Learn Spanish in Cuenca: Location
Learn Spanish in Cuenca! The city appeals to language students (18+ plus) looking for high quality, long or short-term courses, who want first-hand experience of this wonderful part of Latin America. Choose from a range of language course options; Standard Group or Combined Group and Private Tuition programmes or follow a Private Tuition course on a one to one, or two to one basis, for a more intensive study experience, alternatively combine your Spanish studies with some Arts and Crafts, to really get a feel for the local culture.
Cuenca marks the beginning of the Southern Sierra, at 2650 metres above sea level, and the region is home to Ecuador’s most unusual indigenous communities and remote landscapes. Founded in 1557 by the Spanish it is the third largest city in Ecuador after Quito and Guayaquil.
The city is considered to be one the country’s finest, with beautiful old-world architecture relating to its colonial period. The central park, “Parque Calderon” has been renovated and situated as it is in front of Cuenca’s famous cathedral it makes a great place to chill, plan your afternoon or take that quintessential photo of the city.
There is little seasonal temperature change, night-time – 10 ºc (40/50ºF) and daytime – 25ºc (60/70ºF) year round.
English speakers are not as plentiful in Ecuador as elsewhere in Latin America, which makes it a great country to practise your Spanish in.
Cuenca is the hub of Andes culture and is frequently overlooked by the “typical” tourists who touch down in Quito before flying on to the Galapagos Islands. It is the preserve of language students, teachers and serious travellers. The city is an 11 hour bus ride south of Quito (but is just a 45 minutes hop by plane, which is the recommended route!).
Local Specialities
Ecuador is famed for its open air markets, filled with a range of exotic fruits and vegetables that will never reach Tescos or Sainsburys as they are too delicate to ship. Granadilla, naranjilla and chirramoya are fruit you can only enjoy once in Ecuador! Equally there are a range of aromatic herbal teas, spices, native grains that are inexpensive to buy and a delight to try. Likewise a wonderful choice of fresh fish, crab, squid, salmon, trout and a range of meats from the local farms are readily available. Finally you should try “Aji”, a sauce served with every meal in Cuenca, sometimes it is a hot sauce (or alternatively it is a ridiculously hot sauce!). Try it, some students hate it others adore it, but it’s a must try for everyone!!
