Guatemala

Following the project phase of a jungle expedition to Belize, volunteers can participate in a month-long intensive Spanish language course in the north east region of Guatemala. Participants live with local families in the rural villages of San Andreas and San Jose, just a short bus journey from the town of Flores, on the shores of Lake Peten Itza. During this phase participants have the opportunity to explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Tikal, and the more adventurous may even make it to Antigua, a beautiful town rich in colonial Spanish history.

Geography

Bordering the North Pacific Ocean (between El Salvador and Mexico) and the Caribbean Sea (between Honduras and Belize), Guatemala is a colourful and exciting place to visit. It is also a perfect place to learn Spanish, whilst exploring the many volcanoes and Mayan ruins.

Guatemala is a land of extremes. It has the highest mountains and some of the wildest landscapes in Central America, yet also the largest human population in the region. The northern part of the country, known as the Petén (where Trekforce place those taking part in a Spanish language phase ), is home to vast lowland tropical forests, wetlands and Mayan ruins. Guatemala is mostly mountainous, with narrow coastal plains and a rolling limestone plateau. The mountain ranges are scattered with volcanoes, including Acatenango, Agua, Atitlan, Pacaya and Santa Maria.

Wildlife

The Petén is home to the multi-use Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR), established in 1990 to protect approximately 16,000 km² of rainforest, which is home to more than 95 species of mammal and 400 species of bird. Trekforce place individuals taking part in the Spanish language phase in schools run by the Maya Biosphere Reserve, meaning that many lessons have an environmental twist. Guatemala is home to a rich array of wildlife, including the Yucatan black howler monkey (whose call can be heard echoing for miles through the forest), the Scarlet Macaw, spider monkey, Baird's tapir, puma and jaguar.

Culture

The Maya civilization flourished in Guatemala and surrounding regions during the first millennium A.D. After almost three centuries as a Spanish colony, Guatemala won its independence in 1821. During the second half of the 20th century, it experienced a variety of military and civilian governments, as well as a 36-year guerrilla war. In 1996, the government signed a peace agreement formally ending the conflict.

More than half of the Guatemalan population are descendants of the Mayans, although the country is also populated by Mestizos (of mixed Amerindian-Spanish descent), Europeans, K'iche, Kaqchikel, Mam and Q'eqchi. The main language is Spanish, which is spoken by almost 60% of the population, while Amerindian dialects make up the other 40%. There are 23 officially recognized Amerindian languages, including Quiche, Cakchiquel, Kekchi, Mam, Garifuna, and Xinca.