In this post: From Oaxaca to Mexico City, I’ll share my favorite spots in Mexico for adult Spanish immersion, so you can start planning your next trip today.
Picture this: You're strolling down the cobbled streets of a quaint Mexican town.
The music of wandering mariachi bands and the enticing smell of street tacos fill the air.
You stop to chat with a local artisan, asking about her pottery, and you realize something: you’re living a longtime dream.
You’re learning Spanish in Mexico while having an unforgettable cultural experience.
As someone who has traveled to all corners of Mexico, making plans to immerse yourself in this unique culture can help you find the commitment to keep practicing your Spanish at home.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you to some of my favorite places in Mexico to study Spanish.
These are ten destinations I’ve visited myself--where I know the rich culture, unique landscapes, and interactions with the people around you will be truly authentic and engaging.
Each is a location where you can thrive while studying Spanish at a local school. Read on to figure out which place is just right for you!
While reading this post, consider these questions:
Where do you most feel at home when you travel on vacation? In big cities with museums and nightlife? In small, artsy neighborhoods? Or settings where you feel close to nature?
Do you want an experience where you’ll feel like you’re ‘off the beaten track’ or where you’ll know there are English speakers around?
How much do you like to hike, exercise, and do activities like rock climbing, surfing, or yoga while on vacation?
Are you looking for a Spanish school with a special accreditation or emphasis?
Planning to study Spanish in Mexico? Here are a few things to consider before you go:
Before you plan your trip or pack your bags, let’s talk about how to get the most out of your time learning Spanish in Mexico.
First, remember to stay safe--wherever you travel.
Mexico is an incredible destination; in fact, Mexico is also one of Lonely Planet’s best countries to visit in 2024.
Americans happily live, work, retire, and travel in Mexico regularly. In fact, according to the U.S. Embassy of Mexico, 38.3 million international tourists traveled to Mexico in 2022 alone.
Personally, I have traveled to every single city mentioned on this list and have never had an issue with safety.
In every one of these cities, I have stayed at either a hostel, a small local hotel, or an Airbnb.
And, in many instances, I have traveled by bus to get there (Mexico’s major luxury bus companies like ETN and Estrella de Oro are top-notch!). I have never stayed at a resort or been part of a guided tour to visit these places and have always felt safe.
Sometimes, it’s helpful for me to remember this: most of the local economies in these towns and cities make their livelihoods on tourism (both by domestic and international visitors).
An uptick in crime is bad for everyone because tourists stop visiting -- and that’s bad for business. The vast majority of locals you will meet in Mexico will be glad to see you and wish you no ill will while visiting their city or pueblo. (They want you to have a great time and go tell your friends about it!)
That being said, most crimes in Mexico towards tourists are due to being in the wrong place and at the wrong time - and I would argue that the vast majority of those could have been avoided (i.e., drunk college-aged kids out too late after the bars close and getting pick-pocketed or mugged).
I choose to be a smart traveler who takes necessary precautions and uses common sense to stay safe while traveling.
Here is my own set of smart travel rules (for any destination):
I don’t go out by myself at night.
I stay in densely populated areas.
I don’t carry a lot of money with me or valuables.
I don’t wear flashy jewelry or clothes that draw attention.
If I’m visiting a more “unsavory” part of town, I go with a local.
I try my best to blend in with my surroundings and look confident.
I drink a maximum of one alcoholic beverage if I’m going to a bar.
When traveling on public transportation, I keep my wallet at the bottom of my backpack.
I am not rude, loud, or obnoxious (Americans are known worldwide for being this way).
But these travel rules don’t just apply when I’m in Mexico.
They apply no matter where I’m traveling. Whether that’s Istanbul, Paris, or Barcelona, these are my personal, common sense rules I’ve followed for over a decade of traveling internationally.
Now that you know that safe travel in Mexico is entirely possible, let’s talk about what else you can do to make your trip incredible. For example…
Plan ahead to get the most out of your trip when learning Spanish in Mexico.
As you plan your stay in Mexico, ask yourself a few questions to get the most out of your Spanish immersion program.
Be sure to research several Spanish schools in locations you’d be interested in visiting in advance.
For each destination in this post, I’ll give an example of a renowned or highly-ranked school where you can learn Spanish. But they are not your only options.
Do a little research, and you’ll find schools with different approaches catering to diverse Spanish learning interests or language learning styles.
Check out any school you’re considering for recent changes and verify their latest ratings.
Take the time to learn registration policies and contact the language school in advance for more information.
Learning Spanish while staying in Mexico for a few weeks is a magical experience I think you’ll want to repeat. So, take a little time in the planning stages. You’ll be glad you did.
And now for the most exciting question…
Where exactly is the best place to study Spanish in Mexico?
Better yet, where in Mexico will you thrive learning Spanish for 2-4 weeks? Don’t be afraid to be yourself as you plan your trip. Read on and see which of these destinations is calling you.
1. Do you love sophisticated city life? You may want to study Spanish in Mexico City
Maybe I’m not exactly objective on this one because I absolutely love Mexico City and lived there for three years.
