questions you may have. This is a special place to me and I look forward to taking another trip there in the future.
M
03:19 03 Dec 25
I spent two weeks learning Spanish at Guatemaya Spanish School in San Pedro, and I can only recommend it to everyone that wants to learn Spanish. I had 1-to-1 lessons with Mary, and studying with her was not only incredibly effective but also genuinely super fun. Sheβs patient, engaging, and excellent at explaining things in a clear, practical way. I noticed real improvement thanks to her guidance.
The school itself has a very friendly atmosphere. They offer a small snack and coffee during breaks, and the afternoon activities are a great chance to practice Spanish, discover new things, and get to know other students.
The setting is another huge plus β the classrooms overlook Lake AtitlΓ‘n, giving you one of the most beautiful study environments imaginable.
If youβre hoping to improve your Spanish while experiencing local life, Guatemaya Spanish School and specifically Mary as a teacher is a fantastic choice.
The school itself has a very friendly atmosphere. They offer a small snack and coffee during breaks, and the afternoon activities are a great chance to practice Spanish, discover new things, and get to know other students.
The setting is another huge plus β the classrooms overlook Lake AtitlΓ‘n, giving you one of the most beautiful study environments imaginable.
If youβre hoping to improve your Spanish while experiencing local life, Guatemaya Spanish School and specifically Mary as a teacher is a fantastic choice.
Indy Van Herk
22:52 26 Nov 25
I had the best time ever at Guatemaya! I chose to stay with a host family, and it truly was the best decision. They were incredibly welcoming and quickly felt like my second family. The school was also very flexible, I had to change my dates a few times and Eduardo was always super helpful in arranging everything. On top of that, I had the best teacher I could wish for (Juanita). I studied Spanish for two weeks and learned so much. Muchas gracias por todo, an experience I will never forget. ❤️
Sourabh Das
06:29 31 Aug 25
It's hard to overstate just how amazing my experience was here! The teachers are great, the format is great, and the incredible views from class are breathtaking! I did 2 weeks of classes, and improved my Spanish fluency so much! The one-on-one attention, combined with the skill of the teachers to recognize areas of weakness which require focus, a good sense of pacing tailored to my energy and capacity on any given day, and willingness to modify lesson plans to help me improve based on my personal goals (quite different to what a standard syllabus might contain) - was something I didn't think was realistic, but Guatemaya more than delivered. Eduardo is not only a gifted teacher, but he went above and beyond to truly create one of the best learning experiences of my life!
Dzejkob Dzejkob
17:36 29 Aug 25
very nice school
Jessie Kruis
15:44 29 Aug 25
Thank you, Roxy and the Guatemala Spanish School team! We thoroughly enjoyed a week of learning Spanish with you. It never felt like "school." It was fun, we chatted, we learned more about the beautiful culture, and in the evenings, we realized we'd made significant progress!
It was the off-season during our stay, and it was very quiet at the lake. We lacked for nothing! We'll miss it here and will continue speaking Spanish with each other.
We're so grateful!
It was the off-season during our stay, and it was very quiet at the lake. We lacked for nothing! We'll miss it here and will continue speaking Spanish with each other.
We're so grateful!
alexander maclaren
02:27 09 Aug 25
Had so much fun during our 3 weeks at this school, and my Spanish improved more than I couldβve imagined! All the teachers are lovely as well. Would 100% recommend to anyone looking to improve their language skills and enjoy the process.
Myra Johnson
04:17 08 Aug 25
I couldn't wait to get home and write this review, so I am writing from the bed in my host family's house on my last night here in San Pedro.
I have had such a beautiful experience with this school. I only committed to one week in the beginning and ended up staying for three. I am so much more confident in speaking spanish since starting my classes.
My teacherβs name was Eduardo, and taught me based on my level. He talked to me with carefully chosen words so that I could fully understand directions, conversations, etc. He remembered the words I was having trouble with and used them in conversations the next day. He talked at the perfect speed. He really wanted to make sure I understood the material. There were many times he acted really excited when I nailed a concept, used new words, or finally grasped what he was telling me. He really enjoys teaching, and that was super clear. As a person with an attention deficit, I was fascinated by his ability to hold my attention span. I learned SO MUCH and applied all of it. I am ecstatic and overjoyed with my ability to hold basic conversations with people in spanish, all because of the three weeks that I studied here. I am so grateful.
