Location: Quito
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9 Lessons & Workshops in Quito That You Shouldn't Miss
With a rich pre-Colombian history, Ecuador's capital was founded on the ruins of an Incan city but offers everything a modern traveler might need. It remains the least-altered historic center in Latin America and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quito’s important sites include baroque gems like San Francisco and Santo Domingo monasteries, as well as La Compañía church and college. This huge city sprawls across a breathtaking Andean valley surrounded by volcanic peaks.
Restaurants in Quito
1. Ailola Quito Spanish School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 214 reviews
Kick off your South American adventure with a 1-day Spanish course in Quito! While you might want to stay longer, it's a perfect way to get a taste of our Spanish classes and prepare yourself for more rewarding travel experiences. After your 3-hour Spanish class, we'll take you on a city tour through historic Quito and to Mitad del Mundo with a Spanish or English speaking Guide. Saturday, 08-11am
Reviewed By 382isaakh
I studied for 3 weeks at Ailola, 2 weeks in Quito and 1 week in Otavalo. All the teachers I had were really excellent - Angelica, Tania , Zaira, and Carlos in Otavalo. I knew a bit of Spanish before I arrived in Ecuador but left knowing a lot more. I especially enjoyed my stay in Otavalo.
2. Simon Bolivar Spanish School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 138 reviews
Simon Bolivar is the ideal place to learn Spanish in Ecuador. Break your language barriers with our experienced professors who take on students from beginner to advanced levels. Take part in the many activities our school also offers like cooking, dancing, and cultural lessons. On the weekends, feel free to join a fun trip to one of Ecuador's four regions, Galapagos, Andes, Amazon and Coast!
Reviewed By sk_lim2020
I signed up for a program of two weeks at the outset but decided (having the opportunity) almost right away to add two more weeks. I did supplement that with learing a trip to the Amazon which was a true adventure. The SB offers afordable face-to-face private lessons which are focused and adapted to each and every student. This means coasting is impossible and your brain will be put on overdrive - something that you will not get in a class of 5-25. I (at the age of 50) found four hours pr day of lessons ample and would recommend supplementing it with the generious cultural program on offer. The people at the school are both professional, sympathetic and helpful. Muchas gracias a Monica, Marta, Julio, Sandra, Alexandra, Daniela, Cecilia y Daniela. I hope to be back one day!
3. ISE Instituto Superior de Espanol
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 133 reviews
The best learning and exploring experience available in Ecuador. "Instituto Superior de Español" is a leading Spanish Language school in our country. We design a personalized program that ensures our students learn Spanish quickly and effectively in both classroom and real-life environments, all the while experiencing the best of Ecuadorian culture. "ISE" offers programs in Ecuador's most beautiful and fascinating destinations - our popular Traveling Classroom, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Jungle, the Andes, Otavalo and Quito.
Reviewed By kanata01
On-line one-on-one conversation classes in Spanish I have been doing 2 one-hour Conversation Classes a week using Zoom since last March. It has been a terrífica experience for the following reasons: I can speak Spanish with a nativa speaker without having to travel to a Spanish-speaking country ( somewhat difficult during COVID!). My teacher Zayra Medina is excellent, very knowledgeable of her subject, patient and good-humoured, really a pleasure to talk to. She is student-centered, is mindful of my progress and adjusts to my changing needs. These classes are lots of fun!
4. Barista Training Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
5. Dancing Lessons Ritmo Tropical
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
Ritmo Tropical is a dance school that was set up in 1991 by two salsa lovers – Araceli and Eduardo Beltran, two Ecuadorians who were involved in the world of dance and music from childhood. Ritmo Tropical was one of the first dance schools in Ecuador, and since its first days has promoted and shared the heat, the flavour, and the joy of salsa. In short time you will be dancing salsa like a pro!
6. Vida Verde
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 20 reviews
Vida Verde has a rich history of teaching Spanish in Quito since 1999. Over the years, we have continuously provided excellence in Spanish Education. We are a proud member of the Ecuadorian Association of Spanish Teaching Centers and are certified to prepare students for the DELE. More importantly however, we are close-knit and family orientated: we really want to get to know you and your story! Vida Verde specializes in personalized instruction. The classrooms are the perfect size for individual and small class instruction (max of 6 students) and have ample natural lighting. Our teachers are all native speakers who have years of experience teaching the complexities of Spanish to foreigners. Vida Verde is located in the heart of La Floresta neighborhood. La Floresta is a middle class area and widely considered one of nicest and safest neighborhoods in all of Quito. It is located close to the world famous historic colonial center (“Old Town”). Inquire about our Jungle Programs today!
