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Learn Spanish in The Amazing Galapagos Islands - all information

The Galapagos Islands or Archipelago de Colon, declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1978, are located in the Pacific Ocean 1000 Km off the Ecuadorian Coast. The islands are composed of 13 large volcanic islands, 6 smaller islands, and 107 islets and rocks.

Because of its flora and fauna, Galapagos is considered to be one of the few natural living laboratories left on our planet. Some visit the islands to witness the evolutionary processes recorded by Charles Darwin. Others simply come to enjoy “heaven on earth”.

While visiting the Galapagos, you will encounter awe-inspiring opportunities to observe natural wonders and diverse animal life. The Galapagos Islands contain long stretches of beach considered to be some of the best and most beautiful in the world.

The Marine Reserve in Galapagos is the second largest in the world, and is home to the one of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs. In its waters, you will find the greatest shark biomass on earth, as well as a unique whale and shark migration destination for mating and giving birth. In addition, the zone between Wolf and Darwin Islands is considered the best in the world for scuba diving and snorkeling due to the incredible concentration of marine species.

Visit the Galapagos and swim with unique species, observe ancient natural formations, and experience the local culture and language of the islands. We promise that a visit to the “Enchanted Islands” is a visit you will not soon forget.

OUR SPANISH INSTITUTE IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Instituto Superior de Español opened its first course in the Galapagos Islands in May of 1996 in Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island. Today, ISE offers programs in facilities located in Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Your courses will take place in the heart of Puerto Ayora, the largest settlement on the island of Santa Cruz, or in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on the island of San Cristobal.

Classes are held in the morning and teachers will set a short exercise for homework each day. In the afternoon, a local guide will help you discover the incredible natural beauty of the Galapagos Islands. We offer classes for Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate and Advanced levels of Spanish.

OUR SPANISH COURSES IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

For your Spanish language course on the Galapagos Islands you can choose between group and private courses. Instituto Superior de Español is delighted to prepare a customized program that will incorporate all your wishes and will include a great balance between learning the Spanish language and experiencing the Galapagos Islands. Your customized program will include Spanish courses, accommodation, and excursions.

Instituto Superior de Español in the Galapagos Islands offers classes for beginner, elementary, intermediate and advanced levels. ISE has spent many years refining its teaching method and creating an effective Spanish course that focuses on the development of speaking, listening, thinking and writing skills in Spanish.

Spanish classes focus on vocabulary, grammar, conversation, readings, and pronunciation and they incorporate practical communication skills which our students can use outside the classroom right away.

Before the beginning of your Spanish language course we will evaluate your knowledge so that we can adapt your individual learning program to your personal needs. Your progress will be monitored on a daily basis so that we can customize your course and ensure that you obtain optimum success in your language program.

OUR SPANISH PROGRAMS IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

ACCOMMODATION  IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS

On Santa Cruz Island we will organize your stay at a first-class hotel since it offers better service than other kind of placement. This hotel provides clean and comfortable accommodation and hospitable and helpful staff. The hotel also provides complimentary WiFi, a pool, hot tub, a well-equipped bar and restaurant, and laundry services.

SAN CRISTOBAL ISLANDS

In San Cristobal Island we work with a few great hotels and hostels, all of which offer impressive views of the Islands. The atmospheres of these accommodations are very welcoming and they offer comfortable rooms and a great staff that will gladly assist you at any time. All hotels and hostels offer single, double, triple and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms, hot water, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi in all property areas.

ACTIVITIES IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

With the incredible diversity and beauty of wildlife on land and in water in the Galapagos, you will have ample opportunity to view animals in their natural habitats during hikes, bike rides, and swims. Diving and snorkeling are particularly popular activities along the coasts of Ecuador’s archipelago. As you explore the underwater world of the Galapagos Islands, you will swim with tame sea lions, turtles, dolphins, and multicolored fish and you will observe the fascinating underwater landscape of reefs, mangroves and lava formations.

