So, you’ve made the decision that you want to learn Spanish, and now you’re wondering what the next step is. You could definitely take a class somewhere and try to speed up the process by watching movies or listening to music, but do you know what’s an even better option? Moving somewhere where you’ll be living and breathing Spanish 24/7, while also learning about a different culture and having tons of new experiences.
Not only will this allow you to learn the language as people really speak it (as opposed to “textbook Spanish”), but you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new world and a new life. Are you up for the adventure?
When you’re looking for a place to learn Spanish, the actual language program should be your number one priority, but if you’re torn between two or more options in different cities, how do you choose? Before making this decision, you should consider the following factors: affordability, safety, and entertainment. Since you’ll want to focus all of your energy on learning this new language, you don’t want to be worried about how much money you’re spending every day, or if it’s safe to walk home at night. And you definitely don’t want to be stuck somewhere in the middle of nowhere where you can’t do anything and you want to go home after a few weeks.
With that in mind, here are the top 7 cities in Latin America to relocate and learn Spanish:
Antigua, Guatemala
No matter where you look, Antigua always ranks at the top of the “best places to learn Spanish” lists. The reason is that this colonial gem in the heart of Guatemala has everything a language student could ask for: it’s beautiful, inexpensive, super safe for foreigners, and it’s home to every kind of language-learning program you could think of to suit every need and budget.
Quito, Ecuador
Besides the obvious bragging rights of being located in the center of the globe, Ecuador is known for having one of the most neutral accents in Latin America. This means that you won’t have to struggle that much to understand people on the street, or to pick up the local accent. If this sounds appealing to you, you should consider moving to Quito, Ecuador’s bustling capital city with beautiful historical architecture.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Ask anyone who has been to Mexico what their favorite cultural destination is, and they’ll probably say Oaxaca. Oaxaca is a huge state in southern Mexico, boasting everything from Pacific beaches to rugged mountain ranges and stunning archaeological sites, but its biggest draw for foreigners is the city of the same name. Now, besides its beauty, what makes Oaxaca (the city) such a great place for Spanish learners is that it’s got a great combination of tradition and accessibility. Here, you’ll learn real Spanish and traditional Mexican culture, while also enjoying the endless entertainment and travel offerings.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay tends to be skipped over by folks who are dazzled by everything that its much-bigger neighbors (Brazil and Argentina) have to offer, but Montevideo, the country’s capital, is a great place to consider if you’re looking for a different, more European kind of vibe. Nestled on the banks of Río de la Plata and ranked consistently as the best place to live (in terms of standard of living) in Latin America, this is a small city very much worth getting to know.
Cusco, Perú
This next place on our list is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Latin America, and with good reason. Its location in the Peruvian Andes, close to the magical ruins of Machu Picchu, and its incredibly well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture make Cusco a dream destination. So, if you choose to relocate here for a few weeks (or even better, months), you’ll be able to enjoy all of this, in addition to Perú’s world-renowned cuisine, and one of the region’s most beautiful accents.
San José, Costa Rica
Anywhere you go in Costa Rica is going to be an adventure. This small Central American country has it all: from Pacific and Caribbean beaches, to volcanoes, tropical jungles, and some seriously romantic colonial towns. Also, Costa Ricans (also known as “ticos”) are famous for their open and friendly attitude, best captured in their national catchphrase: “pura vida” (pure life). Now, you could choose to move a sleepy beach town and spend your days in the water, but if you really want to get at least some work done, you should choose San José, the capital city.
Bogotá, Colombia
Last but definitely not least is Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, home to 8 million people and every kind of cultural offering you could think of. The city is a perfect fit for Spanish learners who want to have their pick of language program, and immerse themselves in the local culture, without sacrificing the comforts and excitement of big city living.
So, there you have it. Seven destinations in Latin America that are perfect for traveling, immersing yourself in a different culture, and of course, really working on your Spanish skills. What are you waiting for? The adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you.
Want to learn more about Latin America? Here are more interesting articles:
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