Whether viewed from the expatriate mecca of Panajachel or from the more indigenous Santiago Atitlan , this lake and its surrounding volcanoes is without question, one of the most astonishingly beautiful sites in Guatemala. Even the Santo Tomas Church is known for it's tolerance of traditional indian rituals. This same church is the site of the discovery of the Popol Vuh , the ancient holy book of the Quiche'. A short bus ride can take visitors to the unrestored Mayan ruins of Utatlan near the town of Santa Cruz del Quiche . A short distance outside of town are the restored ruins of Zacaleu , the pre-conquest center of religion and administration of the Mam tribe of Mayan Indians.
Some students enjoy an escape from the cool mountain air with trip to the beach.
CEX is happy to arrange these visits to the warm, humid climate of the Pacific coast. The bus winds down mountain roads, past volcanoes, gorges, waterfalls and coffe plantations, arriving at the agricultural coastal plain featuring vast plantations of sugar cane and bananas. Salcaja Located only 10 minutes from Xela, Salcaja is a ladino town where typical materials have been woven since 1861. Students watch local weavers at work, and visit shops where they can buy yards of beautiful-coloured material. Many have their new purchases custom made into clothing by local taylors in Xela.