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The Locations ALM has school in five locations: Quetzaltenango, Antigua, Monterrico Beach, Atitlan and El Remate. Students can study at one locations or any combination of the three. Quetzaltenango, with a population of 75,000, is the second largest city in Guatemala. It is located 130 miles North West of the captial. Rainy season is from June to November, where there will be usually a shower in the middle of the afternoon, with a return to clear skies. Deeply embedded in the Sierra Madre Mountains, it is exposed to warm afternoons, with cool mornings and evenings. Quetzaltenango is also called by the indigenous name ìXelajuî (Shay-la-who) or ìXelaî (Shay-la). It is the cultural and intellectual center of Guatemala. It is a modern city, with three universities and several technical schools. It is often referred to as Guatemalaís most progressive and intellectual city, drawing university students from around the country. Fortunately, unlike many other cities, Quetzaltenango has not yet become a mecca for tourists. People are still friendly and open, and there are plenty of opportunities to practice Spanish. Within a few kilometers from the city, one can visit several Mayan towns which are famous for their colorful traditional constumes and woven goods. Antigua is the old colonial capital known also as Antigua Guatemala. It is a mountain hugged coffee scented city, located 30 miles from Guatemala City. Its 35,000 residents are comprised of wealthy Guatemalans, artists, writers, craftspeople, and gringos. Its narrow cobblestone streets, tree shaded parks, imposing religious monuments and old colonial buildings provide a great atmosphere to study, stroll, or shop. Monterrico Beach , or Monterrico Biotopo, is a tiny village of 800 inhabitants. It is a Nature Reserve located 50 miles south of Guatemala City on the Pacific Ocean. It includes several miles of pristine coastline, a stretch of inland mangrove swamp, and some lowland forest. It is an extremely important habitat for many species of waterfowl, migratory birds, and turtles. Sea turtles are raised and released at the reserve in the effort to increase their numbers. From June to February the turtles next and lay their eggs along the beach. If your visit corresponds with hatching, you can help newborn turtles make a successful escape to the sea. It is a pleasant place to hang out, and relax for a while. It is also a budget priced, foreigner friendly beach community on the Pacific. In Monterrico, students can spend time either studying or working on the reserve, or both. Also, students live in a dorm-like setting, instead of with a family, while in Monterrico. Students also have the opportunities to volunteer to save endagered species while studying in Monterrico. Atitlan is a beautiful lake surrounded by inactive volcanoes, one of the most spectacular sites in Guatemala. The school is located in the small town of Panajachel, which is seated at the edge of the lake. Pana (local nickname) is a mecca for guitarists and jewelry makers, is inundated by small shops and eateries along the main avenue. It is an ideal spot to relax by the water, climb a volcano, or visit one of the small indigenous villages that is accessible by boat or a long hike around the lake. ALM offers homestays and daily activities in this location as well. El Remate is located in the Peten Jungle. It is the newest site, and is 25 kilometers from Flores which is near the Mayan ruins of Tikal. When studying in the Peten location, one will find the beautiful lake of Peten Itza, the nature preserve of Cahui, will be one hour from the lagoon of Tzalpeten, and three kilometers from the archeological site of ixlu. Students can stay will families, in economically priced hotels ($7-$10. USD/night),or in one of the 5 double rooms in the school ($60/week for lodging).