Spanish, Discovery, and Connection
Learning Spanish in Cochabamba is much more than just a language trip — it’s a full immersion into Bolivian culture, following the warm rhythm of local life. Here’s what a typical week looks like for a student at the Carmen Vega Spanish School.
🏡 Monday – Arrival and Host Family Welcome
From day one, each student is welcomed by their Bolivian host family, who quickly become a home base. Meals, conversations, and traditions are shared daily.
Every morning starts with a typical Bolivian breakfast — coffee, tea, mate, or local infusions, crispy marraquetas or tortilla, quesillo, and tropical fruits — before heading to school.
📚 Monday to Friday Mornings – Spanish Classes
Classes take place each morning in a friendly and interactive atmosphere.
Teachers mix grammar, conversation, and role-playing so that every student gains confidence and progresses quickly. The method focuses on communication — learning to speak naturally, just like in real life.
At noon, students return home to have lunch with their host family — a perfect moment to practice Spanish daily while tasting local dishes such as sopa de manĂ, pique macho, or fricasĂ©, depending on the day!
🗣️ Tuesday – Tandem Night: The World Languages Club
Tuesday evenings are all about the Tandem, a unique language exchange in Cochabamba.
Locals, expats, and travelers come together to chat in Spanish, English, French, German, Quechua, and many other languages!
It’s the ideal opportunity to make new friends, improve your Spanish in a relaxed, multicultural environment — often with a drink or a spontaneous language game.
🛍️ Wednesday – Exploring La Cancha
Wednesday afternoons are free — perfect for discovering La Cancha, one of the largest open-air markets in South America.
You’ll find everything here: local crafts, traditional clothing, exotic fruits, and all kinds of curiosities.
It’s a colorful maze of sights and scents, where you can practice your bargaining skills in Spanish and find something new around every corner.
🍳 Thursday – Bolivian Cooking Workshop
On Thursdays, students can join a Bolivian cooking class organized with the Adelante Mujer foundation.
Guided by local cooks, you’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes like sajta de pollo or humintas.
It’s a heartwarming experience where food becomes a universal language.
🏞️ Friday – Adventure at the Cristo de la Concordia
After class, it’s time to climb up to the Cristo de la Concordia — the tallest statue of Christ in the world!
To reach it, you’ll need to climb 1,399 steps, a challenge rewarded by a breathtaking view over the entire city of Cochabamba.
At the top, you’ll understand why this city is called the “Heart of Bolivia.”
🦕 Weekend – Excursion to Toro Toro
For the more adventurous, head to Toro Toro National Park, just a few hours away.
Expect dinosaur footprints, spectacular caves, and the rocky fortress of Itas.
It’s an unforgettable weekend shared with other students — full of nature, laughter, and wonder.
Returning to Cochabamba, everyone brings back memories... and the wish to do it all again.
đź’¬ A New Week, New Friends
Every week brings new faces to the school.
Students meet, help each other, share tips, and gather for coffee or a hike.
What’s on the plan this week? A folkloric dance class? Climbing Pico Tunari? Visiting Quinta Estación Park? Exploring the traditional villages of Valle Alto? Joining a K’owa ceremony at La Troje ? Touring the Palacio Portales?
Maybe just enjoying an empanada at Wistupiku, a salteña at Castores, or a maracuyá ice cream at Dumbo.
The family-like atmosphere, language immersion, and cultural activities make Carmen Vega Spanish School much more than a place to learn Spanish — it’s a life-changing experience.