7 Reasons to Study Spanish in San Carlos Colombia
7 Reasons to Study Spanish in San Carlos Colombia
Why Learn Spanish In Colombia?
1) Colombian Spanish is Easy to Understand
The Colombian accent is smooth and clear to understand for non-native Spanish speakers, making it a great place to study the language. Of course they have their own slang, but compared to the many other Spanish speaking countries that I've travelled to, Colombian Spanish is easier to follow.
2) San Carlitanos are Incredibly Friendly
Colombians in general are extremely friendly. However, the hospitality in San Carlos is unparalleled. Whether it be through receiving an invite to eat with friendly strangers or having lengthy chats with ladies in supermarkets, I always feel at home. The locals are warm and inviting, making it easy to make local connections, and in fact difficult not to.
3) San Carlos is a Nature Lover's Paradise
Do you like waterfalls? San Carlos has 9! How about rivers? San Carlos has 6, not to mention over 70 streams! It´s seriously beautiful here, the diversity of outdoor activities here means there is something for everyone, whether you're into cliff jumping and rappelling down waterfalls, horseback riding through the town, or simply enjoying the incredible views, you will be blown away by the natural beauty of San Carlos.
4) It´s Affordable on a Backpacker Budget
Language schools in major cities can be quite costly for those on a shoestring budget, not to mention that the cost of accommodation is always higher in popular tourist hotspots. Spanish Adventure offers economical packages that include Spanish classes, accommodation, lunches, and epic adventures! Additionally, given that San Carlos is a small town with a local feel, the prices of eating out or other activities are markedly lower than many other places in Colombia.
5) You Will Fall in Love with the Colombian Culture
Colombian culture is bold, loud, and oh so beautiful. From learning how to Salsa dance (or just watching), or playing tejo with the locals, you will never be bored in San Carlos. One of my favourite activities to do here (and there are many) is to simply sit in the Plaza while sipping tinto (coffee) and watching the people pass by. Colombian food is also delicious, you are guaranteed to get hooked on the empanadas and arepas con queso!
6) The Climate is Amazing
The average yearly temperature in San Carlos is 23.2°C/74 Fahrenheit, which provides the ideal climate for hiking and outdoor adventures. Because it is warm and sunny most days, it's a perfect medium between the sweltering humidity of the Coast and the chill of Bogota.
7) You Will be Truly Immersed in Spanish
Given that San Carlos is a small town and off a beaten track, most locals here speak little to no English. This means that you are truly immersed in the language, with ample opportunities to practice Spanish in your everyday life. From shopping in the supermarket to playing football with the locals, every activity is an opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom. The best way to practice and improve a language is to weave it into everyday life, an opportunity you’ll certainly receive in San Carlos!
-
Colombian Spanish—especially the accent in Antioquia—is clear, neutral, and easy to understand for beginners. It has less slang and regional variation than in other Spanish-speaking countries, making it ideal for language learners.
-
San Carlos is a small, welcoming town where few people speak English, which means you're fully immersed in Spanish every day—at the market, on the street, or during adventures in nature. It’s authentic, real, and incredibly effective for learning.
-
Yes! The San Carlitanos are known for their warmth and hospitality. Whether it's an invite to a local dinner or a spontaneous conversation in the plaza, you’ll feel welcome from day one and quickly build meaningful local connections.
-
Absolutely. San Carlos is a hidden paradise with 9 waterfalls, 6 rivers, and over 70 streams. From hiking and swimming to cliff jumping and river tubing, the town is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts—and all of it happens in Spanish.
-
It’s very affordable! Spanish Adventure offers budget-friendly packages that include classes, accommodation, meals, and activities. Because San Carlos is not a tourist hotspot, eating out, local transportation, and adventures are all very low-cost.
-
You’ll dance salsa, play tejo with locals, share coffee in the plaza, and participate in traditional events. This is real Colombian life, not something curated for tourists. You don’t just observe culture—you live it.
-
The climate is perfect for adventure: warm, sunny, and spring-like all year round. With average temperatures around 23°C (74°F), it’s the sweet spot between the humid coast and the chilly mountains.
-
Definitely! San Carlos is a place where immersion happens naturally. Locals speak little to no English, so daily life—shopping, chatting, hiking—becomes your Spanish practice. It’s the best way to build fluency and confidence.
-
If you want deep immersion and genuine connection, yes. In big cities, it’s easy to fall back on English. In San Carlos, you’re surrounded by Spanish and culture, which accelerates learning and makes it unforgettable.
-
Yes. Most people who come to Spanish Adventure are curious, open-minded, and looking for something meaningful—not just grammar lessons, but an experience that changes how they see the world and themselves.
