The Mariposa Spanish School and Eco Hotel

Our family of five was just looking for a place to stay for a few days, but wow did we stumble onto to something wonderful at the Mariposa Language School and Eco-Hotel. In less than a day, we were sitting in on excellent Spanish lessons, riding horses to the rim of the Masaya volcano, visiting a national park, reading about Latin American history in the library, enjoying the monkeys and parrots in the aviaries, and riding along with the staff to buy food at the market. Paulette, the owner, was like a gracious mother to us, and we were part of her family. If we return to Nicaragua, we'll definitely come here.

I had the opportunity to stay at the Mariposa Spanish school for a month this summer, and thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the trip. Because this was the first time I had traveled by myself, I was slightly apprensive about the trip. However, I felt right at home almost immediately upon arriving at the Mariposa. The people I met, both other students and the people who worked at the school, were amazing to say the least. I felt sincerely welcomed and the hospitality continued throughout my stay. The accomodations were simple but comfortable and I had everything I needed--including warm water. The food was delicious. The classes were challenging, but I never felt overwhelmed. Each week I had the opportunity to work with different teachers and learned a lot. There are many places in the world that I want to travel to, but the Mariposa is one place that I plan on returning to.

I have lived and traveled extensively, and have attended other language schools in Central America. The La Mariposa family provides Spanish lessons with patience, attention to individual learning styles, and with a generosity of spirit I have not previously encountered. They offer fabulous, fresh, and healthful meals, and an extremely well-thought out schedule of activities designed to introduce guests to the beauty, culture, and character of the country. What has left the greatest impression on my heart and soul, however, is the greater understanding of humanity and the world I gained in one short month at this place. La Mariposa's founding philosophy, the ecological responsibility, the commitment to welcoming and teaching and sharing, is truly extraordinary! It is certainly possible to visit La Mariposa, learn Spanish, and enjoy the food, the people, the fun, and the adventure of Nicaragua, but a few good charlas and some heart-to-hearts with Paulette and the people may challenge one sufficiently to change ones commitment to this world we share. Clearly, I highly recommend it!!

There arent enough words to express how wonderful a place La Mariposa is. Not only is it a hotel, a Spanish school, a community outreach program, and a tour group, La Mariposa is a family. As a solo female traveler who had never previously visited Latin America and spoke almost no Spanish, I was shocked at how quickly I felt right at home at La Mariposa. Though Id been worried about finding the driver in the airport, while I was waiting in line at Customs I could already see him through the glass door, holding the butterfly sign. I arrived at the hotel just in time for lunch, during which I quickly became friends with the other guests/students, who were warm and welcoming. The Spanish teachers are truly talented, and the classes, which were all one-on-one, take place outdoors in the lovely gardens. I have never had such an enjoyable learning experience. And the afternoon/weekend activities are so much fun!!! Not only do you get the chance to visit famous natural wonders such as the Masaya volcano, you also get to experience the culture and people of Nicaragua on a more intimate level by doing such things as touring a local pineapple farm and participating in a cooking class. And the website definitely downplays the food at La Mariposa  it is so delicious that its hard to believe its healthy; and you even get a dessert after every dinner! Overall, La Mariposa is a shining example of socially and ecologically responsible tourism, and I wouldn't trade my experience there for the world! Some general tips: -American money is widely accepted in Nicaragua, but often only in denominations of $1, $5, and $10 bills. Many places cannot make change for a $20 and also cannot give change in quarters. -Bring Cipro or other antibiotic in case you get a parasite. (During my stay, about half of the guests experienced mild stomach problems at some point, but the antibiotics did their job right away so that nobody missed any classes or activities.) -Bring earplugs so that the animals dont wake you up at night -If, like me, you are a runner, you can go on a short, mostly flat jog alone within the La Mariposa walls, or take a friend and head outside of La Mariposa for a more challenging, hilly workout. -The manicure/pedicure include a wonderful hand/foot massage, but they do not include having your nails painted -The massages are great and are quite inexpensive. But, even if you ask for a half hour one, you may receive (and hence be charged for) an hour long one. -If you have a laptop, bring it; its nice to be able to check e-mail out on the balcony before dinner -Dont worry if, like me, you are allergic to animals. The dogs, though friendly, wont go in your bedroom unless you encourage them to do so. And since you (and they) are outdoors most of the time, the dander likely wont be a problem. -Most importantly: stay as long as possible at La Mariposa!

I spent a month at La Mariposa, and highly recommend it for the teachers and staff of very high quality, good organic, vegetarian food, interesting students from around the world as well as very nice, simple accommodations. There is a thoughtfulness and kindness in everything that they do. I had a great experience on many levels.

I spent two glorious, life changing months at the Mariposa Spanish School and Eco-Hotel. The instructors were top notch, very patient and kind to this middle aged learner. Accomodations were very nice and extremely comfortable, the mealtimes were always an exciting adveture as I got to sample the wonderful culinary offerings from the kitchen on a daily basis. Most of all though, the diector Paulette and her staff were more than gracious, embodying for me the true gift of hospitality and graciousness. They gave me SO much more than eight weeks of Spanish instruction, but a place, an opportunity to more deeply experience a connection to others in the great web of human relationship which in turn has helped me to recognize my human calling to stand with and speak out on behalf of the poor and marginalized. I can't wait to get back to the Mariposa. When does the plane leave?