You can tell the teachers here really enjoy their jobs. Everyone that works here was super kind, warm spirited, helpful, and genuine. I never want to leave!
My host family never failed to cook me awesome food and make me feel welcome. They were super kind and patient with me. Learning a language can be embarrassing and full of mistakes, but they were so kind through all of it. I will never forget them.
If you are considering this school, look no further. This is the best school in San Pedro. You will not regret it 🌎
I have had such a beautiful experience with this school. I only committed to one week in the beginning and ended up staying for three. I am so much more confident in speaking spanish since starting my classes.
My teacherβs name was Eduardo, and taught me based on my level. He talked to me with carefully chosen words so that I could fully understand directions, conversations, etc. He remembered the words I was having trouble with and used them in conversations the next day. He talked at the perfect speed. He really wanted to make sure I understood the material. There were many times he acted really excited when I nailed a concept, used new words, or finally grasped what he was telling me. He really enjoys teaching, and that was super clear. As a person with an attention deficit, I was fascinated by his ability to hold my attention span. I learned SO MUCH and applied all of it. I am ecstatic and overjoyed with my ability to hold basic conversations with people in spanish, all because of the three weeks that I studied here. I am so grateful.
You can tell the teachers here really enjoy their jobs. Everyone that works here was super kind, warm spirited, helpful, and genuine. I never want to leave!
My host family never failed to cook me awesome food and make me feel welcome. They were super kind and patient with me. Learning a language can be embarrassing and full of mistakes, but they were so kind through all of it. I will never forget them.
If you are considering this school, look no further. This is the best school in San Pedro. You will not regret it 🌎
Frankie Martin
18:05 31 Jul 25
I cannot recommend Guatemaya Spanish Academy enough. My boyfriend and I spent two weeks here and were blown away with how incredible the experience was.
My teacher Roxana was absolutely amazing, her lessons were well structured, varied and personalised to my level of knowledge. We did four hours a day and the time flew by because of how enjoyable the 1-1 lessons were.
On top of this, the school organised plenty of activities to do as well, from visiting a honey farm to watching traditional weaving, and learning about the Mayan language or seeing a local cocoa factory (plus loads more). This was a brilliant addition and gave us opportunity to connect with other students studying too.
We also stayed with a local family for two weeks which was great, thanks so much Delfino and Norma, plus the rest of the family! This really gave us an authentic experience regarding traditional Guatemalan life which was so important to us. The family were so accommodating (despite our lack of Spanish skills initially) and we experienced delicious food and gained insight into daily life, it was super special. Anyone who is thinking about doing Spanish school I would 100% recommended staying with a host family to fully immerse yourself, it helped massively being able to practice our Spanish outside of lessons!
Again a huge thank you to my amazing teacher Roxana, also to Juanita, Ryanβs teacher, but also to Eduardo who helped organise everything. This truly was an outstanding experience during our year of travel!
My teacher Roxana was absolutely amazing, her lessons were well structured, varied and personalised to my level of knowledge. We did four hours a day and the time flew by because of how enjoyable the 1-1 lessons were.
On top of this, the school organised plenty of activities to do as well, from visiting a honey farm to watching traditional weaving, and learning about the Mayan language or seeing a local cocoa factory (plus loads more). This was a brilliant addition and gave us opportunity to connect with other students studying too.
We also stayed with a local family for two weeks which was great, thanks so much Delfino and Norma, plus the rest of the family! This really gave us an authentic experience regarding traditional Guatemalan life which was so important to us. The family were so accommodating (despite our lack of Spanish skills initially) and we experienced delicious food and gained insight into daily life, it was super special. Anyone who is thinking about doing Spanish school I would 100% recommended staying with a host family to fully immerse yourself, it helped massively being able to practice our Spanish outside of lessons!
