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Find Colombia's language community with Lingo Locate

Colombia is the place to be, and we aren’t the only ones saying it. Visitors love the country and it’s one of the best places to learn Spanish in the world. Offering vibrant cities, Caribbean beaches and tropical forests, it has something for everyone. Experience the magic of Colombia and take your Spanish to the next level.

Colonial street in Colombia

About Colombia

Colombia enchants its visitors year after year. It has transformed over the past decade, and is firmly in the list of top South American countries to visit. It has shaken off its difficult past to become known for its innovation, culture, beautiful landscapes and some of the friendliest people you can find. 

Colombia’s urban offering is diverse. Bogota is bustling and vibrant, Cartagena has charming colonial heritage and Caribbean beaches, Medellin revels in its urban coolness, whilst San Gil is an adventure sports playground. The many traditional pueblos allow you to feel like you’ve stepped back in time and immerse yourself into true Colombian culture.

 

Why learn Spanish in Colombia?

We are not surprised that Colombia’s Spanish education sector is growing rapidly. It offers:

The best Spanish

Colombian Spanish is among the easiest to understand, with clean and neutral accents and slower-paced speaking than most.

Quality schools and teachers

Its schools and private tutors are highly professional, with good teaching qualifications and experience. The quality of tuition is very good.

Affordable prices

Value for money is excellent and prices are competitive. Whilst cheaper prices might be found in Central America, the quality of teachers is higher and you’ll learn more effectively here.

Good English

If your Spanish words escape you, you’ll have no problems in communicating in English in the main destinations.

Plenty of language exchanges

Language is highly valued and there are plenty of opportunities to practice at free language exchanges. Colombians learning English, French, Mandarin, German and Italian can easily be found.

Lovely locals

Colombians are enthusiastic to speak to tourists, giving you lots of learning opportunities outside of the classroom, too.

Top Sights

Enjoy Colombia’s many attractions
  • Colonial Town:
    Cartagena’s Old Town, Villa de Leyva, Coffee finca’s in Zona Cafetera

  • Beaches:
    Tayrona National Park, San Andrés and Providencia

  • Adventure:
    White-water rafting, paragliding, caving and bungee jumping in San Gil

  • Nature:
    The Amazon from Leticia, Tayrona National Park

  • Archaeology:
    Trekking to the Lost City, sculptures of San Agustín

  • Pick:
    The colourful streets of Guatapé and the wonder of El Peñón

Where to learn Spanish?

There are three top language learning destinations: Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, each distinctly different.

Secondary cities include Cali and Santa Marta, and smaller towns where increasing tourism is bringing new language schools include Salento, San Gil and Leticia.

Or go offline and enjoy the wilderness by heading to an eco-school or mountain villas.

View Map

Language learning information

Average cost of Tutor

$12 per hour

Average cost of School

$180 - $220 per week (20 hours)

Key Colombia information

Native Language

Spanish

Currency

Pesos ($, COP)

Exchange Rate

COP$ 3350 : US$ 1 (2020)

Visas

90 days on arrival for citizens of the EU, USA, South Africa, Australia and others.

Accommodation

Hostel dorm:
$8.50 – $12 per night

Guesthouse:
$25 – $35 per double room

Average Meal

$5 for a menu del dia

Bus Journey

$0.70 single trip

Taxis

Inexpensive

When to go

High Season (Dec - Feb)

Sunny skies and warmish days throughout the Andes. Dry everywhere except the Amazon.

Mid Season (Mar - Sep)

Bogotá, Medellín and Cali have a secondary rainy season in April/May. Cartagena shines through April, hard rains begin in May.

Low Season (Oct - Nov)

Cartagena and the Caribbean coast is wet in October. Low water levels in the Amazon means excellent hiking.