Spanish Language Programs in Cuernavaca, Mexico

I never imagined I'd feel so at home in a place thousands of miles away! From the relaxed pace of life to the incredible hospitality of the locals, Mexico completely won me over. One of my favorite things was discovering all the little places around Cuernavaca that I would never have found on my own. There was always something interesting happening, whether it was a spontaneous outing, a delicious meal or simply enjoying an afternoon together. Iguana Abroad has created something really special here, and the personal touch makes all the difference. It's a fantastic way to experience a side of Mexico that most tourists never get to see.

Best summer of my life, can't thank the two Harry's and Fabi enough they really made this one so so special. Made some amazing friends I’ll stay in touch with forever, memories I'll keep forever, and my Spanish has improved a lot too... what else could I ask for?? Mexico is such a beautiful country, and Cuernavaca really impressed me as well. Would so much love to come back again! The food, the trips and all the incredible laughs made every day so unforgettable. Just loved experiencing Mexican culture and practising Spanish outside the classroom !

Really excellent course and exceeded my expectations. My host family were genuinely lovely people, the school was beautiful as well, the campus really impressed me. Cuernavaca is a really special place, and it was a pleasure getting to explore the beautiful surrounding area on the trips and events I did. There were a lot of memorable moments, but probably the highlight for me was playing chess in mornings at the school campus with my teacher Sebas. Would definitely recommend and hopefully I'll be able to return as well one day!!

If you're looking for a typical language school, this probably isn't it - and that's a good thing! Iguana Abroad seriously gave me the chance to actually experience Mexico - while learning Spanish... and Semana Santa was unlike anything I've ever seen. Incredible. Before arriving I was nervous about travelling alone, which I've done before but a long time ago, but within a day everyone felt like family. Everybody said the same - it's one of Iguana Abroad's amazing strengths as a course. My host family made me feel so welcome, and my teachers were so patient, encouraging and genuinely cared about helping me improve my Spanish. For me the highlight was visiting Ocotepec during Good Friday to see the Viacrucis parade. I'd never experienced anything like it before - if you are reading this - you need to see it! We also visited Tetela del Volcán on Easter Sunday. The streets were just filled with music, dancing, the incredible Chinelos costumes. It felt like we were experiencing traditions that most tourists never even hear about. I don't think I'd heard about "Semana Santa" until honestly recently. The cooking class, local markets, cultural workshops and excursions all helped us understand Mexico beyond what you could ever learn from a guidebook. An amazing course in an amazing country during an amazing time!

Joining the Iguana Abroad easter course was honestly great luck for me. I'd been travelling around Mexico for almost 2 months and was starting to feel really quite down and frustrated about my level of Spanish. I kept on feeling embarrassed when trying to talk to people, eventually shying away from conversations, and basically thinking, this is probably not going to be the trip I'd been getting ready for and dreaming about for so long. After spending a long time studying Spanish I started thinking I'd never learn. I actually arrived to Tepoztlán (about 30 minutes from Cuernavaca) less than a week before the course started, and knew nothing about it until someone in the hostel I was staying at mentioned it. I honestly wasn't planning on doing a course in Mexico, but after reading the reviews and talking with the guys who run the course, I signed up, and I am so glad I did. My main reason for joining was really about learning some Spanish. My plans were to spend the next few months in Latin America, but I didn't want to if I couldn't properly talk with anybody. Just two weeks with Iguana Abroad changed all of that, and I left speaking a far better level of Spanish. And more than that, I wasn't even aware that easter (Semana Santa) was such a big thing in Mexico, so that really blew my mind as well. Seeing the way it is celebrated in Mexico was fascinating, beautiful, and a lot of fun. Without question, this was the best part of my time in Mexico. Can't recommend it enough - and especially joining over Semana Santa.

I joined Iguana Abroad because I wanted to improve my Spanish before travelling more in Latin America, like a few other people I met during my time as well. I had only studied a little before coming to Mexico, maybe just for a year, so I was quite nervous that I would not understand anything, especially Mexican Spanish. It was also my first time travelling alone outside Europe, or anywhere actually. It took only a few days and I already felt much more confident with every day. The teachers were very patient and so fun, and I never felt embarrassed when I made mistakes which is one of my biggest worries before joining and because I have learnt languages before. The classes were serious and sometimes hard but also really fun, and every day I could use what I learned outside the classroom which is what I hoped for when I applied. One thing I really liked and I hoped for as well, was that it was not only about learning Spanish in a classroom. We visited many interesting places, learned about Mexican culture, tried local food, and spent a lot of time speaking with local people, and with new friends I have now. I met so many amazing people which I am so thankful for. Also before coming to Mexico, I was kind of worried because lots of people told me it was pretty dangerous especially as a woman. After spending my time in Cuernavaca, I realised that, like everywhere, you just need to use common sense. It is no different than just using common sense in any place that you go. I always felt well looked after and safe, and having the Iguana Abroad team there as well if I needed anything gave me a lot of confidence to just not ever worry. I am so grateful for that. I would definitely recommend Iguana Abroad to anyone who wants to learn Spanish and experience the real Mexico, not only the tourist places.

