Guatemala: Which is better? Antigua or Quetzaltenango as far as things to do?

Question

I am looking into schools in both locations and interisted in extracurricular activities to do in each town. Anyone have experiences in either place? I have only a week or two to spend there. Links to schools are also appreciated. So far I like Celas Maya and Española Ya!

Answer 1

Below you will find two links.  The first is for schools in Antigua and the second for schools in Quetzaltenango. I prefer Antigua, but if you want to see more of Guatemala, Quetzaltenango may be better.  While you are down there, make sure you make the trek to Tikal and Semuc Champey.

Answer 2

well....is so much better antigua....and they have a lot of good schools there...

Answer 3

You will have a more well rounded experience if you do a school in Antigua.  You will have more opportunities for weekend trips as Antigua is situated toward the Capital and therefore easily accesible to most of the country.

Antigua is a beautiful city and it has much to offer.  In order to try to stay away from the tourist traps, however, stay with a host family.  

Check out my old peace corps site!

Answer 4

Guatemala is a very nice place, and Antigua is a great example of the Colonial era.  It reminds me of Santa Fe.  Antigua is more touristy than Xela (Quetzaltenango's shorter name).  I don't know much about the schools because I already have studied Spanish but I'd suggest learning the language in a smaller place so that you don't have the opportunities to cheat using English in the big city!

Antigua makes a good base to explore and I thought that it was relatively easy to plan day trips or other journeys.  Guatemala is known as the Land of the Eternal Spring for its climate.  There's markets, volcanoes, looking at the old buildings, etc.  I liked Lake Atitlan for a few days.

Answer 5

In my personal opinion, as far as things to do and distance to other places where there are things to do, Antigua is a million times better.  Since it is a tourist center there will be tons of ways to get around and go to the city and other towns nearby.  I also like the climate a lot better and all around, I think it's a better choice.

Answer 6

Quetzaltenango may not be as charming as Antigua, but you will find fewer gringos which means you will be forced to learn Spanish faster.  You can also make day trips to Totonicapan, Retauleu, and numerous other indigneous villages.  Antigua has lots to do, but there are too many darn tourists there (both Guatemalan and foreign).  If you do go to Antigua, and you are decent shape, hike the volcan Agua.

Answer 7

Antigua. Quetzaltenango is boring and dirty.

Answer 8

Antigua is a little more touristic. The cathedral is amazing and Semana Santa is something to behold!  I really loved Xela(Quetzaltenango).  It is beatiful and relatively clean.  (Anything looks clean after Guatemala City!) The litter on the sides of the roads is unreal, but the people are so wonderful.  I was there only visiting, so I didn't get too involved in life there.  If you don't speak Spanish fluently, that's probably what you'll spend most of your time doing.  Women seem to play basketball a whole lot, and of course soccer is almost a religion.  I can't even tell you how jealous I am! You will have the experience of a lifetime! Just don't eat ANYTHING from a street vendor.  Buen viaje!