Increase Your Access to the World with Spanish

Travelling takes on a whole new meaning when you can walk out of the airport confident in your Spanish. You connect with the people and places around you, actions and experiences take on a deeper meaning and the world becomes more accessible. Kids and adults alike travel with an enhanced level of confidence when they can say so much more than “Hola.” Simply put, becoming fluent in Spanish can increase your access to the world.

We’ve put together a list of fabulous destinations to inspire your studies and keep your eyes to the horizon. Grab your passport and coordinate with your loved ones for a new getaway that lets you put your Spanish to use.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

A city that brings together the cultures of the world with food to eat and places to visit. Start with the government Pink House, the Latin answer to the White House. Then, hunt down local, delectable, chocolate dipped cookies called alfajores in the Palermo district full of delicious coffee houses.

La Paz, Sucre, Bolivia

Both La Paz and Sucre share the title of capital in Bolivia, a country at the heart of South America. Bolivia is a great place for budget travelers. Museums, markets, and even Spanish immersion programs are available at the right budget in these capital cities.  

Santiago, Chile

A gorgeous city you can stare at all day, Santiago is also home to tons of great attractions. Start with a thrill at the scary stories in the General Cemetery. Then visit hidden gorge Cajon del Maipo or sip a Chilean grappa as you luxuriate in this stunning city.

Bogotá, Colombia

 This city is delicious at every turn. Start your day with a Bandeja Paisa, a plate of meats, beans, and eggs that are delicious in the capital city. Satiated, check out the art scene all over the streets and in Bogotá’s museum. 

San José, Costa Rica

Fly out to the islands and spend time in San José, the city between the volcanoes. Wander the central market and taste a rambutan or get great selfies in the Spirogyra Butterfly Garden.  Taste some local coffee at the Historic National Theater then use that caffeinated energy to hike the Central Valley. Oh, and eventually go to the beach.

Havana, Cuba

A country now open to more travellers, this is also a trip back in time. Take a break from your phone and computer, (internet is only in the most expensive hotels), ride in a classic car and pick up a book at La Plaza de Armas. Havana is a great place to slow down and remember what’s important in this life while still increasing your access to the world using your new Spanish.    

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

A coastal city that offers tons of flavor and color, Santo Domingo is a great place to explore. Eat the flag or, a bandera, made from white rice, red beans and stewed meat. Finish it with a cup of extra strong, sweet Café Santo Domingo, the national coffee. Learn about the Traino, a tribe wiped out by Spanish colonial forces and see La Zona Colonial, the city’s oldest and most preserved section. Rich in history and great stories, Santo Domingo is a great destination for your next trip.

Quito, Ecuador

If you love great architecture, soft, fresh bread, and beautiful mountains, you will love Quito, Ecuador. Right on the equator, the country is a gorgeous, Latin destination and the city is replete with surprises. Make sure your Spanish is outstanding so you can get the most out of this small city.

San Salvador, El Salvador

Bordered by Guatemala and Honduras, this small country is easy to miss on the map, but unforgettable in person. San Salvador’s coast is an explosion of greens and blues. In the city, they celebrate the art of Él Salvador in public spaces and museums. Grab a pupusa and some fresh fruit as you stroll around this stunning city.

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Another coastal getaway, Malabo has scenery for days. Rent a bike and pedal around to see for yourself why this is a great destination. After your trip, grab a coffee at the Café Malabo. Be sure to use your Spanish to order a round of delicious tapas to round out your day of exploration.

Guatemala City, Guatemala

A stunning, modern city surrounded by soft, rolling mountains, Guatemala City will take your breath away. This metropolitan city is like nothing else in the country, which hosts the largest preserved rainforest in the Amazon. Go climb the trees, but soothe your sore muscles in a fancy hotel room bath when you make it back to the city.

Mexico City, Mexico

A huge, diverse place, Mexico City is home to a mix of cultures and friendly people who will be happy to sit with you as try the local tacos and practice your Spanish verbs. Buy great tops at the boutiques, visit Frida Kahlo’s house and take the city in. It will make a great impression on you.

Panama City, Panama

Take in the natural beauty of the ocean and the man-made grandeur of the Panama canal in one visit to Panama City. This capital is beautiful and full of history and a tradition of international relations. Book a table at Schooner’s so you can stare at the beach as you munch on seafood.

Asunción, Paraguay

The lack of direct flights from the US or Europe to this small country means it’s not a massive tourist draw. Asunción is a great place to explore, to experience the nightlife and visit the Lopez Palace and House of Independence. Above all, be sure to taste the delicious food like roasted pork with local cornbread.

Lima, Peru

A beautiful city perched right on the sea, Lima is the gateway to the wonders of Peru. Seated below the Andes, the city has European style architecture and restaurants full of international influence. Be sure to eat lots of fresh seafood and drink your share of Piscos, the national cocktail.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

San Juan is a colorful, tasty city with easy access to beaches in every direction. Check out the central market where you can pick up tropical fruit or chat with herbal healers about natural cures. Or go to Old San Juan for great coffee and to take some beautiful photos of the colorful buildings. This is a great spot for beach enthusiasts and adventurers, but culture junkies will love it, too.

Madrid, Spain

A city full of fierce pride and non-stop energy, Madrid is famous for a reason. Home to historic art galleries, the city has experienced a renaissance in the wake of economic troubles. Now a modern home to tons of music, beautiful works and of course, great tapas, Madrid is sure to enchant you when you visit.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Take a deep breath, and relax in the city of Montevideo. Check out the restored mansions that serve as theaters and hotels or enjoy the new, modern structures that go right up to the edge of the coast. Montevideo has a beautiful climate and tons of boulevards to stroll down. Uruguayans love their meat, so be sure to partake in the local parilla or bbq.

Ready to master Spanish and  increase your access to the world? Sign up for a free class to see why HSA is the best way to quickly and effectively learn Spanish.

Want to learn more about Latin American culture? Check out our latest posts!

• Guatemala’s Biggest, Most Colorful Market: Chichicastenango
• All About the International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato, Mexico
• BOOM! 27 Most Amazing Volcanoes in Guatemala
• All About Yerba Mate: Argentina’s National Drink
• The History and Tradition of Las Cabañuelas
• The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide to Flores, Petén, Guatemala
• History of Spanish
• A Traveler’s Guide to the Chicken Bus in Guatemala