Surprisingly Cheap Places in Latin America for a Spanish Immersion Trip

Are you keen to run a Spanish trip for your students that won’t break the bank? Are you worried you’ll be priced out of a language trip abroad?

When planning an immersion abroad experience for students many teachers cringe at spiralling costs and simply give up.

Fear not; Latin American – while boasting some of the world’s most diverse, exciting, and culturally-rich countries – offers you the opportunity to run an affordable immersion trip that will propel your students’ Spanish skills to the next level.

Here’s a list of the most affordable Latin American destinations.

Quetzaltenango, Guatemala

Nestled amidst the captivating highlands of Guatemala, Quetzaltenango, affectionately known as “Xela” by locals, offers an authentic and economical Spanish immersion experience.

Connect students to Guatemalan culture in an array of vibrant markets, ancient Mayan ruins, and of course guided hikes up volcanoes.

Tip: Explore free-to-visit places in Quetzaltenango like the cemetery, Parque Centro America or Cerro El Baul. While visiting these places, keep your students talking by setting them communication challenges to regularly test their knowledge and communication skills.

Sucre, Bolivia

Mérida, Mexico

Uncover the magic of Mérida, a vibrant and culturally rich city located in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Renowned for its affordability, Mérida provides an excellent setting for a Spanish learning adventure. Immerse students into the local Mayan heritage, marvel at colonial architecture, and indulge in mouthwatering cuisine.

Language schools in Mérida serve up affordable programs that allow students to fully embrace the warmth and charm of Mexican hospitality while improving Spanish fluency. Here’s a list of language schools in Mérida.

Tip: dine on world-class street food to save on high restaurant prices. Hmmmm, tacos…

Arequipa, Peru

Nestled in Peru’s picturesque Andean region, the enchanting city of Arequipa is an ideal destination for a budget-friendly Spanish immersion trip.

Students will experience the breathtaking beauty of the “White City,” known for its colonial architecture, stunning landscapes, and rich cultural heritage.

You should encourage students to explore the city’s historical sites, visit bustling markets (here’s a list of the best), and engage with locals to practice their Spanish skills.

Arequipa offers language schools with affordable programs that ensure an immersive and affordable language learning experience.

Tip: fill up on a menu del dia (menu of the day), a three-course meal for around $5.

Check out our travel guide to Peru.

Medellín, Colombia

While Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring (Ciudad de Ia Eterna Primavera) has risen in cost over the years, it still represents an incredibly affordable destination for students.

Avoid the expensive Poblado area to fit into your budget. Instead stay in Laureles or Floresta to save on accommodation costs.

This will give you more budget to tour colorful and vibrant neighborhoods like Comuna 13, learn how to make world-class coffee at a plantation or dance salsa with local experts.

Top tip: use the city’s fantastic metro system to avoid bus and taxi costs.

Check out Kagumu’s Spanish immersion trip in Medellin.

Cuenca, Ecuador

La Paz, Bolivia

Another of Bolivia’s affordable destinations is its high-altitude city of La Paz.

You should visit museums like the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore to learn about Bolivia’s rich indigenous heritage.

Explore the colorful Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas) to experience the mystical traditions of Andean spirituality.

Get students to sample local specialties like salteñas (meat-filled pastries), anticuchos (grilled skewers), and traditional soups such as saice (beef soup) or sopa de maní (peanut soup) while not breaking the bank.

Tip: save money and enhance students’ language skills by visiting local markets like Mercado Lanza or Mercado Rodriguez. Challenge them to engage in conversations with street food vendors to practice their Spanish while savoring the authentic flavors of Bolivia.

Are you keen to book a Spanish immersion trip in Latin America for your students? Contact Kagumu’s friendly team to start planning today.