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Calle Primera Norte N^o 8
Buenavista de Cuéllar, Gro.
México, C.P. 40330        tlatoani@eltlatoani.com

Because of our location, the Tlatoani Language School is uniquely positioned to offer the Spanish language student the chance to encounter the heart and soul of ‘lo mexicano’; the pueblo… ‘small town’ in Spanish. We are located in Buenavista de Cuéllar, a town nestled in the mountains in the State of Guerrero. It is a three hour ride from either Mexico City or Acapulco. Life in Buenavista offers a respite for students who are looking forward to the chance to kick back, relax, learn, have fun, slow down, make friends and live the moment. When was the last time a crowing rooster woke you up?

As its name implies, the town offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The town is small and very picturesque, untouched in many ways by the modern world. It maintains the charm of old colonial Mexico with its many still used white washed adobe homes, red clay tile roofs and narrow cobble stone streets. Vehicular congestion is not a great problem. However, you are likely to meet up with a horse or two as you stroll along the streets.

But don’t let its smallness fool you. Buenavista is the Municipality for many area towns and hamlets. Because it is a government seat, there is access to banking, healthcare services, convenience stores, video rentals, restaurants and a main bus station that has service to Mexico City, Acapulco, Cuernavaca and Iguala all on coach buses. Everything is within walking distance from the school.

Because Buenavista is mainly a farming and cattle raising community, plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, milk and cream are readily available at the open air market. Some folks still make their own cheese. Leather work shops in town produce some excellent sandals, hats, belts etc. Many of their leather goods are sold throughout Mexico. The surrounding areas are rich in silver and marble. The town boasts several marble factories, denim jean "maquiladoras" and the silver mines of Taxco are only a short 45 minute drive away in private car or taxi.

The Bonavistenses have a special reverence for the focal point of their town, the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. The church, constructed by the townspeople decades ago, is the resting place of St. David Uribe Velasco, a parish priest from Buenavista that was martyred during the Cristera Rebellion. Affectionately known and referred to as Padre David, he was canonized by Pope John Paul II in May 2000. St. David left a legacy of faith to his people and they remember him with love, pride and great admiration. The town commemorates his canonization each May with a "fiesta" in his honor. The school is proud to be a sponsor of this annual event.

For additional pictures of Buenavista,  click here.

Here are some facts taken from  INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e Informática) and the Encyclopedia of Mexican Municipalities regarding Buenavista de Cuéllar. 
See http://www.guerrero.gob.mx, accessed on 7/17/06

Population -   5,273 (2000 census)
Languages Spoken - Spanish, Náhuatl, and Purépecha
Elevation - 1, 203 meters above sea level
Shopping - 61 stores and an Open Air Market
Services - Telephone, Electricity, Post Office, Banks, State Medical Services,  Private Doctors' Offices
Transportation - Buses, Taxis and Cargo Trucks
Lodging - Hotels

COAT- OF- ARMS
   
The upper half of the Coat-of-Arms  contains a map of the State of Guerrero with the location of Buenavista marked by an animal skin, representing the oldest and most traditional economic activity, tanning of animal hides.

The lower left quarter represents the animals that are most hunted in the area, iguana and deer.

The last quarter depicts a lower right angle view of the front of the church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua.