Mountains, rivers, and deep cultural connection.

Study Spanish in a peaceful, authentic, off‑the‑beaten‑path town.

Turrialba doesn’t try to impress — and that’s its magic.

No tourist traps. Just mountain views, friendly locals, and the sound of rivers nearby.
Here, you’ll experience the Costa Rica most travelers miss.
A place to focus, slow down, and immerse yourself in the real thing.

Small‑group & private classes

Friendly, experienced, certified and local teachers

Relaxed, focused learning environment

Weekly cultural activities (offered but not included)

Volcano views from the classroom!

Outdoor settings, nature nearby

The best host family program

lots of volunteer & internship options

  • Go white‑water rafting on the Pacuare River
  • Visit indigenous villages, cacao & coffee farms
  • Explore lush trails and waterfalls
  • Take cooking classes and eat with locals
  • Practice Spanish in town, not just in class

What to do in your free time

Take cooking or dance classes

Chill in a hammock or share a BBQ with classmates

Go rafting or kayaking on the tropical river Pacuare

Go canyoning or cross the forest on ziplines

Go horseback riding to waterfalls

Learn hands-on on coffee & cacao tours

See wildlife on the night tour in the botanical garden

Go hiking and bird watching

Visit the Guayabo archeological site

Our own calm, friendly hostel

Homestays with local families

(full immersion)

Private apartments, studios, or shared houses

all simple, clean, surrounded by nature.

Is this location right for you?

You want real immersion in language & culture

You prefer quiet, natural surroundings

You like connection over crowds

You’re ready to disconnect to reconnect

5 / 5

Marianne, Switzerland:

27 May 2024

If you are looking for a good school to learn Spanish and have fun to discover some new places I can really recommend spanish@locations.

Cozy hostels, fantastic outdoor classrooms, great teachers and people! Ingrid and her staff are amazing, I had a wonderful time in Turrialba and Puerto Viejo…for sure will come back!
Muchas gracias y Pura Vida!

Jaime, USA:

27 May 2024

I will never forget this amazing experience and consider it to be one of the top experiences of my life.

Staff and teachers were so accommodating and took excellent care of us. They are all very kind, interesting people who encouraged us to use our Spanish while there. Turrialba was special because I was able to do bird watching right there on the terrace while waiting for my class to start. Puerto Viejo had beautiful beaches and delicious restaurants!

Mountains, rivers, and deep cultural connection.

Turrialba

Looking for something meaningful and off the radar?