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.

Lying to the east of the city (the part nearest to the river, right after the microcentro), there are few places in the city as enjoyable for a stroll at sunset as Puerto Madero during your Spanish immersion courses in Argentina.

Originally built as a port in the 19^th century, today in Puerto Madero you can find an abundance of restaurants, cafes and even nightclubs in the renovated, red-brick warehouses. New construction has also placed towering offices, high-rise residences, and luxury hotels into this neighborhood, making it the one of the hottest and most expensive property zones to discover while you take Spanish courses in Buenos Aires.

The district is a great place to visit by day while you study Spanish in Buenos Aires, with good lunch menus catering for the near-by office employees, but the best time to visit is after you’ve finished your Spanish lessons in Argentina, at sunset, when the water in the port glows a fiery red and the city skyline is silhouetted. The large number of bars and restaurants on both sides of the port mean that you will easily find the right spot to enjoy a beer or coffee. Be careful of the price though – this area is pricier than most in the city due to the mix of prosperous locals and wandering tourist.

This is also perhaps the only neighborhood in a major world city where all its streets are named for women. One of its major highlights to visit during your Spanish immersion in Buenos Aires is the Bridge of Woman, designed by Santiago Calavatra. Puerto Madero’s other unique feature is its Ecological Reserve, an large open area which was originally reclaimed land from the river that has since been settled on by wild plants and birds. This makes it an ideal place to get away from the city when you are learning Spanish in Buenos Aires without having to venture too far, though be prepared for a walk (or take a taxi) as there is no convenient subway and few bus lines that access this neighborhood.

Cusco from the hills

Study Spanish in Cusco located high in the Andes in Southeastern Peru. Cusco is an exquisite city with a breathtaking landscape and a deep historical heritage. With a population of around 300,000 people it is small enough to get a true feel for the city as well as enjoy yourself experiencing the night life, touring the historical sights, and sampling the local cuisine.

Get a historical perspective while studying Spanish in Cusco which was once the capital of the great Inca Empire. Believed to be founded in the 11^th Century incredibly many of the foundations are still intact, some are even said to be stronger than foundations in present day Peru. Studying Spanish in Peru presents you with the opportunity to experience numerous activities. While the city of Cusco is most well known as the starting point for the trek to Machu Picchu, the city itself and the surrounding area have many historical sites that are well worth taking in. As well as the once in a lifetime journey along the Inca Trail, there are many other outdoor activities available while you are learning Spanish in Cusco such as white water rafting, mountain biking, horseriding, jungle trips, and an array of sensational trekking options.

Plaza de Armas

For complete Spanish immersion engulf yourself in the multitude of other things the city has to offer. Learning Spanish in Cusco goes far beyond studying in the classroom, it has a magnificent nightlife which thrives in the city´s main square, the Plaza de Armas, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the festivities. Cusco also has one of Peru’s top soccer clubs, Cienciano, demand for tickets is very high so if you want to go you will have to queue for them but the excitement and atmosphere makes it well worth it. For something to do during the day take a look around the city and explore the local shopping scene where there are many artesanal handcrafted items to be found and, with no fixed prices, bargaining is welcome. So come learn Spanish in Cusco and find out what it is all about!

The Iguacu Falls make Niagara Falls look tiny and maybe even boring; they have a flow capacity three times greater than their North American cousin. The falls are accessible from both the Argentine and Brazilian sides, and visitors can explore the natural parks on elevated metal walkways that go over and right up next to a huge number of the falls. Optional boat trips take you close to the Devil’s Throat or under one of smaller falls for a wet and wild adventure.

The Falls were discovered in 1549 by the Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca; the name comes from the native Guarani Indians. Almost since their discovery, the Iguacu Falls have become one of the most important and beautiful tourist attractions in all of South America, and one that surely cannot be missed in your journey. Taking Spanish classes with one of our ViaSpanish partner schools in South America and then going to Iguacu Falls may just be the adventure you’ve always been looking for!

The Iguacu International Airport makes it easy to reach the falls from our ViaSpanish destinations in Santiago, Chile; Lima, Peru; and Quito, Ecuador. If you decide to take your Spanish classes at our school in Buenos Aires, Argentina, you can take advantage of the frequently organized weekend trips by bus. Departing early on Thursday evenings and returning late Sunday nights, these tours give you plenty of time to explore the majestic falls in depth. In Buenos Aires, friendships form easily during the week in our group Spanish classes, which are offered in six levels according to the education framework provided by the Cervantes Institute, and also during the breaks. Then students celebrate and practice new Spanish skills with their new friends during a long, relaxing weekend at some of the world’s most amazing places, among which Iguacu Falls is definitely a favorite!

Allison Jones Thompson, from California, chose our ViaSpanish partner school in Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica to take a Spanish course with her daughter, who celebrated her 14^th birthday shortly after returning to the US.  Allison was looking for an opportunity to share time with her daughter and do something together, and says that the end result “could not have been better”. 

The Thompsons chose the homestay housing option, and lived with a local family in a good location.  They often all ate dinner together, and afterwards the mother-daughter team did their homework. They went to the school together in the mornings but took classes in different levels; Allison’s daughter was placed in a more advanced class. Even though they both had learned some Spanish before going to Costa Rica, they were able to significantly augment their knowledge through their classes, social interactions in the home, and interactions with each other.

