Packing your bags, brushing up on basic phrases, boarding the plane…even if you’re picking up a textbook for the first time, you’ve likely felt the pull of a place where people speak the language you’re learning. You can’t beat the immersion learning Spanish abroad provides, but you certainly can take your pick of destinations.
For your consideration: Quito, Ecuador.
We’re here to put Ecuador, with affordable classes and Spanish spoken with a clear and slow accent, on your map. Another little secret? Quito is hands-down the best place to learn Spanish in Ecuador.
Placed high and landlocked on the South American continent, Quito lets you into a still-echoing chapter of world history. It’s a place where the interconnection of spatial and linguistic entities play out in your daily walks and conversations.
The city’s turbulent and destructive formative years—conquering Spanish forces built what is today the best-preserved historic center in Latin America on Inca ruins—inform its morphological structures and linguistic history. Studying in Ecuador, and especially Quito, gets you up close and personal with that complex and continuing history while you build your Spanish skills in the best way possible (by learning abroad, of course!).
12 reasons why you should learn Spanish in Quito
As an important center nestled high up in the Americas, colonial Quito connected the fate of places as distant as Madrid and Manila. Quito rose to prominence in a world that had become more delimited by having been more explored, but also, paradoxically, more unlimited through that newly connected vastness. So why is it the place to go to learn Spanish right now?
1. Time and (continuing) history echo here
You’ll find a new appreciation for South American history during your time in Quito.
Look to Quito’s Plaza de la Independencia (also known as Plaza Grande) for a tangible representation of an important chapter in world history. The main square’s morphological strength as an early modern cultural import from Spain has echoes from across the world and through time, while simultaneously giving insight into local contributions and histories.
History reverberates in physical entities such as the main square in Quito, and you’ll feel this in your language studies, too. The history of intense contact between Spanish and indigenous Andean languages shapes the use of Spanish in Ecuador. At the same time, the square celebrates Ecuador’s independence from Spain and anchors daily life for today’s Quiteños.
2. Complex histories coexist
The morphological realities of the city—the main square, a historic center based on a grid despite its hills—and institutional rules coming from Spain play out alongside a narrative of a pre-colonial history that continues to exist in Quito.
Historical structures are built on older ground and structures. A more informal, local narrative texture informs both Quito’s place in world history and the day-to-day realities you’ll encounter during your time there. It’s a unique blend that can deepen your understanding of language and history, and how you can’t fully delve into one without the other.
3. You can learn even more by living with a host family
One surefire way to learn a language fast and fluently? Practicing in the moment through constant immersion. There’s also no better way to learn about local histories, realities, and customs than by authentically interacting with the folks who live it.
Living with a host family lets you take full advantage of your time in Quito, maximizing your intercultural learning while you live like a local and use the language in real, practical situations.
4. It’s Ecuador's center for government, culture, and more
Never heard of Quito? No problem! You’ll also never forget it.
Quito’s administrative rank as a colonial hub makes the uniqueness of how the city’s many histories coexist even more relevant. These days, Quito serves as Ecuador’s political and cultural center, with key administrative, cultural, and governmental institutions all calling the capital home.
Most transnational companies in Ecuador have their headquarters in Quito, and it’s one of Ecuador’s major industrial centers. The city is no stranger to language learners, so you’ll find yourself in good company whether you sign up for a structured language program or you learn Spanish in Quito simply by living your life in the city.
5. Quito: Most likely to impress
In terms of elevation, Quito is the second-highest capital city in the world. It’s also the capital city closest to the equator and the oldest capital city in South America; it sits on the slopes of the Pichincha volcano and is on the list of original UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Oh, and it boasts Latin America’s best-preserved historic center.
Choosing Quito as your study destination isn’t just about collecting superlatives, though. You’re in for an experience you can’t get anywhere else on the planet when you consider the unique history, geography, and politics of this location.
6. Add-on activities accelerate your learning
Packing your bags for a program abroad is the most cost-effective way to learn a language thanks to a near-endless array of opportunities to put what you study to use. The programs you’ll find in Quito take full advantage of the uniqueness of your destination.
These programs deliver with add-ons like volunteering, internships, and cultural activities that let you practice your Spanish in social situations, all while seeing more of the country and making your time abroad even more meaningful.
7. You’ll find a program perfect for your Spanish level
You’ll also find tons of once-in-a-lifetime experiences to boot.
Back to those most- and best-of lists: The diversity of program opportunities sets Quito apart as the best place to learn Spanish in Ecuador.
Whether you’re an advanced learner looking to hone your skills or you’re saying hola for the first time, Quito has you covered with Spanish language study abroad programs suited to every level. Many language schools even feature flexible programs so you can tailor lessons to your personal needs.
8. Quiteños will help you as you learn
So much of picking up a language comes from using it out in the real world, and you can count on the locals in Quito for a positive experience. Quiteños have a reputation as amiable and open to helping visitors out.
You may be able to get by in restaurants and hotels in English, but there’s no reason to shy away from using Spanish every chance you get so you can really learn the language while you’re abroad.
