The Iguana Abroad Experience
Learn spanish your way
Choose the Spanish Course that Fits You
Whether you’re looking for a group Spanish immersion course or a private Spanish immersion program with flexible start dates, Iguana Abroad offers a range of immersive Spanish courses in Cuernavaca, Mexico, designed around different goals, travel styles and interests. Explore each Spanish immersion course below to find the experience that’s right for you.
the iguana abroad experience
Spanish, Lived - Not Just Learned
The fastest way to learn Spanish is by living it. Our Spanish immersion courses combine expert teaching with authentic cultural experiences, real-life conversations and unforgettable adventures, helping you build confidence naturally while discovering the very best of Mexico.
Daily Life in Mexico
Start your day with a freshly prepared breakfast, share conversations with your host family, and experience the warmth of everyday life in Mexico. It's the little moments that make your immersion truly unforgettable.
Learn by Doing
Learning doesn't stop when class ends. Put your Spanish into practice through everyday conversations, hands-on activities, traditional events and real-life situations that build confidence naturally.
Explore and Experience
From colourful colonial towns and hidden natural wonders to vibrant festivals and unforgettable weekend trips, discover the incredible diversity, history and beauty of Mexico beyond the classroom.
Friends & Memories for Life
One of the most rewarding parts of the Iguana Abroad experience is the people you meet. Share unforgettable moments, build genuine friendships and create lasting memories with like-minded travellers from around the world.
Discover Hidden Mexico
Experience the Mexico most visitors never see. Thanks to our close relationships with local communities, you'll discover hidden gems, authentic traditions and unforgettable places recommended by the people who know them best.
The Transformation
By the end of your journey, you'll return home with greater confidence, stronger Spanish skills and a deeper understanding of Mexico. You'll leave with more than just a new language—you'll leave with a new perspective.
small groups. big experiences.
GROUP COURSES 2027
Click on any of our 2027 group Spanish immersion courses to find out more!
Summer Spanish Immersion Programs
Semana Santa (Easter) Spanish Immersion
Day of the Dead Spanish Immersion Program
New Year's Eve Spanish Immersion Program
Family Spanish Immersion Program
Snowbird January Spanish Immersion Program
Medical Spanish Immersion Program
Business Spanish Immersion Program
learn your way.
PRIVATE COURSES 2027
Click below to find out more about out private Spanish immersion courses!
Private Spanish Immersion Progams
what to expect - why students choose iguana abroad
YOUR SPANISH IMMERSION EXPERIENCE
The fastest way to learn Spanish is by living it. Our Spanish immersion courses combine expert teaching with authentic cultural experiences, real-life conversations and unforgettable adventures, helping you build confidence naturally while discovering the very best of Mexico.
Daily Spanish Lessons
- Classes in one of Mexico's most highly regarded Spanish schools
- Based on a beautiful campus surrounded by tropical plants, cafes and swimming pools!
- All materials needed for the classroom lessons
- Three hours of high quality classes every day, Monday to Friday
- Professional, highly-qualified native speaking teachers
- Improve your Spanish skills by one CEFR stage every 2 weeks!
- Daily support outside of classroom hours for all Spanish questions
Cultural Immersion
- Immerse yourself in the language with our multiple Spanish-language immersion events with native speakers
- Mexican cookery class with Mexican chef
- Salsa dancing lesson to get into the Latino vibe
- Aztec Ceramics Workshop with Mexican potter
- Trip to the ancient pyramids of Xochicalco
- Optional daily language exchanges with Mexican locals
- Daily breakfasts to practice your Spanish first thing in the morning!
- 24/7 immersion in one of Mexico's best cities
Weekend Travel
- Multiple weekend excursions outside of Cuernavaca to the best locations in Mexico
- Travel in the best private minibuses in Mexico
- Swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of "Las Estacas"
- Explore ancient Aztec pyramids
- Trips to Mexico's famous Pueblo Mágicos or "Magic Towns"
- Fully immersive experience travelling with locals
- Practice your new Spanish skills in authentic situations
- Create lasting memories and make lifelong friends
Accommodation
- Options of homestay or independent/communal accommodation
- Practice your Spanish 24/7 in authentic immersion experiences if you choose to do a homestay
- Experience how Mexican families live their daily lives
- Homestay host families fully vetted by the IA team
- A choice of private or shared rooms if you prefer our independent living option
- Central location just a short walk away from Cuernavaca's central cathedral
And Everything Else...
- Airport pickup service
- Needs Analysis session with professional native teacher before the course starts to get a complete view of your Spanish skills
- Bespoke "Iguana Abroad" Arrival Package
- Certificate of course completion
- 24/7 support from the Iguana Abroad team
The Authentic Spanish Immersion Experience
WHAT IMMERSION ACTIVITIES CAN I DO?
Our Spanish immersion courses include a wide range of cultural and language immersion activities designed to help you practise Spanish while experiencing everyday life and Mexican culture. From Mexican cookery and traditional ceramics to Latin dance, arts and crafts, archaeological visits and more, there are plenty of ways to take your Spanish beyond the classroom. The activities available vary between courses, so not every course includes every activity listed below. To see exactly which immersion activities are included in your course, visit the individual course page for full details.
Mexican Cookery Class
Learn to prepare traditional Mexican dishes in a hands-on Mexican cookery class. Follow local recipes, learn about Mexican ingredients and practise your Spanish while discovering the food and culinary traditions of Mexico.
