Enjoy the Diverse Culture of Oaxaca

Monte Ablban

While studying Spanish in Oaxaca Mexico you will find it has one of the richest and most diverse cultures in all of Mexico. The state of Oaxaca has a population of 3,500,000 people, among these people there are sixteen formally registered indigenous communities which consists of over 1 million of the population. Believe it or not nearly half of these indigenous people are non-Spanish monolingual speakers. As you can imagine the wide range of ethnicities provides one of the most diverse cultures in Mexico. With such a strong surrounding cultural atmosphere it is easy to enjoy a complete Spanish immersion experience. Among the many things Oaxaca has to offer are unique indigenous crafts, touring the archeological sites, temples and monasteries, and enjoying the local food and festivities.

From the large variety of backgrounds stems an equally impressive range of art which is prevalent during Spanish immersion courses. One of the most unique things about Oaxacan craftsmanship is that it is not mass produced. As a result most items are crafted by hand which enhances the quality of the goods, another benefit from this is there are no two things alike. One of the more interesting crafts is called Alebrijes which are made from tree branches brought down daily from the mountains, a necessary process since the branches must still be green while crafting the piece. At this point the artist is free to continue as he sees fit, creating a variety of different animals or imaginary characters. The process can take many hours or even days at times depending on the complexity of the project. Some other crafts Oaxaca is known for are pottery, black pottery, stone cutting, ceramics, basket making as well as many others. Spanish schools in Oaxaca not only provide Spanish courses but also cultural courses which are great to take advantage of.

Oaxaca has an incredible amount of archeological sites. To date 4,000 different sites have been discovered. Although there are many impressive things to see it would be difficult to explore them all, some of the more famous areas to tour are Monte Alban, Mitla, Yagul, Lambiteco, and Dainzu. Spanish courses in Oaxaca give students the opportunity to explore these archeological sites and receive a real sense of history in the process. The magnificent architecture of the temples and convents is something else that should not be missed. Constructed by the aboriginals who were skilled craftsmen in stone and wood engraving but guided by skilled architects, believed to be monks, the results form a very unique style of architecture which combined two different cultures. Oaxaca’s mix of cultures that through time have been able thrive off of each other while still maintaining their own identities makes it a very unique place to learn Spanish.

One thing that cannot be missed while studying Spanish in Oaxaca is the vast range of food the area offers. The variety of cuisine eaten stems from the immensely diverse cultures. Many fruits and vegetables are grown in the central valley while in the north you find tropical fruits and in the south it is predominately fish and shellfish. Some of the more unusual dishes that can be found are a unique breakfast dish which consists of poached eggs in chili-tomato soup, or you can try chapulines (barbequed grasshopper) if you are feeling a little adventurous. Taking Spanish courses in Oaxaca not only allows one to enhance their Spanish speaking ability but also expands their knowledge of the variety of cultures there are in the world.

Off the Beaten Track

With a year-round tropical climate, sun and sand to the heart’s content, and the elegant cultural infusion of pre-Columbian heritage with Spanish flair, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, is known as one of the most beautiful vacation spots in the world. Visitors can eat grilled seafood on the beach or dance the night away in one of the many salsa clubs, and our Spanish school is located right in the heart of the action. Downtown and only two blocks from the Pacific Ocean, the “Vallarta” style building welcomes students from around the world and well-qualified local teachers make learning fun and rewarding.     

The multitude of leisure activities in Puerto Vallarta means that there will always be after-class enticement. In addition to the obvious attractions that the city offers: the music, art, live performances, world-class restaurants, and of course the beach, there are a number of other recreation options in and around the city that excite the senses and get the adrenaline pumping.     

One growing new adventure activity in Puerto Vallarta is ATV motorcycle tours. The scenery around the city is a natural paradise for those who aren’t afraid to throw their leg over an all-terrain vehicle and make their own path. Many tours go up into the Sierra Madre mountain range; in the journey, one can weave through lush tropical vegetation and charge through rivers in search of hidden points of
interest in the jungle such as waterfalls, small villages, coffee plantations, and natural caves. The tours last between 2 and 8 hours and often include a traditional Mexican lunch and a shot of tequila to celebrate when the day is done.  What a nice weekend activity for a group of ViaSpanish friends!
 

Cuernavaca: History and Traditions in a Nutshell

The city of Cuernavaca in the modern-day state of Morelos was founded by the Tlahuicas, one of the seven tribes of Nahuatlacas who ruled central Mexico from 1100 AD to 1500 AD. They spoke the Aztec language called náhuatl, from which English words such as “chocolate” and “avocado” are derived, and considered Cuernavaca to be a paradise for its amazingly warm and sunny climate and for the abundance of wild flowers that grow spontaneously in and around the city. For this, Cuernavaca is known as the city of eternal spring.