Reviewed By 293silke
I spent 3 weeks learning Spanish at Vida Verde and had a wonderful time in my host family (thank you Rosa!), at the school in Quito, and also during my week in the Amazon. Studying with different teachers really helped to improve my Spanish quickly. All of my teachers were great – always well-prepared, quickly adapting to my needs, covering interesting topics and putting a lot of passion into what they were doing. I also really liked the activities in the afternoons and weekends in Quito and in the jungle – a great way to learn a lot about Ecuador and its endearing people. Now, back home, I am taking online classes at Vida Verde via Skype. This is a great opportunity to continue learning Spanish and it almost feels like being back in Quito.
7. Andean Global Studies
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 101 reviews
Andean Global Studies (AGS) offers programs for individuals and groups who want to learn Spanish while exploring the natural and cultural diversity of Ecuador. Our range of programs offers from one day survival courses for travelers, long term immersion programs to Traveling Classroom program that let our participants to be involved in the natural, cultural and tourist attractions of Ecuador.
Reviewed By 941chlo_r - New York City, United States
Andrea is so wonderful, she made the whole thing very easy: helped us with the transportation/home stay/payment arrangements and linked to another great school in Cuenca too! We had three great teachers now they are our friends too!
8. Atahualpa Spanish School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Atahualpa Spanish School in Quito offers you a pleasant and familiar atmosphere not only to learn Spanish in Quito but also to get immerse in the Ecuadorian culture. We offer you different kind of Spanish courses such as group or Individual Spanish courses. Our Spanish courses are adapted to your needs. Whether you want to learn Spanish for travelling or you want to prepare yourself for the DELE exam, we can help you to reach your goals. You decide when you start your Spanish course and for how long. You can also combine your Spanish lessons with different cultural activities and cooking and dancing lessons. We work exclusively together with teachers having a minimum of 5-years experience. Remember, “With languages, you are at home anywhere.” We will help you to feel at home in Ecuador, come and enjoy not only our language but also our culture.
Reviewed By pianouserb
As a medical student I was looking for an internship in Ecuador as well as for a spanish school, the Atahualpa School combines both. They placed me with a nice host family to stay for the first 2 weeks. While having spanish classes in the morning, I took part in many programs they offer in the afternoon and on the weekends. I met other students and went to many places both inside and out of the capital. After leaving the host family I was given an accommodation inside the schools building which was comfortable as well. The teachers were friendly and helpful, they train students on any spanish levels. All in all it was a nice experience which I can recommend.
9. Yanapuma Spanish School
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Since 2006, Yanapuma Foundation has functioned as a social enterprise and non-profit organization that is rooted in Ecuador. Currently, its portfolio includes three services. One is Yanapuma Spanish School with two branch offices in Quito and Cuenca (online and on-campus). The second are Volunteer Programs for individuals and groups to support community development and grass-roots projects around Ecuador. Thirdly, in 2015, True Ecuador Travel was started as a full-service travel agency, promoting educational travel and supporting the mission of the foundation to promote sustainable development in indigenous and marginalized communities, including local economic development, housing, education, and health.
Reviewed By AdventurePhiles - Dallas, United States
My husband and I chose Yanapuma because of a recommendation and because of the opportunity to volunteer while studying Spanish. We took three weeks of private lessons, four hours per day. Each of our instructors was excellent in their ability to speak to our level and challenge us with conversation, homework and reading assignments. Our limited Spanish was greatly improved at the end of our stay and we felt much more comfortable on the streets. The school also has a group participation one day a week: all three times, students from the morning classes were assigned a food to study, prepare or purchase, then bring samples to class for tasting and explain how it was made. What a great way to learn and speak to others! The staff is friendly, easy to work with and responsive to students. They can fit a program to any need, at any level. The school is also conveniently located in the city center. Our volunteer opportunity was working with a library in a nearby community helping seven year olds learn English. Here, again, we were able to grow our understanding of Spanish and feel closer to Cuenca’s children. We highly recommend Yanapuma.
