Maya Immersion Experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Maya Immersion FAQs
We are so excited for you to come to Na’atik! We want you to be as informed as possible when you visit us. Here are you answers to some of your most frequently asked questions to get you well prepped from a trip to Carrillo Puerto.
How do I get to Na’atik
Getting to Na’atik from any of the region’s airports is simple, with bus, train and Na’atik transfers available.
Have a look at our dedicated how-to page for help with planning your journey. If you have additional questions, please contact us at mas@naatikmexico.org.
Is your town, Felipe Carrillo Puerto, safe?
Carrillo is extremely friendly and our MaS (Maya and Spanish) students regularly comment on how safe they have felt during their stay in Carrillo and while traveling around the peninsula. Getting around town on your own is safe and easy. In the evening there are often events in our central plaza and families are out and about.
Carrillo and Cancún are in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, which is as safe to visit as other popular tourist destinations such as London, Paris and Berlin.
You can read our latest reviews on GoOverseas and TripAdvisor to find out more about our previous students experiences. Here is a quote from one of our most recent reviews:
“Carrillo is a very friendly and safe town with a lovely plaza in the town center. I would recommend this program to those who like to be away from the city center and like to feel a warm connection to new people and culture.”
The crime rate in Carrillo is extremely low. As in any place in the world, we just recommend that visitors use common sense.
How do I register?
All you need to do is to decide what dates you would like to visit, choose the numbers of weeks you’d like to study with us and which language you would like to study. Send us an email and we will arrange the rest!
We require at least two-weeks’ notice to set up our homestay family and teacher. Our team will then guide you through the booking process and answer any questions you might have.
If I find Na’atik while traveling, is it possible to drop in and sign up?
In order to have your homestay family and teacher set up, we ask for a two-week heads-up but if you find yourself passing through, do come by the school or contact us and we would love to meet you and try to get you into some classes. Please note that if you are signing up within 21 days of your course start date you will need to pay the full course amount on booking.
When and how do I pay?
Our preferred method is by PayPal invoice. We also accept payment in US dollars, Mexican pesos, or international bank transfers. When you contact us with your chosen course we will send you the payment details.
What is the cancellation policy?
If you have paid towards your booking our cancellation policy is the following:
If you cancel, we will refund all but the non-refundable $100 deposit up until 3 weeks prior to your program start date.
If you cancel within 21 days of your course start date you will not receive a refund but your payment will be respected for a rescheduled program at a later date.
In the instance of a full or partial refund, PayPal fees will be deducted from the refunded amount.
How much time do I need to become confident in Maya?
Learning a new language is extremely fun but each person learns differently. Your previous language experience and personality will have a lot to do with how confident you feel and how fast you learn. Staying with a host-family and exploring the local community are excellent ways to gain confidence and practice the language you have learned in class. Ideally, we recommend at least two weeks so that you can really immerse in the local culture, and practice using your language skills.
Are the teachers qualified?
Our teachers are all university graduates, experienced, qualified, local native speakers. They will adapt to your individual learning style and you are welcome to choose what areas of the language you want to focus on.
Will there be other students on my course?
We are a small independent language school and although we have a steady amount of students throughout the year, we can’t guarantee there will be other students here at the time of your stay. But even if you do come at a quiet time, we can be sure to keep you busy and practicing!
I never once felt unsafe and all of the locals were very friendly and helpful. My host family was AMAZING- warm, welcoming, and fun! It was a true delight to be a part of their family for a week!
What can I do in my spare time in Carrillo?
In addition to providing your classes, Na’atik will take you on a cultural tour of our town, bring you to our beautiful local laguna for kayaking and swimming, and provide you with an unforgettable taco dinner. Carrillo and the Yucatán Peninsula are incredibly rich in Maya culture. Your stay here will largely be about getting to know a people most outsiders don’t realize are still thriving. You will fall in love with the incredible cuisine of the region while being a part of a way of life that is vibrant and restful at the same time.
As you explore the town by bike or by foot, you will not be short of smiling faces, neighbors wanting to chat and sometimes give you a language lesson in Maya, and children shouting ‘hellos’. Although it’s a quiet place, there are cafés and good restaurants where locals like to hang out on the weekends.
Our students find they spend much of their additional free time with our lovely host families and exploring Carrillo. If you’d like to get out and see more of the area, we offer guided tours and additional activities in and around Carrillo. If you prefer to have adventures on your own, we can advise you on how to grab a bus or combi (collective van) to one of the nearby destinations for a few hours or days of lazing on the Caribbean sands or climbing the ancient Maya pyramids.
“The little town of Carrillo, with its rich culture and welcoming people, was such a delight. It makes for a great base to further explore the area, Tulum is an easy combi ride away and there are plenty of other ruins and cenotes around to explore in your free time.”
How can I get around town?
Traveling around Carrillo is extremely easy by bike (available from Na’atik) and taxis only cost about $1 US. Most places are walkable, though you may find you’ll prefer a bike or taxi in our tropical heat!
I am on a budget so how can I make my trip as cheap as possible?
Our packages including the homestay experience are all-inclusive. Unless you wish to purchase extra food, buy souvenirs and go on additional excursions, you won’t spend too much while you’re here.
“Everything in Carrillo is very inexpensive. You can go to the mercado (market) or local taquerias and get unbelievably terrific tacos for a dollar or two. You would be hard-pressed to spend $5 per person eating unbelievable Yucatecan food in town.”
Traveling around Carrillo is easy by bike and taxis only cost about $1 US. Public transportation to take you around the peninsula is also very affordable.
Is there a bank in Carrillo?
Yes there are banks, ATMs and a store which offers conversion from USD to MXN.
Is internet available in Carrillo?
Yes there is wifi at the school, most of the homestays have internet, and there are a number of internet cafés around town.
What is the food like in Carrillo?
Whether you choose to buy exotic fruit and vegetables from the market, delicious tacos from the best taquerias, fresh bread from the bakery or fresh fish in the local restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. There are also two large supermarkets in town with everything you need.
How much can I use Spanish or Maya in Carrillo?
Immersion is such a great way to learn as you will become acquainted with the way the language is spoken in ‘real life’. Because Carrillo is off the tourist path, you will very rarely hear any English making this a wonderful place for a true immersion experience! The locals love speaking in both Maya and Spanish and are extremely proud to tell you about their heritage. At Na’atik we also offer affordable English classes to the local community so you will have the opportunity to meet some of our students where you can practice your new languages!
Should I get insurance?
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended to protect you while away from home. Please ensure your select a policy that covers your belongings and provides medical coverage in the case of unexpected illness, injury, or medical emergency. Parents and guardians of students under the age of 18 are required to sign a medical release waiver.