Perhaps the most vibrant of the indigenous traditions that flavor the life in Cuernavaca for locals and tourists alike is the great love for markets. In pre-colonial times, rich and poor alike would travel great distances to be able to participate in the weekend markets. Artists would sit on the street corners playing music, old friends would reunite to catch up on life, and everyone would display the best of what they had to sell in small booths in the central square.

Little has changed in the last 500 years and to this day the weekend markets are a highlight for everyone in and around the city. Each neighborhood takes a turn hosting the celebration: in every part of the city there is a church which serves as a base point around which the market unfolds itself. On market day, the local residents decorate the church inside and out, covering it with huge quantities of flowers, silk decorations, and confetti paper. The streets themselves are often decorated as well; the joy of the celebration spills out in all directions and no one can help but smile and participate. The places and dates of the most popular festivals coincide with those held by the Tlahuicas in ancient times.

Taking classes at the Viaspanish language school in Cuernavaca is a great way to not only to learn Spanish, but also to learn about and participate in the rich history and indigenous heritage of this gorgeous city. In the Nahuatl language, Cuernavaca means “a place near trees”, and it has certainly shown itself to be a place with strong roots, shrouded in the mystery of the past, now just waiting to be rediscovered.

Diving in the Mayan Riviera

Who said that learning a new language is all work and no play? Our Spanish school in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is located next to some of the best diving on the continent!

Playa del Carmen, or just “Playa” to the locals, started off as a sleepy fishing village best known for its ferry base to the world-renowned island of Cozumel. But over time visitors began to realize that Playa has the same gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters as nearby Cancun, but without all of the congestion. The city is now known as one of the most peaceful places in the region to spend a day on the beach, as well as the city with all the best diving spots.

The second largest barrier reef in the world is just offshore of Playa del Carmen, and the water is brimming with marine life and vibrant corals. The Caribbean waters are warm year round and the visibility is amazing. It is common to see sea turtles, and lucky divers are often surprised to have one swim up alongside them. And if that isn’t enough, between June and September, snorkeling and diving trips can be made to swim with the resident whale sharks in their natural environment!             

One of the hardest questions facing visitors is what kind of diving they would like to do. Playa offers an abundance of choice that will fit the needs and comfort level of every type of diver from a first-time snorkeler to an experienced reef diver, and in a large variety of settings. In addition, classes and scuba diving certification programs are taught with PADI or NAUI certified instructors. 

For the most adventurous, there are at least five locations where one can scuba dive in caverns, known in Spanish as “cenotes”. The land around Playa is made of porous limestone rock and has a large underground river system below it that feeds into the ocean. Minerals that pass through the limestone form huge stalactites and stalagmites in this river system, and it is possible to dive among these natural wonders.   

      

Taking Spanish classes in the morning and diving in the afternoon is the perfect combination to explore both the rich cultural and physical beauty of Playa del Carmen. Our Spanish school is located six blocks from the beach, and students learn in open air classrooms surrounded by exotic gardens. From the classroom a quick stroll takes you into town to eat a traditional Mexican lunch before heading out into the water. And, of course talking about the hundreds of varieties of fish makes for a great conversation starter with your host family or with the locals.              

No matter which combination of classes and dives that you make, you cannot go wrong. The mystery and magic of the underwater world just off the shore of Playa del Carmen is not to be missed. At the end of the day, after learning Spanish from native teachers and swimming with tropical fish the best way to unwind is to drink a margarita on the beach with your new ViaSpanish friends!

Mexico Spring Discount

**If you are looking for a Latin America city-combination to accompany your studies in Buenos Aires, our affiliates at ViaSpanish may have the perfect combination. Viaspanish is offering a 10% discount on all courses for the months of April and May in Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, or Oaxaca! Celebrate Spring with a Spanish course in Mexico and save!

Jump into spring with a trip to Mexico and experience the country’s gorgeous landscapes and friendly people, while brushing up on your Spanish skills! Learn Spanish in Mexico and receive all the great benefits of being a ViaSpanish student, such as high quality courses and constant staff support, while saving an additional 10% for courses during the months of April and May.

Register between now and the last week of May to receive the Spring Discount. Choose between the beach or the mountains, the big city or the small resort, or combine all three cities for courses in each of Mexico diverse regions! The discount is good for all our group, individual, and combined courses programs. Book today!

 

 

 

Playa del Carmen:	Regular Price	Discount Price
Group Course (25 hrs)	224	201
Individual Course: (20 hrs)	460	414
Puerto Vallarta:
Group Course (25 hrs)	209	188
Individual Course (20 hrs)	420	378
Oaxaca:
Group Course (25 hrs)	198	178
Individual Course (20 hrs)	420	378