The individual Galapagos Islands can be explored in many different ways and there are numerous tours that emphasize different activities. Your tours may include some combination of hiking, horseback riding, or biking, plus diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, climbing or swimming.

TORTUGA BAY

Tortuga Bay is a beautiful white sand beach just outside of Puerto Ayora. Once you have registered with the park, you can walk a 2.5 km trail where you will observe Darwin finches and the diverse flora and fauna. If you start the trail early enough, you will be able to observe hundreds of marine iguanas that sunbathe at the western end of the beach.

TOUR OF BAHIA

At the Playa de los Perros, you will encounter blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and marine iguanas. Here you can swim or snorkel in Las Grietas, a volcanic formation with clear fresh water. In addition, you will enjoy the spectacular sight of La Lobería which home to a large colony of sea lions and giant Galapagos tortoises.

CHARLES DARWIN RESEARCH CENTER

At the interactive Darwin Research Center museum, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history and science of the archipelago. You will also learn about different conservation projects on the island, including the preservation of the giant tortoise in the wild.

HIGHLANDS TOUR IN SANTA CRUZ

During the Highlands Tour in Santa Cruz, you will gasp at beautiful landscapes of rolling hills and extinct volcanic cones covered with endemic grass and lush greenery all year round. You can explore tunnel caves and marvel at the diversity of fauna on the island. In addition, it is always possible to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat.

MURO DE LAGRIMAS

Just eight kilometers from Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island, Muro de Lagrimas, or “Wall of Tears” is a historic wall built by prisoners of the Galapagos penal colony during the 1940s and 50s. At this site, you can learn more about the history of this former prison and you can also enjoy a breathtaking view of Isabela Island. The site can be reached by walking or bicycling.

SNORKELING AND DIVING

The Galapagos Islands provide incredible opportunities to snorkel and swim with sea lions, sea turtles, beautifully colored fish, sharks, etc. Our Spanish programs include boat tours where you will explore the rich underwater world!

RECOMMENDED CLOTHES AND EQUIPMENT

For most activities you will need comfortable shoes and sandals that will allow you to occasionally walk in lava rocks, lightweight pants or shorts, a comfortable t-shirt, a bathing suit, and a light rain jacket. A windbreaker will make the dinghy trips more comfortable, especially when you travel from island to island. Towels are provided by the hotel. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, bug spray, a hat and a lot of memory space on your phone or camera because there will be hundreds of beautiful pictures to take!

THE CLIMATE IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

 

HOW TO GET TO THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The only option to get to the Galapagos Islands is by flight. Three airlines travel to the Galapagos Islands: Tame Airlines, Avianca Airlines and Latam Airlines.

The airport of San Cristobal Island is located 10 minutes by foot to the center of the city of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. You will have no trouble reaching your accommodation and the Spanish school once you land on the island.

The airport of Baltra Island is located around 90 minutes distance from the city of Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island. If you land on Baltra Island, you will take a free bus from the airport to the CANAL. Once you are in the canal, you will take a small ferry to cross the canal to Santa Cruz Island. As soon as you arrive, you can take a public bus or a taxi to Puerto Ayora city.

When you arrive in the Galapagos at either the San Cristobal Island airport or the Baltra Island airport, a member of our Spanish Institute will be waiting for you. This person will accompany you to your accommodation in either San Cristobal or Santa Cruz Islands.

INCLUDED / NOT INCLUDED

ISE CLASSES

  • Airport pickup and transfer to accommodation in Galapagos.
  • 20 class hours minimum
  • Textbooks
  • Notebooks
  • Complimentary activities held at ISE (described in the program and in itineraries)
  • Diploma or certificate of studies
  • Luggage storage and safety box
  • Round-trip flight ticket to Galapagos
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee (US $100)
  • INGALA ID card (US $20)
  • Enrollment fee for all programs (US $40)

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