Latin Dance Class
Get moving with a fun Latin dance class where you can learn salsa, bachata or cumbia. Practise your Spanish while experiencing some of the music and dance traditions that are an important part of Mexican culture.
Aztec Arts Workshop
Discover Mexico's ancient artistic traditions through a hands-on Aztec-style arts and crafts workshop. Learn about pre-Hispanic Mexican culture while creating your own piece of artwork and practising Spanish in a relaxed, creative environment.
Visit the Aztec Pyramid of Teopanzolco
Explore the ancient Aztec pyramid of Teopanzolco, an important archaeological site in Cuernavaca. Discover the history of the site and learn about the Aztec civilization while practising Spanish with your guide.
Axolotl Experience
Discover one of Mexico's most fascinating native animals with a visit to Chapultepec Park in Cuernavaca to see the famous axolotl. Learn about this unique Mexican amphibian, its importance in Mexican culture and the conservation efforts protecting it, while practising Spanish along the way.
Day of the Dead Event
Experience the traditions of Día de los Muertos in the nearby community of Ocotepec. Visit local altars, learn about the traditions behind the celebration and take part in the preparations, including buying candles and seeing how local families honour their loved ones. This immersion activity is only available as part of our special Day of the Dead course.
Explore Mexico Beyond Cuernavaca
WHERE CAN I GO ON THE EXCURSIONS?
Our Spanish immersion courses give you the opportunity to explore beyond Cuernavaca and discover some of the most fascinating towns, archaeological sites and natural attractions in central Mexico. Depending on your course, excursions can include destinations such as Tepoztlán, Malinalco, Las Estacas, Tlayacapan, Xochimilco and Xochicalco. Not every course includes every excursion listed below, and the destinations available vary depending on the course and dates. Check your individual course page to see which excursions are included in the program you are interested in.
Tepoztlán
Explore the magical town of Tepoztlán, famous for its spectacular mountain scenery, traditional crafts and the ancient Tepozteco archaeological site. Discover one of Mexico's most popular Pueblo Mágicos while practising your Spanish.
Las Estacas
Spend the day at Las Estacas, a beautiful natural park known for its crystal-clear river and lush surroundings. Swim, relax and enjoy a day in nature while practising Spanish with native Mexican Spanish speakers.
Malinalco
Discover the charming Pueblo Mágico of Malinalco, surrounded by spectacular mountains and steeped in Mexican history. Explore its cobbled streets, colonial buildings and remarkable pre-Hispanic archaeological site.
Xochimilco
Take a traditional trajinera through the famous canals of Xochimilco in Mexico City. Enjoy the colorful boats, mariachi music and lively atmosphere of this UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape.
Xochicalco Pyramid
Step back in time at Xochicalco, one of Mexico's most important pre-Hispanic archaeological sites. Explore its ancient pyramids, temples and remarkable astronomical observatory overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Tlayacapan
Experience the traditional side of Morelos in Tlayacapan, a picturesque Pueblo Mágico surrounded by mountains. Discover its historic churches, colonial streets, local crafts and long-standing cultural traditions.
WHAT WILL A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE?
A TYPICAL WEEKDAY ON IGUANA ABROAD
08:00 AM – 09:00 AM – Breakfast is provided on the school campus. Enjoy traditional Mexican breakfasts while practicing your Spanish from the start of the day!
09:00 AM – 12:00 PM – The morning is typically dedicated to Spanish classes, where you will work with our specialised team of native-speaker language tutors. Morning lessons typically last for 3 hours. Participants are organised into different groups, depending on your current Spanish level. Your Spanish level is determined by a placement test CERF level.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch at one of the many street food stalls, cafes or restaurants that can be found near the school or in the city centre. Participants often decide where to have lunch together and eat as a group. This can be a good opportunity for you to practice your newly-learnt Spanish skills either with your new friends or Cuernavaca locals.
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Language immersion. Participants are encouraged to practice their Spanish with native speakers and use the Spanish learnt in the morning in real-life situations. Whether this is through a language exchange organized by Iguana Abroad, a visit to a museum or art gallery with new Mexican friends, or a Spanish language event such as a Mexican cookery class or a tequila tasting event, this part is where your Spanish language skills will come to life and your language level will develop faster than ever before!
5:00 PM – End of Day – Free time after everyone has finished up for the day – typically the group will meet up for dinner or some other planned activity to unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Finally, it’s lights out to rest for the next day!
SPANISH IMMERSION DESIGNED AROUND YOUR GOALS
Iguana Abroad’s philosophy is based on total language immersion. We believe that students who fully apply themselves to the program are capable of progressing by one level on the CEFR Spanish grading scale during each two-week program. Our intensive combination of daily Spanish lessons, cultural immersion activities, excursions and real-world opportunities to use Spanish is designed to maximize language exposure and accelerate your progress.
Before each student arrives, we conduct a short Needs Analysis session to understand their current Spanish level, aims and objectives. This gives you an opportunity to discuss what you want to achieve during the course and allows us to tailor your Spanish lessons and immersion experience to your individual abilities and goals.
Our Spanish courses are taught by qualified, experienced native Spanish-speaking teachers and typically take place each morning from 9:00am to 12:00pm. Your structured Spanish lessons then form the foundation for the rest of your day, when you’ll continue using Spanish through lunches, cultural immersion activities, excursions and everyday interactions.