Again a huge thank you to my amazing teacher Roxana, also to Juanita, Ryanβs teacher, but also to Eduardo who helped organise everything. This truly was an outstanding experience during our year of travel!
Yvonne Bazile
21:24 27 Jul 25
With excellent teachers and excellent methods, all with a great sense of humor, this school gives you the chance to learn well and quickly. I was lucky enough to have three teachers who all impressed me with their expertise and dedication.
In addition to learning Spanish, this school immerses you in Mayan culture (through its culinary dishes and rich cultural activities).
It was an unforgettable experience.
In addition to learning Spanish, this school immerses you in Mayan culture (through its culinary dishes and rich cultural activities).
It was an unforgettable experience.
Beau Thompson
19:15 19 Jul 25
I studied at the school for two weeks and I feel like my Spanish has improved a bit! The teachers are super patient and the homestay with a local family was incredible from not only a Spanish speaking standpoint, but also a cultural experience. Eduardo does a phenomenal job coordinating everything making sure everything runs smooth and heβs there to answer your every question. The views arenβt half bad too! Would definitely take classes here again.
Jing T
20:27 06 Jul 25
Amazing week spent at this Spanish school - outstanding because of the boss Eduardo's hands-on approach and detailed organisation of everything.
1)Not only are the Spanish lessons of high quality, but they are also able to tailor the timings to suit your other activities around lake Atitlan. These classes take place with flowing coffee and overlooks the scenic lake. They provide local snacks during the breaks (see image)
2)They also organised multiple activities for us students during our week such as visiting a Mayan Textile cooperative, visiting a honey bee farm, visiting a chocolate artisan, kayaking the lake, and also hiking up Rostro Maya Indian Nose for the Sunrise.
3) The homestay with a Mayan family was also a very good experience and adds to everything mentioned above to give you a basic sense of how people live and interact in the TzΚΌutujil community.
I literally reached out to Eduardo on a Sunday morning. By Sunday noon we had already exchanged more than 10 emails and everything was arranged for my arrival to stay with my homestay family the very next day, with lessons beginning on the Tuesday.
Eduardo can even link you up with his partner company for shuttle transfers between places like Antigua or Guatemala city, for slightly cheaper prices than other companies.
If you are visiting Lake Atitlan / San Pedro I wholeheartedly recommend this company for their detailed and personal touch
1)Not only are the Spanish lessons of high quality, but they are also able to tailor the timings to suit your other activities around lake Atitlan. These classes take place with flowing coffee and overlooks the scenic lake. They provide local snacks during the breaks (see image)
2)They also organised multiple activities for us students during our week such as visiting a Mayan Textile cooperative, visiting a honey bee farm, visiting a chocolate artisan, kayaking the lake, and also hiking up Rostro Maya Indian Nose for the Sunrise.
3) The homestay with a Mayan family was also a very good experience and adds to everything mentioned above to give you a basic sense of how people live and interact in the TzΚΌutujil community.
I literally reached out to Eduardo on a Sunday morning. By Sunday noon we had already exchanged more than 10 emails and everything was arranged for my arrival to stay with my homestay family the very next day, with lessons beginning on the Tuesday.
Eduardo can even link you up with his partner company for shuttle transfers between places like Antigua or Guatemala city, for slightly cheaper prices than other companies.
If you are visiting Lake Atitlan / San Pedro I wholeheartedly recommend this company for their detailed and personal touch
Response from the owner 18:19 11 Jul 25
Muchas gracias por ser parte de nuestra familia Jing, fue bueno poder ayudarte con tu espaΓ±ol y esperamos verte una vez mas en el futuro. 
summer thomas
15:46 27 Jun 25
I really enjoyed studying here! From the teachers to the food to the view - it was absolutely amazing. My Spanish improved so much (thank you Jimena). If I couldβve stayed longer I really wouldβve! Such incredible people. Do yourself a favour and study at Guatemaya Academy!
Response from the owner 17:13 30 Jun 25
Muchas gracias por ser parte de nuestra familia Guatemaya Summer, te deseamos lo mejor en el resto de tu viaje. 