Best places for outdoor adventure in Latin America to take Spanish lessons
Wednesday July 14, 2021 - Posted by Puck de Vries
What are the best places for outdoor adventure in Latin America to take Spanish lessons? Although all Latin American countries have their fair share of outdoor adventure, some are more heavily saturated than others. Here, we are going to outline the best places in Latin America for outdoor adventure travel to study Spanish. Take Spanish lessons during the mornings and spend the afternoon hiking, biking, surfing, kayaking, and more! Live your dreams: improve your Spanish and have the time of your life in the outdoors. Here are the Best places for outdoor adventure in Latin America to take Spanish lessons.
Best places for adventure in Latin America to take Spanish lessons:
Best places for outdoor adventure
While taking Spanish lessons in Latin America, you can take advantage of outdoor adventure. From high altitude hiking in Peru to underwater diving in Colombia, Costa Rica, or Mexico – and anything in between- Latin America is a place to be explored. Not to mention, you can even choose the best places for adventure in Latin America that specialize in Spanish and Adventure courses, like Spanish and Surf, or Spanish and Diving, or Spanish and hiking, just to name a few options. Hold onto your hats because these adventures are going to make you feel alive like never before.
Best places for adventure in Latin America to take Spanish lessons
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# 1 Adventure Destination: Costa Rica
Costa Rica has it all, from tropical beaches to unforgettable adventures and rich biodiversity that push it to the very top of our adventure tourism in Latin America list. Thousands have made Costa Rica their top travel choice for adventure, experiencing unspoiled nature, and living authentic experiences. This makes it an amazing destination for a Spanish course in Latin America.
Costa Rica contains about 5% of the world’s species, making it one of the most biodiverse places on earth. The country also protects 26% of its land for conservation and nature. Costa Rica has 28 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas/mangroves, 11 forest reserves, and 8 biological reserves, as well as 12 other conservation regions that protect the distinctive and diverse natural habitats found throughout the country.
Highlands are found throughout the country, including the Guanacaste, Central, and Talamanca Mountain Ranges. Costa Rica is also home to several active volcanoes, a long coastline on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and many rivers that attract kayakers and rafters from all over the world.
Costa Rica is an adventurer’s playground with endless opportunities for canopy tours, diving, hiking, wildlife viewing, or water sports. No matter what season you decide to come to study Spanish in Costa Rica, there is always something to be discovered.
Adventure Tourism in Costa Rica
1 – Horseback riding tours in Costa Rica
Ride along the beaches of the Pacific coast, including Playa Conchal, Avellanas, Playa Negra, Junquillal, and San Juanillo. Towards the south of the coastal region, you can head to Playa Dominical and Playa Uvita. This region is also home to the waterfall named Catarata Nauyaca, where you can ride through fields and forests. We recommend you head to the Caribbean coast to the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife refuge, one of the best areas to see wildlife on horseback.
By land, you cannot miss a trip to the Arenal Volcano in the Alajuela Province or the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in Puntarenas. The central region of Costa Rica is the best place to see countless birds via horseback. Ride through the community of San Gerardo de Dota in the peaks of the Cordillera de Talamanca. In the north, you can ride on the banks of the Río Sarapiqui.
Don’t forget about night rides or rides to learn about exotic or medicinal plants. If you are a true horseback ride enthusiast, head out on December 26, which celebrates National Horseback Rider Day.
2 – Zipline, Cable Car, and Walkways in Costa Rica
Costa Rican hanging bridges connect hiking trails, giving visitors easy access to exciting views. In Jaco, on the Pacific side of the country, there is a sky tram with stunning views of small waterfalls and the ocean. About an hour from San Jose, next to the Braulio Carrillo National Park, there are more bridges that ascend to breathtaking heights. In Turrubares, you can see the Grande de Tarcoles River and the crocodile population from above. Monteverde also offers sky trams that let you see the Nicoya Gulf and Arenal Volcano.
If you are looking for a zip-lining adventure, head to the cloud forest in Monteverde for the opportunity to see more than 400 species of birds. Ciudad Quesada, San Mateo, San Ramon, near the Pacuare River, the Tabacon hot springs, and even the Poás Volcano all offer great zip-lining experiences. If you are looking for speed, try the 1-minute zip line that reaches 55 mph (90 kph) in the Central Valley. In Drake Bay, close to the Ocean, you can rush along the lush canopy.
3 – Hiking in Costa Rica
Take a 1-2 hour hike in the Manuel Antonio National Park in the Puntarenas province, or you can spend around 5 hours hiking through the Cerro Dantas Wildlife Refuge to experience the secondary cloud forests of San Rafael de Heredia. In the Corcovado National Park, you can enjoy both the forest and the coastline.
4 – Diving in Costa Rica
One of the best sites to dive in the South Pacific region is at the Caño Island Biological Reserve, which has an incredible marine ecosystem. You can also explore the islets Tres Hermanas and the protected maritime Zone of the Marino Ballena National Park, which is home to a great assortment of coral species. You also have the opportunity to view the migrations of humpback whales.
More diving in Costa Rica
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5 – Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica
Here are some of the best rivers for rafting in Costa Rica:
Reventazón: The Tucurrique section (Class III) is easy for beginners. The Pascua section (Class IV-V) is very intense and warrants previous rafting experience. Rafting can be done year round.
Pacuare: The country’s longest and most remarkable river trip (Class III-IV) can be completed from mid-May through mid March. A two-day trip is recommended.
Sarapiquí: This picturesque river (Class II-III) offers an exciting trip for rafting beginners. Tours are run out of San Jose or the Arenal area from mid-May through mid March.
Saavegre: This river (Class II-III) is ideal for first timers. Excursions leave from Manuel Antonio and Quepos from May to January.
Naranjo: This crazy river (Class III-IV) near Quepos requires some rafting experience and can be completed from June to November.
El General: If you are looking for a longer excursion, try this popular three-day kayaking or rafting trip (class III-IV). This river is best during the height of the rainy season, which runs from September to November.
Peñas Blancas in Arenal, Corobici River in Guanacaste, or Sarapiquí- Chilamate section: These relaxing and scenic rivers (Class I) are perfect for families, especially with younger children, where you can view wildlife. Rafting tours along these rivers can be taken year-round.
Kayaking can also be practiced on whitewater rivers or on quieter waters such as lakes, lagoons, the sea, or rivers with little current.
6 – Surfing in Costa Rica
7 – Climbing and RappellingClimbing:
Rappelling:
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In the Guanacaste area, there are three major beaches for surfing: Potrero Grande, Negra Beach, and Witch’s Rock, located in the Santa Rosa National Park. Other great beaches include: Naranjo Beach, Grande Beach, Tamarindo, Langosta Beach, Avellanas, Junquillal, and Nosara.
In the Central Pacific, a main attraction for surfers is Jaco. Beaches in the Central Pacific include Escondida Beach and Boca Barranca. Hermosa Beach is known for having some of the most consistent waves in the world. Other surf-friendly beaches in this area include Esterillos, Palo Seco, Roca Loca, Bejuco, Dominical, Damas Island, and Manuel Antonio, among others.
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In the Southern Pacific region, you can find Cabo Matapalo, which offers world-class waves. Punta Banco, which runs parallel to the coast, offers a series of beaches popular with surfers but not ideal for swimming.
On the Caribbean side, you can find a popular beach visited by surfers, Puerto Viejo, known as Salsa Brava for its huge tubes and strong waves. This spot is only for experienced surfers. Another beach, Cocles, has great waves and a lifeguard post. Bonita Beach and Uvita Island also hold world-class waves. These areas are only accessible by boat.
8 – Biking in Costa Rica
There are many tours of varying levels throughout Costa Rica, including those on the outskirts of San Jose, around the Irazu and Poas volcanoes, and in the Orosi Valley.
If you are advanced and prefer a more rigorous adventure, set out to the mountains of Talamanca and the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.
The mountain ranges in Guanacaste and Tilarán, as well as the valleys and plains along the Caribbean, Central Pacific, and Southern Pacific, also make for outstanding biking tourism hotspots.
Another favorite place for mountain biking, Turrialba in Cartago, has numerous captivating archeological sites and can be reached from the Caribbean coast. The terrain ranges from moderate to extreme.
9 – ATV and more
Enjoy ATV adventures along beaches or muddy, forest trails, fishing in deep ocean waters, on rivers, lakes, or in streams in Guanacaste, the Central and South Pacific, and the North Caribbean, and windsurfing, kitesurfing, stand-up paddling, or inflatable tubing. If you love golf, make sure to check out the areas of Guanacaste, the Mid Pacific, and San José.
# 2 Adventure destination: Ecuador
Best places for outdoor adventure
Ecuador is a paradise, no matter where you visit, and a great destination for a Spanish course. There are so many extraordinary reasons to visit Ecuador, including the Galápagos Islands’ rich biodiversity and wildlife. Visit the Mitad del Mundo (middle of the World monument), where bodies weigh slightly less due to the geographical feature that allows gravity to be exerted with less force. Nearby Quito, you can visit the Chimborazo Volcano, which is the closest place to the Earth to the Sun, and you can see humpback whales in the warm waters of the Ecuadorian Pacific.
When you study Spanish in Chile, you can ski down mountains as well as volcanoes, trek, enjoy fishing along the banks of Patagonian rivers, walk through native forests, paraglide, scuba dive, kitesurf, kayak, and surf all along the Pacific, and slide down sand dunes. And! This list does not even begin to cover all of the outdoor activities you can partake in.
Outdoor Activities in Chile
1 – Hiking and trekking in Chile
If you decide to go to Patagonia after your Spanish lessons in Chile, you will have all the trekking options in the world. Patagonia has dozens of national parks and reserves with trails of all difficulty levels. The Torres del Paine National Park has some of the finest trekking routes in Chile. Here you can find glaciers and lakes that are set against a backdrop of granite towers.
More trekking options in Chile:
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2 – Skiing and Snowboarding in Chile
You should head to the Andes Mountains to experience some of the best slopes in South America. Just a few kilometers from Santiago, you can find the famous Valle Nevado, La Parva, and El Colorado ski resorts. If you are an advanced skier, try out the slopes of Portillo.
Study Spanish in Chile |
3 – Horseback Riding in Chile
In Chile, you can ride through dunes and oases in the northern desert, canter through the colorful vineyards, see the magical landscapes of San Pedro de Atacama, discover the transcendent Elqui Valley, ride through the high Andes, ride bareback through the volcanoes and craters of Rapa Nui, or learn about ranching in the Chilean Patagonia.
4 – Surfing in Chile
Surf Chile’s 4,000 kilometers of paradise. Ride the insane wave called “El Gringo” in Arica. Enjoy the perfect tubes formed at Cavancha Beach. In the central part of the country, you can find Punta de Lobos in Pichilemu, which has been named “The World Surfing Capital.”
Constitución, further south, offers a mix of calm beaches and strong waves for all levels. Beaches like Dichato and Buchupureo are for surfers who really want to put their skills to the test while surfing thundering waves around rugged rock formations.
5 – Sport Fishing in Chile
Chile offers year-round fishing opportunities to practice any technique, from fly fishing to trolling and drifting. Enjoy the early morning seclusion in the calm northern groves, go deep into the forests in the south, or relax on a boat in the Lake District. In Patagonia, you can stay on the shores of the Simpson and Baker rivers.
6 – Kayaking in Chile
Paddle along 1,200 rivers of varying complexity, calm lakes, and lagoons from the central region of Chile all the way to Patagonia to take in the breathtaking landscapes and the biodiversity. Try out the waters on the Maipo River and the Maule Valley.
If you are an experienced kayaker, try the Trancura River near Pucón and enjoy the wooded landscapes surrounding the lakes at Caburga, Calafquén, Conguillío, and Riñihue.
If you are in the mood for challenging rapids and waterfalls, head to the world-famous Futaleufu River on the Carretera Austral, or the Baker River close to General Carrera Lake.
