Reasons to try a homestay in Guatemala
There’s misconceptions and myths when it comes to doing a homestay abroad. In recent years the impact of this type of lodging experience has grown, so it’s become more and more common to engage in this type of activity. Homestays have a very wide range and are ideal for travelers who seek to learn something new and want to participate in a true local experience.
Guatemala offers the perfect opportunity to try a homestay and immerse yourself in local culture. The warm and welcoming environment and culture are ideal for first timers and to top it off most homestays in Guatemala are surrounded by beautiful landscapes and sceneries.
What’s so special about a Homestay in Guatemala?
Probably everyone who’s done a homestay in Guatemala has something remarkable to tell. First, you need to understand this is an entirely bilateral experience; while doing a homestay both you and the host give and take. There might be a point in the game where you’ll leave your comfort zone; as the language, beliefs, religion, and the diet can be something completely unknown to what you’re used to.
But remember that true wanderlust means knowing when to leave your comfort zone and currently homestays have become a part of everyday tourism and responsible travel. More and more people are doing it so there are certainly more perks and benefits than cons.
So if you’re a natural born traveler, pack your bags and join me as I dive deep into the reasons why you need to try a homestay in Guatemala.
Cultural Exchange
While travelling on your own and staying at hostels you pretty much only meet other foreigners doing what you´re doing; the local interaction you have is very little. Staying with a local during your homestay in Guatemala, enables you to learn how to move around like locals do. Your host family can show you places or activities only known to locals. It’s like having your own personal local guide but with a more authentic experience and approach to everyday local life.
Travelers enjoying learning from Maya Ceremony during their homestay in Chichicastenango
Improve communication and language skills
The best possible way to improve and become fluent in a foreign language is to practice it constantly with native speakers. A homestay in Guatemala can help you improve your Spanish conversational skills and really get out there. By constantly listening to a language, it becomes easier to pick up pronunciation and get familiarized with the local slang. By sharing with a host family, they’ll also have the opportunity to pick-up some of your language as well! So this linguistic exchange can create opportunities for both sides!
A chance to learn something new
The lifestyle is different in another country so there’s many chances for you to integrate as a local in new activities. Other than trying a new language you can learn a new art, hobby, craft or some particular line of work that can only be done there; for example In Spain take flamenco lessons with locals or in Vietnam work in the rice fields with the farmers. But a homestay in Guatemala offers a wide selection of local and cultural experiences to try! From learning arts and crafts, to immersing yourself in Mayan spirituality, and even volunteering at a local organization.
A private art class with a host family in Lake Atitlan
Try delicious local food
Staying with locals will also give you an insight about the local cuisine, preparations, ingredients only pertaining to the area and flavors you aren’t familiarized with. Some travelers become so attached to local dishes that learning to prepare them is a MUST! Your host family will recommend venues to try local food and can teach you how to prepare your favorite dishes. The local gastronomy is very regional and uses artisan techniques and preparations that are unique, so your homestay in Guatemala is guaranteed to have meals you’ll remember for a long time.
Cost
The price per night of a homestay in Guatemala is not as high as staying at another lodging establishment such as hotels or hostels. You receive value for money; most homestays usually give you your own comfortable private room, laundry, simple cleaning services and some meals guaranteed (which will save you money for excursions and other activities). The best part is your money is being used as an extra income for a local family and improves their economy.
No Homesickness
A homestay in Guatemala helps you avoid those feelings of homesickness and gives you support and guidance while you adjust yourself to a new place. Sharing and interacting with your host family invites you to be part of their home and makes you feel safe.
What home away from home feels like
Are you Ready to Give it a Try?
In the end a new family and home away from home allows you to return home renovated, passionate about another culture, fluent in a new language, and with other abilities and skills and broader perspectives of yourself and others. So a homestay in Guatemala doesn’t sound bad at all, so you might as well go out there and give it a try! Book your homestay experience in Lake Atitlán, Chichicastenango, or Antigua’s outskirts, if you’re around or ready to come to Guatemala and want to try this awesome and authentic experience.