Accommodation
Experience Mexico Through a Local Homestay
At Iguana Abroad, we believe that where you stay is just as important as what you learn in the classroom. That’s why every one of our Spanish immersion programs includes a carefully selected homestay with a local Mexican family in Cuernavaca.
Living with a host family gives you the opportunity to practise Spanish every day in real-life situations while experiencing authentic Mexican culture from the inside. From sharing meals and conversations to discovering local traditions and everyday life in Mexico, your homestay becomes an essential part of your Spanish learning journey.
For many of our guests, living with a Mexican family is one of the most rewarding and memorable parts of their time in Mexico. It’s an experience that simply can’t be replicated in a hotel or private apartment.
Why Stay With a Mexican Host Family?
Learning Spanish doesn’t stop when your morning lessons finish. Some of the most valuable learning happens naturally throughout the day.
Whether you’re chatting over breakfast, sharing stories with your host family in the evening or asking for recommendations around Cuernavaca, every conversation helps build your confidence and improve your Spanish in a relaxed, supportive environment.
A homestay also allows you to experience Mexican culture in a way that simply isn’t possible as a tourist. You’ll gain an insight into local customs, family life and everyday traditions while becoming part of a welcoming community.
Many of our guests tell us that their homestay became one of the highlights of their entire trip.
- Constant Spanish Practice: Engage in meaningful conversations with your host family, enhancing your language skills around the clock.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the richness of Mexican customs and traditions as you partake in daily family activities.
- Local Insights: Gain first-hand knowledge of the area, from local markets to hidden gems, directly from your hosts.
- Carefully Selected Hosts: All homestay families are thoroughly vetted by the Iguana Abroad team to ensure a safe and welcoming environment.
How Do We Choose the Right Homestay for You?
Everyone joins Iguana Abroad for different reasons. Some people come to improve their Spanish before moving to Mexico, others are planning to retire abroad, while many simply want to experience authentic Mexican culture and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.
That’s why we don’t believe there’s a single “perfect” homestay. Instead, we believe there’s a perfect match for you.
Our host families all have different personalities and lifestyles. Some enjoy spending lots of time chatting with guests and sharing family meals, while others naturally offer a quieter environment with more independence and personal space. Neither is better than the other — it’s simply about finding the home where you’ll feel most comfortable.
Before you arrive, we’ll arrange a video call to get to know you, discuss your preferences and answer any questions. This allows us to recommend the homestay that best matches your personality, interests and travel style.
Comfort, Privacy & Independence
One of the biggest misconceptions about homestays is that you’ll have very little privacy. In reality, most of our guests quickly discover that there’s an excellent balance between independence and family life.
Everyone has their own private bedroom, giving you a comfortable space to relax, study or unwind after a day of Spanish classes and exploring Cuernavaca.
Some guests enjoy spending every evening chatting with their host family, while others prefer to explore the city independently before returning home. Both approaches are absolutely fine, and many of our host families naturally offer plenty of personal space while still making you feel genuinely welcome whenever you’d like to join them.
Our aim is simple: to help you feel at home in Mexico while giving you the freedom to enjoy the experience in the way that suits you best.
Safe, Trusted Host Families
Your comfort, wellbeing and peace of mind are our highest priorities.
Every host family works closely with Iguana Abroad and is personally selected before welcoming guests into their home. We know our families well and stay in regular contact throughout your stay to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Female-only host families are also available for guests who would feel more comfortable with that option, and we’ll be happy to discuss any accommodation preferences during your pre-arrival video call.
Wherever you stay, you’ll always have the full support of the Iguana Abroad team throughout your time in Mexico.
Prefer More Independence? Private Accommodation Options
Although we believe a homestay offers the richest Spanish immersion experience, we understand that some guests prefer the privacy and independence of their own accommodation.
If that’s the right option for you, we can recommend carefully selected private accommodation through our trusted local partners. These options are available at an additional cost while allowing you to enjoy all the benefits of the Iguana Abroad program.
If you’re unsure which accommodation option would suit you best, we’ll be happy to talk you through the choices during your consultation and help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have my own bedroom?
Yes. Every guest has their own private bedroom within their homestay, giving you a comfortable space to relax and enjoy your own privacy.
Can I request a female host family?
Absolutely. We have female-only host families available and are happy to accommodate this request whenever possible.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. Please let us know before you arrive if you have any dietary requirements or food allergies. We work closely with our host families and will always do our best to accommodate your needs.
Are meals included in the course price?
Lunches are included in the course price from Monday to Friday. Most students like to explore Cuernavaca restaurants, cafes and street food options for their other meals, but if you would like an all-inclusive homestay with cooked evening meals and/or breakfasts then this can be arranged, for an extra price. If you would like homestay breakfasts and/or evening meals, please let us know during our “Homestay Video-Call” and we will arrange this for you.
Can I stay in private accommodation instead?
Of course. If you’d prefer more independence, we can recommend carefully selected private accommodation through our trusted local partners for an additional cost.