7 – Rafting in Chile
For basic rafting, try the low-intensity stretches on the Maipo River near Santiago. If you are looking for fun family and friend adventures, explore the safe Claro River in the Siete Tazas National Park. If you need more speed in your life, head to the Trancura and Liucura Rivers, which will take you on swirling class 4 and 5 rapids.
Expert rafters can’t leave Chile without challenging themselves on the Futaleufu River in Patagonia and the Baker River.
8 – Diving on Eastern Island
Start off your diving expedition on a boat from Chañaral de Aceituno or Punta de Choros Cove to dive into the famous Pingüinos de Humboldt National Reserve. Here you can see how the penguins, sea lions, and sea otters move through their natural habitat. At Los Molles and Pichidangui, you can marvel at the sea sponges and starfish, or you can dive around an old shipwreck in Quintay. The crystal clear waters of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) will allow you to see to a depth of between 40 and 60 meters. Here you can explore the mysterious caves and find the submerged Moai on the Las Áncoras reef. The underwater paradise of Juan Fernández will also awaken your senses.
Other
Chile is also famous for cable riding, ice field walking, sandboarding, kitesurfing, water sports, parasailing, and aerial sports, as well as overland 4×4.
Other Noteworthy Countries: Colombia and Mexico
Are those four countries the best places to travel for outdoor adventure in Latin America? We think they are! But there is more. Two other Latin American countries are great destinations too for outdoor activities, very Adventurous Places to visit. We talk about Colombia and Mexico!
# 5: Colombia
Colombia is one of the most joyful and welcoming places on Earth and one of the best places for outdoor activities. As soon as you arrive to study Spanish in Colombia, you will feel the warmth of its people, their beautiful smiles, and be offered an excellent cup of coffee. And just like its people, the geography is varied and charming. You will see mountainous regions, plains, the captivating rainforest and stunning beaches. Trekking, tourism on two wheels, exploration of protected areas, bird and whale watching, diving, community tourism, equestrian tourism, sport fishing, and agro tourism are all part of the most welcoming place on Earth.
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Best places for outdoor adventure
Colombia is one of the most biologically diverse countries. Represented in its vast geography are two oceans, three mountain ranges, and the highest snow-capped mountain on the coast, far-reaching portions of the world’s moorlands, lush jungles, and unrivaled rivers. Because Colombia is in the equatorial zone and has a wide range of geological conditions, you will be able to enjoy a variety of ecosystems and landscapes. This makes Colombia a great destination, one of the best places for outdoor adventure.
# 6: Mexico
The sheer level of cultural wealth and natural diversity of Mexico makes it one of the most enjoyable places, not only in Latin America but in the whole world, for adventure tourism. When you study Spanish in Mexico, you will move between 32 diverse states comprised of turquoise beaches, jungles, forests, mountains, caves, hills, parks, lagoons, mangroves, deserts, volcanoes, and national parks. What doesn’t Mexico have?
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Best places for outdoor adventure
Revel in the forests at the center of the country, which provide the picture-perfect atmosphere for biking, camping, fishing, or hiking. If you prefer to admire marine life and clear waters, the Sea of Cortés and the Caribbean will become your all-time favorite destination for diving or snorkeling.
Climbers will put their abilities and talents to the test while climbing the Nevado de Toluca, the Pico de Orizaba, or the Iztaccíhuatl. The large rock formations that surround Mexico are ideal for scaling or rappelling lovers. The Yucatán Peninsula has a plethora of underground rivers, grottoes (picturesque caves), and cenotes (sinkholes) to discover.
In the Huasteca Potosina, you can enjoy caving, canyoning, rafting, kayaking, rappelling, waterfall jumping, and so much more!
From north to south and east to west, Mexico has many natural wonders to explore, appreciate, and enjoy. Just make sure to bring along your adventurous self and don’t hold back!
This also makes México, like Peru, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica, one of the best places for outdoor adventure. Latin America is culture, Latin America is Spanish, and Latin America is adventure.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like more information about Spanish courses in Latin America.
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