And while there are pros and cons to learning Spanish in Mexico City, Americans are flocking there in droves.
You can take in the very European feel in trendy neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa and sometimes even forget you’re in Mexico--which can be a good or bad thing, depending on your tastes.
There is also nowhere else in Mexico where you will find this many state-of-the-art museums like El Museo de Antropología and MUNAL, El Museo Nacional de Arte.
There is one thing I know for sure: you will get lots of opportunities to speak Spanish with locals here--especially if you venture out into the markets and more local hubs of the city.
And just in case reading this makes you want to start planning your trip, I’ve got a blog post for you on the best Spanish immersion programs in Mexico City.
2. Looking for a dynamic city rich in cultural diversity? Oaxaca might be the place for you.
Oaxaca is one of the most culturally diverse places in Mexico.
Its colonial city center is full of color, bohemian coffee shops, rooftop bars, and restaurants.
There are real-life problems you’ll run into in Oaxaca, but also rewards like the authentic feel and the friendly people who live here.
You’ll also find incredible local crafts like carved and painted wooden animals (alebrijes), unique black pottery (barro negro), and hand-dyed wool rugs (tapetes) in bustling markets.
If you decide to study Spanish in Oaxaca, you’ll definitely want to visit Monte Alban, the oldest ruins of Mesoamerica.
And you won’t want to miss the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and customs with some of the entrepreneurs from Fundación En Vía. The tours they offer benefit microfinancing loans for women in rural villages--it’s an incredible experience.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to try mezcal, a liquor made from the agave plant, or sample mole, a local dish with anywhere between 30 and 100 ingredients!
Oaxaca is a popular destination to learn Spanish, so you’ll have your choice of programs. However, one of the top-rated programs for adults who want to learn Spanish in Oaxaca is the Spanish Immersion School.
3. For a walkable city with day trips to iconic Mayan ruins, consider Mérida.
The capital of Mexico's Yucatán State, Mérida, will charm you with its local festivals and unique Yucatecan cuisine.
Step out in the evening for a meal after your Spanish classes and try local specialties like cochinita pibil, or just stroll down the car-free Paseo de Montejo.
While Merida's hot tropical weather might not be for everyone, this walkable city offers a host of exciting weekend and day trip opportunities.
Be sure to plan time in your stay for trips to places like Celestún, where you’ll see incredible flamingos, or Valladolid, to see the bubble-gum-colored colonial buildings. And you won’t want to miss the Mayan pyramid of Chichen Itza.
You’ll have plenty of options for schools if you choose to learn Spanish in Mérida, including some top-rated ones that have been around for over ten years, like Spanish Center Merida or La Casita Spanish School.
4. Or you could stay in Guadalajara, an expat destination, tech hub, and the birthplace of mariachi and tequila!
Guadalajara is an exciting city with historical charm that also offers all the luxuries and amenities of a big city.
You’ll find all kinds of interesting dining options, from street stands selling tortas ahogadas to high-end restaurants with Jalisco's culinary specialties.
If you love to shop, you’ll find high-end boutiques in the Andares shopping district and local crafts in the bustling San Juan de Dios market.
You can also visit the small nearby pueblos of Tlaquepaque and Tequila to sip on all the different tequila varietals, explore artisan shops, and listen to live mariachi.
If you’d like to venture a bit farther, you’ll find your choice of day and weekend trips to places like the colorful town of Ajijic on the edge of Lago Chapala, Mexico's largest freshwater lake. Or take a beach trip to Puerto Vallarta.
In Guadalajara, you’ll find well-known schools, such as the Instituto Cultural Mexicano Norteamericano de Jalisco--as well as many other options for every taste, budget, and learning style.
5. Looking for a city with artsy charm? Check out Querétaro.
If you like to stray a little off the beaten path when you travel, consider a stay in Querétaro, where you can wander the narrow cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed historic center.
Querétaro is like an open-air museum with a fascinating history where you can take in the colonial architecture, lively squares, modern street art, and murals.
Step into your choice of museums housed in century-old colonial mansions or admire the Acueducto de Santiago de Querétaro that runs through the city.
The mild climate and beautiful scenery make this an easy choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
While you’re there, you can hike up La Peña de Bernal, a 1,400-foot tall (433-meter) monolith that has great walking trails and incredible views. Afterward, you can enjoy a celebratory beer back in El Pueblo Mágico de Bernal at the base of the mountain.
As another option, fascinating cities like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende are just a short bus ride away.
Spending a few weeks learning Spanish in Querétaro might just be the highlight of your year.
You’ll find several reputable local schools to help you improve your Spanish, such as the Chantico Spanish School, while immersing yourself in the local culture.
6. For an artsy city with an international expat community, consider San Miguel de Allende.
In San Miguel de Allende, you’ll find a thriving art scene, colonial charm, cobbled streets, and upscale shopping alongside a sizable international community--including a number of retired American expats.
If you hope to immerse yourself in Spanish and never meet another English speaker, San Miguel de Allende may not be the best place for you.
