While upon first arrival, Xela might appear to be just another bustling Latin American city. However, travelers soon find themselves captivated by the warmth of its inhabitants, vibrant culture, lively volunteers' scene and beautiful surroundings. Many put down their packs and and extend their stay weeks, months or years longer than they intended,  absorbed by this lively and laidback city.  

      
        Xela, xela conde ba......

Life in and around Xela caters to people of all tastes.  You can spend your free time relaxing in natural steam saunas or hot springs, hiking through the mountains with Quetzaltrekkers: www.quetzaltrekkers.com, visiting the market towns of Chichicastenango or San Francisco El Alto, hanging out at the beach, or just enjoying the many cafes, restaurants, bars and salsa and meringue clubs within the city.

Xela is also home to some of the best Spanish schools in Guatemala.  Many of our volunteers work at the clinic in the morning, then return to the city for lunch with their homestay families and afternoon Spanish classes.  For more information on Spanish schools, check out www.xelapages.com.

Living in Xela, by foreign standards, can be very inexpensive should you choose to live on your own.  Depending on your travel wishes and lifestyle, you can expect to spend about $250-$300 USD per    month to live in Xela, all-inclusive.  Your living options include family stays (about $140 USD/month), hostels, hotels, shared apartments or rented rooms in houses or apartment buildings (about $75 USD/month).   There is no need to make living arrangements prior to your arrival in Xela, but if you want something in particular, visit www.xelapages.com or let us know and we will try to arrange it for you.

One last thing: don't forget to bring warm clothes! In the highlands the days are warm, but the nights get chilly.