Learn Spanish in Quito with the Instituto Superior de Español

Course description

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is located at 2800masl in the Andes mountain chain, which stretches the length of South America, from Colombia to Patagonia. To the West of Quito towers the majestic Pichincha Volcano, a sleeping giant that humbles and inspires on a daily basis.

Our neighborhood is home to a vibrant food and crafts market and is filled with a variety of small restaurants and stores serving local delicacies and selling a random collection of merchandise. Conveniently located in Quito, students can access the north (airport, 10 minutes) or the south (Historic Quito, 15 minutes), with ease from the 10 de Agosto trolley bus stop, located just a 1 minute walk from our front door.

A 10 minute walk east of the Instituto Superior de Español is the famed Mariscal, a lively center for tourists with bars, restaurants, shops, and clubs to rival any capital. There is something for everyone in the Mariscal, from Salsa clubs to homely English pubs, and often live local music at weekends.

Spanish Classes:

Study Spanish for 4 hours a day or more in morning and afternoon sessions. We offer group and individual lessons, with weekly monitoring.

Host Families:

Many students choose to live with local families. This is the best way to immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture, and a great way to practice Spanish in a friendly environment. All of our host families are located in safe and quiet neighborhoods in close proximity to our school (within 15-25 minutes walking distance).

Each student has a private bedroom and receives three high quality Ecuadorian meals per day (all food and drinks are prepared to the highest standard and water is boiled or bought). You will be provided with keys to come and go from the house as you please.

Many of the families have been working with the Instituto Superior de Español for many years. Some families host more than one student at a time.

Weekly Excursions:

Historic Quito prides itself on its churches, museums, and art galleries, from Pre-Incan gold collections to Oswaldo Guayasamìn's world-renowned artwork. In addition, Quito hosts many cultural activities with traditional music and dancing. You can spend the afternoon strolling through the Parque La Carolina - the perfect place to people watch, enjoy a book, join in a soccer match, or visit the Botanical Garden.

Explore Quito and its surrounding points of interest with weekly excursions organized by the Instituto Superior de Español. Take a guided tour through Quito's historic old town and marvel at the colonial architecture and countless churches. Ride the Teleférico up Volcan Pichincha, and experience a breathtaking view from 4,050 meters. Visit the Mitad del Mundo, located 23 km North of Quito, where you can bounce between the hemispheres whilst performing scientific experiments.

Weekend School Excursions:
The following are some weekend excursions offered by the Instituto Superior de Español:

Cotopaxi National Park and Volcano
Less than two hours' drive from Quito stands the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano at 5897 meters above sea level. Cotopaxi is the highest snow-capped volcano on earth and attracts hundreds of visitors each year.

It is a playground for lovers of the outdoors and of adventure, with limitless opportunities for climbing, trekking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Explore Cotopaxi by bike. Bike on dirt roads through a variety of landscapes and enjoy the incredible view of 8 different volcanoes.

In addition, the Instituto Superior de Español can help you arrange your excursion to summit Cotopaxi, which requires specific climbing gear and acclimatization to the elevation.

Mindo Cloud Forest
The area known as Mindo, which encompasses the watersheds of the rivers Tandayapa, Nambillo and Mindo, is located approximately two hours from Quito and is world-renowned as one of the most bird diverse areas of the planet.

Its cloud forest environment is truly diverse, tumbling down from the icy peaks of Volcan Pichincha, at nearly 4,800 meters, to the steamy tropical rainforest around 1,000 meters. This difference in elevation explains the incredible biological diversity of Mindo. The varying range of elevations provides a variety of niches for different flora and, fauna to exploit. Explore this fantastical region of tranquility, beauty, and fun, where vegetation drips off vegetation and where adventure follows you everywhere.

With the Instituto Superior de Español you can take a guided tour through the forest and learn about the unique diversity of flora and fauna. Swim in a waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. Glide above the forest canopy on zip lines and get the adrenaline rush of a lifetime. Visit a butterfly farm and then tube down a river.

For early risers and bird lovers, there is also the opportunity to take a guided tour... you may even spot the famous Quetzal.

Otavalo
Otavalo, a small indigenous town of the northern Andean countryside, is located just two hours north of Quito. It has been made famous by the incredible success of its indigenous population, who sell handicrafts and quality textiles in the international arena. Lose yourself in the tapestry of rich-colored textiles and deep rural traditions, whilst looking for the perfect gifts to bring home.

In addition to visiting the vibrant market, you can hike to the Peguche Waterfall and the small village of San Pablo. Explore and learn about Cuicocha Lake and then visit Cotacachi, which is famous for its leatherwork; a weekend rich in culture, and the perfect opportunity to practice your Spanish.

Papallacta Natural Hot Springs
The perfect escape from Quito lies just 67 kilometers from the city. Here you will encounter wild, high-altitude terrain, great for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as a first-class spa and hot springs resort. Relax in the hot springs of Papallacta, with pools varying in temperature. After soaking in the pools, enjoy fresh local trout. Return to Quito refreshed and ready to study Spanish.