6 Destinations in South America for a Spanish Immersion Trip

Diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and incredibly friendly locals makes South America a fantastic option for a Spanish immersion trip.

Throw in affordable travels, transformative walking tours, and world-class culinary experiences and you’ll soon see how a trip can catapult your students’ language comprehension.

But where to go? To help you plan the perfect student trip, we detail 6 of the best destinations in South America for Spanish immersion.

1. Cusco, Peru

First on the list is Cusco, Peru. This ancient city, nestled in the Andes Mountains, is a popular destination for Spanish learners.

While the UNESCO-listed historical center is a great place for Spanish classes, we recommend heading out into the communities in the Sacred Valley for the complete immersion experience.

Stay in Pisac to help your students interact with locals from the Quechua community. Students will connect to the Peruvian culture through cooking classes (some even underground) and experience sustainable ways of living.

There are a range of homestay opportunities where students can live with a local family. This is a great way for students to gain new perspectives on the world while also witnessing first hand the day-to-day life of native communities.

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

A great South American Spanish language immersion opportunity lies in Buenos Aires. Argentina’s vibrant capital city is known for its lively tango music and dance, delicious cuisine, and stunning architecture.

Your students can explore neighborhoods like San Telmo and Palermo, visit museums and galleries, and attend language classes with expert instructors.

To immerse further into the Spanish language we recommend a trip to see local soccer team Boca Juniors. This heart-pumping experience is simply one of a kind. Expect pasión, energía, and supporters that go loco at the sight of a goal scored!

3. Santiago, Chile

Chile’s capital is another great destination for a Spanish immersion trip. This bustling metropolis offers a thriving arts and culture scene, with plenty of museums, theatres, and galleries to explore. Check out the Teatro Municipal – the most strikingly beautiful theatre in Chile and one where students can witness world-class productions.

Your students can take a walking tour of the city to practice their language skills while learning about the history and culture of Chile. Click here to find some excellent free walking tours.

4. Quito, Ecuador

Going under the radar somewhat is Quito.

Ecuador’s city was the first capital to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This should come as no surprise as this high-altitude city is simply breathtaking. Its historical old town boasts colonial-era buildings, charming cobbled streets, and intriguing museums that provide insight into Ecuador’s rich cultural heritage.

Head to the busy squares and plazas where you and your students will discover small markets, street vendors, local music and, of course, the changing of the guard in El Palacio de Gobierno. 

Not far away lies the middle of the earth – La Mitad del Mundo. This is a fantastic place for students to practice their language skills by taking part in interactive and fun games that highlights the wonders of science!

5. Medellin, Colombia

Colombia has recently emerged as one of the most popular countries in South America for a Spanish immersion, and Medellin tops the wish list. Super friendly locals will happily converse with your students in Spanish, especially in the local markets and on interactive walking tours.

English is not too widely spoken here and the still low(ish) tourism numbers mean that 100% Spanish language immersion is a reality. We recommend a visit to the city’s transformed neighborhood Comuna 13 for a fascinating walking tour.

Meanwhile, La Casa de La Memoria is the city’s finest museum and gives a unique insight into the recent turbulent history of the city. We know emotion helps students connect with a new language and expect tears while visiting this memory museum.

You can combine a visit to Colombia with a one-of-a-kind homestay experience that will help students connect with the language on a deeper level.

6. Cartagena, Colombia

If you fancy the Caribbean vibe while studying Spanish, Cartagena on the northern coast is ideal. Colombia’s colorful and vibrant city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, stunning beaches, and cumbia and champeta music. 

Students will improve their language comprehension skills through walking tours inside the walled city and at the Castle San Felipe de Barajas fort. 

However, to become immersed in the Afro-Caribbean culture, head to the traditional fishing village of La Boquilla. Here students can dance cumbia, learn to make drums and dine on the finest fresh fish. They will also engage meaningfully with locals who are trying to preserve their rich heritage in the face of uncontrolled tourism.

And, one extra… Oaxaca, Mexico

Nothing beats learning a language through food. And, Mexico has world-class cuisine in abundance with Oaxaca topping the list of foodie destinations. In this fantastic Mexican state, you can explore the fascinating cultures and cooking prowess of native communities that live in rural villages. 

Otherwise, head to the capital, Oaxaca, where you will find colorful markets bursting with fresh produce, vegetables, fruits, and world-class street food.

To really immerse into the Spanish language, you should take part in a cooking class with a local family or expert chef. The city is renowned for its delicious mole – pronounced, mōlli, meaning “sauce” This is a traditional sauce and marinade made from chilis, spices, and nuts. 

There’s no doubt South America holds hugely diverse and fantastic options for Spanish immersion. Plan a trip to ensure your students enjoy a truly memorable trip and propel their language skills to a new level.

If you need more inspiration, you can click here to view Kagumu’s range of Spanish language trips.