Learn Spanish in South America
The question everyone wants to know is where is the best place to learn Spanish in South America.
There is no right or wrong answer. Have a think about how much time you plan to spend travelling then spread your learning over several countries for the best exposure to the different accents. Check out our travel & learn Spanish itineraries that suggest the best routes for 1, 3 & 6 months of travel whilst attending Spanish schools along the way.
Below is a summary of some pros and cons of each country.
Learn Spanish in Argentina
Argentina is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world. With its beautiful landscape, buzzing nightlife and metropolitan cities it's not hard to understand why so many people choose to visit. Whether you are into dancing tango, drinking wine or hiking mountains and chasing waterfalls. Argentina is sure to have something to get you excited.
Best for: Advanced Speakers
If you already have an advanced level of Spanish and you want to really test yourself they Argentina will provide a great challenge for you. If you are planning to work and live in Argentina then this is the best place for you to learn.
Worst for: Beginners
Unless you want to spend the rest of your trip around Latin America getting funny looks from people and being constantly corrected for your pronunciation, avoid learning Spanish in Argentina.
Average Cost: US$240 per week
Read More: Travel & learn Spanish in Argentina
Learn Spanish in Bolivia
If you are looking for a country with a slower pace of life, whilst still boasting the most dangerous road in the world, then Bolivia may be the place for you. With its famous Salt Flats and fluorescent lakes, there is much to explore in this landlocked country.
Best for: Budget
As Bolivia is still relatively unknown to mass tourist this has kept the prices down. It is one of the countries with the lowest cost of Spanish lessons. So if you can handle the cold and altitude then Bolivia may be the perfect choice for you.
Worst for: An immersive experience
Many Bolivians speak English so it can be easy to not speak Spanish with locals. If full immersion is important to you Bolivia may not be the right choice.
Average Cost: US$180 per week
Read More: Travel & learn Spanish in Bolivia
Learn Spanish in Chile
If you hate the rain but love the outdoors, drinking wine and exploring archeological ruins, then Chile is a country you must visit. Chile is the driest and longest country on earth. In 2018 it was named the best place to visit by Lonely Planet and for good reason.
Best for: Outdoor Adventurers
If you want to spend your weekends exploring desert landscapes and beautiful lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, then choose Chile.
Worst for: Beginners
Like Argentina, Chilean Spanish is very different from all of the other South American countries. They speak very fast, have a lot of slang words and their accent can be difficult even for native Spanish speakers to understand. If you are a complete beginner, avoid learning Spanish in Chile.
Average Cost: US$240 per week
Read More: Travel & learn Spanish in Chile
Learn Spanish in Colombia
Colombia is quickly becoming a favorite with backpackers and holidaymakers alike. It's one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Where else in the world could you explore white sand beaches, deserts, lost cities high in the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Amazon jungle all in one country?!
Best for: Beginners
Colombians speak with more of a neutral accent making it the perfect place for beginner learners. They speak relatively slower and clearer than most other South American countries. It is also one of the cheaper places to study with lessons being budget friendly and the general cost of living being low.
Worst for: Falling in love
You'll rarely meet a traveler who hasn't fallen in love with Colombia and it's friendly people. If you spend time learning Spanish in Medellin, Cartagena or Bogota your only problem will be that you probably wont want to leave.
Average Cost: US$180 per week
Read More: Travel & Learn Spanish in Colombia
Learn Spanish in Ecuador
Don't underestimate Ecuador! Many people plan to travel quickly through on their way to Peru or Colombia. Then when they see what the country has to offer they completely change their plans.
Best for: Beach loving surfers
If you want to team up learning Spanish with learning to surf then Ecuador is the place for you.
Worst for: Budget
Ecuador may be full of potential adventures, but it doesn't come cheap. The cost of living is higher here and so staying here too long will impact your budget.
Average Cost: US$200 per week
Read More: Travel & Learn Spanish in Ecuador.
Learn Spanish in Peru
Peru has a lot to offer travelers and it is often at the top of peoples must see locations. From it's stunning beaches to its mythical mountains it is a country rich in natural beauty and spiritual energy.
Best for: Foodies & History lovers
The foodie scene in Peru is infamous, especially in Lima where you have an abundance of ceviche and seafood options. If you are interested in native history Peru is full of myth and magic.
Worst for: Mass Tourism
Peru may be filled with wonders, but everyone knows about them! Bus loads of tourists stream into Cusco every hour in preparation to visit Machu Picchu, the No.1 visited tourist attraction in South America.
Average Cost: US$240 per week
Read More: Travel & Learn Spanish in Peru
Learn Spanish in Uruguay
It is easy to overlook Uruguay in favor of neighboring countries. Known as the Switzerland of South America, Uruguay is one of the continent's smallest and most economically stable countries in South America.
Best for: Chilled out vibes
If you prefer to take life at a slower pace Uruguay may be the country for you. With its European and African routes, it is the perfect mix of chill.
Worst for: Difficult Accent
Like Chile and Argentina, Uruguayans have a very distanced accent making understanding the locals a challenge.
Average Cost: US$245 per week
Read More: Travel & learn Spanish in Uruguay
Learn Spanish in Venezuela
Venezuela and beauty go hand in hand. Not only is it the country that boasts the most Miss World winners is also has some of the most beautiful landscapes of any of the South American countries. Unfortunately the political situation prevents tourism at this present time.
Best for: Accent
Venezuelans like their Colombian neighbors have a slow and neutral accent making it a great place for beginner learners.
Worst for: Safety
We do not recommend traveling to Venezuela at this current time due to the safely risks involved for tourists.
Average Cost: US$160 per week
Read More: Travel & learn Spanish in Venezuela
guest author bio - Claire Summers
Claire Summers is a full-time traveler, yoga teacher, and digital nomad. Currently exploring South America whilst attempting to learn Spanish and the art of packing light.
At 34 Claire sold all her worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or her backpack and hit the road. With no plans to stop anytime soon Claire is always looking for her next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano she’ll try (almost) anything once! Read about here adventures on Claire's Itchy Feet.