Allison says that studying with her daughter and getting the chance to spend special time together with her was the best part of the trip. Another highlight was the canopy tour that they both did, which involved zooming on a zipline through the trees in the tropical forest. Both of the Thompsons are scared of heights, so it was a huge exhilaration to overcome this fear together.            

Allison’s daughter says that she would like to go back to Costa Rica or maybe do a year abroad in a Spanish speaking country in the future. Both mother and daughter returned home enthusiastic and energized after sharing a very special time together, and Allison says that she has recommended to all of her friends that they do a study abroad with their children.

Children accompanied by their parents are warmly welcomed in all of our 18 ViaSpanish destinations; check us out at www.viaspanish.com for the latest information about all of our amazing options for your next vacation!  

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!
 

On the walk you notice many things. The people are friendly and the city presents a vibrant mix of colonial grandeur and modern sheen. New sights and smells fill the senses. In the window of a restaurant you catch sight of a strange food, round yellow medallions, and see people eating them with fervor.

What is this tasty treat? It is the patacón, a staple of the Ecuadorian diet. The patacón is a fried chip made of plantain, cousin of the banana. While bananas are sweet and are eaten raw, the plantain has characteristics more like a potato. It has a neutral flavor and must be cooked; it is also much larger than a traditional banana.

Patacones can be eaten plain, topped with guacamole or vegetables, or used to accompany traditional plates such as beans or rice soup. They are slightly salty and very addictive. In Ecuador, you will find yourself eating them most every day. You should take advantage of the experience because, like the country itself, you will miss it every day once you’ve gone back home.

Here is a recipe to make patacones:

1 plantain (large)
Water
Salt
Garlic
Parsley
Olive Oil

Cut the plantain in ½ inch slices. Mix the water and salt on a plate, at the same time heat the olive oil in a skillet with lid. Dip the plantain slices in the water/salt mixture and then put them in the skillet to fry. After frying them, absorb excess oil with a paper towel and use a spoon to flatten them (just a little bit, careful not to break them). Mix the chopped garlic, parsley, and a few drops of oil together on another plate, dip the patacones in this mixture, and re-fry them for a few minutes. Ready to serve.

One example of the huge cultural-historical wealth of Lima is the world-renowned Larco Museum, located in the Pueblo Libre District of the city. Walking down the halls of this extravagant museum is like taking a journey through time: the chronological galleries lead visitors through 4,000 years of pre-Colombian Peruvian history and the collection is the largest of its type in the world. It consists of over 45,000 pieces of gold, silver, ceramics, textiles, stone and wood as well as 55,000 ceramic works.

The museum is housed in an 18^th century royal mansion that was built over the ruins of a 7^th century pre-Columbian pyramid. It includes Moche, Nazca, Chimú and Inca artifacts. Of the many permanent exhibits in the museum, two that immediately grab the attention of every visitor are: the Gold and Silver Galley, which showcases the world´s best collection of jewelry used by the rulers of pre-Colombian Peru, and the Erotic Galley, which is one of Peru’s biggest tourist attractions for its huge collection of erotic indigenous ceramic. Other highlights are the Nazca mummies, textiles made from bird feathers, and a stunning Paracas weaving that holds the world record from most threads per linear inch- 398!

Our Spanish school in Lima is located in Miraflores, one of the best and most interesting neighborhoods in the city and only a short bus ride away from cultural gems such as the Larco museum. Miraflores borders the Pacific Ocean: sunbathing, shopping, and even paragliding are also highlights of the area. The school itself is located in a renovated 1930s home, and the professors are so qualified that you might chat in the common room with the foreign embassy officials that frequent the school. Both private and group classes are offered, as well as a huge range of cultural activities… the options are too good not to take this chance to come face to face with the treasures of Peru!

Photos courtesy of www.wikipedia.com.

But, Heredia does not only boast of the beauty to be found within the city itself, it also whispers of adventure close at hand. The Puan volcano, Costa Rica’s most famous volcano, and its surrounding national park are just a short ride away from Heredia. Visitors from all over the world flock to the Puan volcano, which stands at 2,708 meters (8,200 feet) above sea level. The volcano has two craters, one of which is 300 meters (900 feet) deep. Is the largest crater in the world, and at the bottom is a lagoon that spews sulfurous gases. The Puan volcano has a history of eruptions going back over 11 million years, but modern day visitors need not fear. It has been a long time since it has erupted anything more than sulfurous gas and ash.  

As impressive as the volcano, the surrounding lush tropical forests are a sight to be seen. The Puan Volcano National Park encompasses 5,600 hectares and is relatively untouched by humanity; visitors can explore the park’s different regions using the short, well-maintained trails that extend from the craters into the forests. The park is representative of the amazing natural biodiversity of Costa Rica: it encompasses four different habitats, including a cloud forest, and is home to over 79 species of birds. As if that wasn’t enough, visitors should keep a special lookout for the Puan green-yellow squirrel, which is only found in the park.   

So, filling the week with Spanish classes and cultural activities at our ViaSpanish partner school in the picturesque and relaxing city of Heredia means that one can then explore the wild beauty of the Puan Volcano Natural Park on the weekends! What better way could there be to experience the diversity of Costa Rica!

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.