But if knowing that other English speakers are in the area reassures you, or if you want to meet members of a thriving community of older expats, this is a great destination to consider.
While you’re here, don’t forget to walk through the central plaza and admire the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel at night--this is arguably one of the most stunning churches in Mexico. It’s so enchanted; it looks like it came straight from Disneyland!
San Miguel de Allende also boasts endless festivals, from the Day of the Dead to the Sanmiguelada (a local version of Pamplona's Running of the Bulls).
You’ll find several small but highly-rated Spanish schools in the area.
However, one option for learning Spanish in San Miguel de Allende, where students seem extremely happy, is Spanish with Alma--a tiny one-woman Spanish school.
7. Then there’s Playa del Carmen, where you can step out of your Spanish class and onto the white sand beaches of a tourist resort.
Playa del Carmen is a mainstream beach town with a thriving expat community, beautiful beaches, and resorts, a varied nightlife--and many English speakers.
For a more authentic experience, check out hangouts like Parque Los Fundadores and grab some street food. You can also explore the neighboring cenotes (water holes) or swim with sea turtles at Akumal Beach.
Because of the international community, Playa del Carmen has several top-rated language schools, including many that are, quite literally, just blocks from the beach--like the family-run Chichèn Itzà Language School.
8. If you prefer more remote beach towns, consider Puerto Escondido.
Nested on the Oaxacan coast, Puerto Escondido is arguably Mexico’s chillest surf town.
This place has a super laid-back vibe. It’s less developed, and although it still caters to tourists, Puerto Escondido is free of the resorts and spring breakers you might find in Cancún.
Here, you can go surfing and learn Spanish at the same time at Oasis Surf.
I have a special place in my heart for Puerto Escondido. After all, on my 28th birthday, I released baby sea turtles into the ocean. How can you not fall in love with a place after that?
Here’s a little more information on releasing baby sea turtles in Puerto Escondido, just in case that calls you.
While you’re in town, you can also take a night tour to Manialtepec Lagoon for a bioluminescent experience.
And you can’t visit without stopping by a beachside shack for freshly made tacos or taking a sip of Oaxacan Mezcal.
9. If you want to learn Spanish in a large city that feels small and inviting, you can’t beat Puebla.
Although Puebla is home to 2.5 million people, the old historical center feels tranquil and a bit like you’re in a Mexican pueblo.
You can visit over 288 churches in Puebla in just 80 square miles. I can tell you that the inside of El Templo de Santo Domingo is breathtaking with its frescos and ornate altars!
If you decide to study Spanish in Puebla, be sure to stroll through the Barrio del Artista to admire the murals, sculptures, and fine art or even see a performance or artisan at work.
Then, head to Mercado el Parian to shop for locally-made artisanal goods.
In Puebla, you’ll also have your choice of nearby colonial towns that are accessible on a day trip or weekend. You could visit the great pyramid of Cholula--one of the world’s largest by volume.
Or, spend a day wandering the picturesque streets and markets of the colonial town of Atlixco--or hiking around the nearby hills.
You can also travel to Izta-Popo National Park for breathtaking views of volcanic peaks, two of which are fabled to be star-crossed lovers.
Of course, Puebla is renowned for its many well-known Spanish schools and centers, such as the Spanish Institute of Puebla, where cultural immersion activities, including cooking classes and salsa dancing lessons, are part of the curriculum.
10. And then there’s Guanajuato, a bustling university city with a cafe culture and plenty of surprises.
Guanajuato is a city of roughly 170,000 people and is home to the University of Guanajuato. A large student population gives the city a laid-back but intellectually stimulating feel and a lively open-air cafe culture with plenty of outdoor dining.
You can also visit a world of underground tunnels, silver mines, and a maze of hilly, cobblestone alleyways and endlessly colorful buildings. Callejoneadas, where groups of people, led by musicians, wander the narrow streets singing traditional songs and sharing stories.
After the legend, you could steal a kiss for good luck on El Callejón de Beso--a road so narrow it’s possible to kiss someone on a balcony on the other side.
Take a ride on the funicular up to the Mirador Panorámica (panoramic viewpoint) for a stunning view, or hang out in Plaza de San Fernando. And where else could you visit the Guanajuato Mummy Museum (Museo de las Momias)?
As you would expect in a University town, you'll have many options for learning Spanish in Guanajuato, including the renowned Universidad de Guanajuato's Language School (Escuela de Idiomas).
Takeaways
I hope this journey through some of my favorite places to learn Spanish in Mexico will help you paint a vivid picture of yourself learning Spanish while connecting to the culture and the people in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Maybe you can already hear the mariachi bands playing in the bustle of Guadalajara or picture yourself wandering through a bustling artisanal market in Puebla, stealing a kiss on a balcony in Guanajuato, or releasing baby turtles into the ocean in Puerto Escondido.
Learning Spanish in Mexico isn't just about grammar; it's living an experience you can see, taste, and touch. After all, the best classroom is a lifetime of memorable experiences--and there’s no better place to start collecting them than in Mexico.