9. You’ll gain insight into a unique type of Spanish
Reciting words from a textbook is one thing. Chatting with kind and helpful native speakers will take your Spanish fluency to a whole new level. When you do it in Quito, you’re learning a Spanish inextricable from the history of the region—the Spanish spoken in Quito and the Andes area overall uses many idioms from Quechua.
10. Language programs let you explore beyond Quito
In such an incredible destination, you won’t want to spend all your time in the classroom.
Studying in Quito won’t limit you if you want to learn Spanish in Ecuador while traveling in this vibrant country. Many language schools in Quito combine classroom learning with excursions throughout the city and country.
From the Andes to the Amazon to the beaches and beyond, you can find Spanish-language programs that include excursions to other places in Ecuador for even more cultural immersion as you learn.
11. It’s super affordable
Don’t let the cost of traveling abroad to study Spanish hold you back from reaping the benefits of language immersion. Quito consistently ranks as one of the most affordable cities in South America.
This is one city that makes traveling on a budget actually achievable. When you combine the inexpensive cost of living with affordable courses and tutoring options, you’ll see learning Spanish abroad is firmly within reach.
12. So many programs to choose!
You’ll find most language schools based right in Quito, so you can’t beat the capital if you’re looking for Spanish language programs in Ecuador. Compare schools and courses to choose a learning opportunity that best fits your goals. Whether you’re learning the basics or brushing up on existing knowledge, we bet you’ll find exactly what you need in Quito.
Our free Online Advisor can match you with 5 Spanish programs in Quito!
3 Spanish language programs in Quito
¿Dónde está mi paraguas? is a phrase you’ll learn almost immediately.
Figuring out where to learn Spanish in Ecuador is easy with so many great programs right in the capital city. We’ve rounded up some of our top choices to help you discover why Quito is the best place to learn Spanish in Ecuador:
1. Spanish Language and Adventure in Ecuador
- Why? If you’re after Spanish immersion in Ecuador, you’ll want to check out one of South America’s most prestigious Spanish language schools. A focus on quality, structured instruction has made Amazonas Spanish School a go-to choice for language learners. The official Spanish school for U.S. Department of State diplomats in Ecuador will help you elevate your real-world conversational skills while you explore Quito.
- Learn more about Amazonas Education & Travel (Amazonas Spanish School)
2. Spanish Courses in Quito with Cristobal Colon
- Why? Flexible programs and endless opportunities for immersion make this language school in Quito one of the best places to study Spanish in Ecuador. Choose from options like one-to-one lessons, outdoor classes that let you tour Quito while improving your Spanish abilities, and more to create a learning environment ideal for your needs and goals. You can even go for a program that lets you stay in Quito for six months to a year with a student visa.
- Learn more about Cristobal Colon Spanish School
3. Spanish in Quito with Simon Bolivar School
- Why? Combine daily language classes with cultural immersion activities when you learn Spanish in Ecuador through Simon Bolivar Spanish School. You can increase your immersion by living with a host family, prepare for SIELE or DELE exams, or start learning Spanish as a beginner thanks to the range of programs available. And it’s not just classroom learning that sets this school apart—student activities and culture lessons in topics like cooking, cocktails, idiomatic expressions, and sports make immersion even more fun.
- Learn more about Simon Bolivar Spanish School
Compare these programs side-by-side for FREE with MyGoAbroad
2 honorable mentions for learning Spanish in Ecuador
Not sold on Quito? No worries—we have even more options for you!
Quito offers an ideal setting for Spanish students, but it’s not the only way to go. Here’s where to learn Spanish in Ecuador when you’re looking for a different experience:
1. Cuenca
You don’t have to live in a bustling capital city to study Spanish in Ecuador. Case in point: Cuenca, a charming city complete with its own UNESCO World Heritage designation and the chance to practice Spanish around every corner.
Easygoing locals and a laid-back vibe mean you can complement formal coursework with real-life Spanish immersion in Ecuador. The city’s name (a cuenca is a river basin) gives a hint to its beauty—four rivers flow and church domes and mountain views dot the horizon. You’ll be learning Spanish while enjoying a slow pace of life in a picturesque study destination.
2. Galapagos Islands
Beaches, forests, wildlife you don’t have anywhere else in the world…language learning? That’s right, this top bucket-list destination for the adventure-seekers among us is also the ideal place to up your Spanish game.
Located about 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands offer the chance to see your language skills in action in a place that sometimes feels like it’s on another planet. Channel your inner Darwin and check out the giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and volcanic landscapes, all while you study one of the best languages for the future.
Want to learn or perfect your Spanish? Head to Quito!
We don’t doubt that you’re *this* excited to embark on your adventure.
Learning another language means building cultural awareness, tapping into career benefits, and growing as a person while you deepen your connection with folks who speak that language. Elevate the experience from a capital city unlike any other and watch as your Spanish skills reach new heights.
Look for the Perfect Language Program Abroad Now
Start Your Search