I came to Mexico at 62 years old with absolutely no Spanish and really no idea what to expect either. It was my first time ever visiting Mexico and spending 15 weeks with Iguana Abroad turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. Starting from total zero was definitely pretty intimidating at first, especially as I have never even practiced Spanish before but the combination of the daily group and private Spanish lessons, really amazing activities, and complete everyday immersion made so much of a difference. Even just week by week I was noticing that my level was getting better and by the end of the program I was having conversations in Spanish that I seriously never thought would be possible. One thing I would definitely want to say to anybody reading this is that one of the highlights of my whole time with Iguana Abroad and the guys here was staying with my local host family. I also spent some time in private accommodation, but if you're deciding between the two, I'd strongly recommend the homestay. I was welcomed into the family from day one and totally overwhelmed by their kindness to me. The relationships I built there have lasted well beyond the course, and I'll be returning to Cuernavaca next year for the wedding of one of my host family's relatives, and it's amazing to think that I'll be able to chat with everyone in Spanish when I get back. Harry and the entire Iguana Abroad team were excellent, and worked so hard to make this trip not just possible, but to become an important time for me. I can't recommend these guys highly enough.

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect about my time with IA and on the program before I came. I mainly booked because I wanted to improve my Spanish, but I ended up enjoying the whole experience way more than I thought I would. The classes were really good and the teachers were great, but I think what helped me the most was everything outside the classroom. Living with a Mexican family meant I was hearing Spanish all day, every day, and after a while you kind of stop overthinking everything you want to say. We'd go out into the city, visit markets, grab food, do the cooking class, weekend trips, all that sort of thing, and you're just constantly using Spanish without really thinking about it. One thing I really appreciated was how much effort everyone put into making sure we were having a good time. Harry and Harry were always around if anyone needed anything, whether it was recommendations, helping someone who wasn't feeling well, or just making sure everybody was included. It never felt like they were just running a business. You could tell they actually cared about everyone having a good experience. Cuernavaca was also a really nice surprise. I'd never even heard of it before finding Iguana Abroad, but it's such a relaxed place and feels really authentic. There aren't loads of tourists everywhere, so you end up speaking Spanish much more than you probably would in somewhere like Cancun or even Mexico City. I also made some really good friends on the course which I wasn't expecting. Even now we're still talking about meeting up again somewhere. If you're looking for luxury accommodation and cocktails by the pool every day, this probably isn't that kind of trip you are going to be looking for to be honest. But if you actually want to improve your Spanish, experience Mexico properly, and come home with some brilliant memories, I'd definitely recommend it.

Learning Spanish in Mexico with Iguana Abroad was an incredible and unforgettable experience that truly deepened my knowledge of Spanish and my love for travel. I learnt so much during my time there – both with our teachers in our classes but also around the city during the “immersion” part of the program. I would say I learnt the most Spanish on my trip while I was talking to people around the city on the guided walks and tours with Iguana Abroad, as well as during the salsa dance class and the Mexican cooking class. The organizers of the program really encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in Mexican culture as much as possible which I found so helpful for gaining confidence with my Spanish. The Iguana Abroad team is all really supportive and welcoming and the program directors and staff really went above and beyond to make sure our group of girls felt comfortable the whole time we were on the course. I highly recommend this program for anyone looking to fully immerse themselves in Mexican culture and learn Spanish in an exciting environment through cultural immersion.

The program was better than I expected and I'm really thankful to the two Harrys for everything. They are so passionate about what they do and it was such a big part of what made my time in Mexico so special. I especially loved Las Estacas and the beautiful nature there, I have never been anywhere like that before in my life but have always wanted to. I have already started making a plan on how to hopefully come back again one day. I can't recommend Iguana Abroad highly enough, you won’t regret it!!

Taking a Spanish immersion course abroad was a new experience for me but I absolutely loved it. And I loved Iguana Abroad – thank you to the Iguana Abroad organizers for making what initially felt like quite a stressful experience so smooth and enjoyable. My experience started with an email or two to Iguana Abroad, followed by a video call with Harry, one of the British organizers. From then on the whole process was very smooth and straightforward. Iguana Abroad picked me up at the airport when I arrived and they accompanied me to my accommodation and introduced me to Mayra and Emilio – the lovely Mexican couple who would be hosting me during my time in Mexico. It was such a perfect way to ease myself into a new environment and get settled in. Cuernavaca is a beautiful city. I just loved how green and fresh it was. There are so many gardens and parks in the city that it really feels like you are surrounded by nature even though you are in a city. I also loved the beautiful little cafes and restaurants in the city center that serve delicious traditional food. On the immersion program we also did a cooking class, which was wonderful. I will never forget my evening with Chef Natividad cooking, eating and chatting in her kitchen – it is a memory I will cherish for a very long time. There were so many other wonderful moments on the course that I couldn't possibly list them all here. I just want to say a huge thank you to Harry, Harry and Fabiola for making this trip so fulfilling and worthwhile. Gracias.

Before coming to Cuernavaca my Spanish was around an A2 (fairly basic). I could order food, ask basic questions and understand simple conversations, but like everybody else around that level - as soon as someone spoke naturally, I was completely lost and would want to switch back to English straightaway, and that was always kind of embarassing. After just a few weeks, I left feeling comfortably around B1 (intermediate), and, more importantly, I actually had the confidence to use Spanish every day. By the end of the program I was having conversations with my host family (who were amazing!), ordering in restaurants without thinking, chatting to locals around the neighbourhood and markets, and even making friends entirely in Spanish. It was the first time I'd ever felt like I was genuinely living the language rather than just studying it. Maybe one thing that sort of surprised me most was how much learning actually really does happen outside the classroom, and the lessons were excellent, really nice small groups, smart engaging teachers and lots of speaking—but probably the real magic was the immersion. Living with a Mexican host family, exploring Cuernavaca, visiting local markets, taking part in cultural activities and weekend trips meant I was constantly using Spanish in real situations. It never felt like a holiday with a few language classes; it felt like moving to Mexico for a few weeks. I also think Cuernavaca is the perfect place to learn Spanish. It's beautiful, safe, authentic and far less touristy than Mexico City, so you're surrounded by Spanish from the moment you wake up until you go to bed. That made a huge difference to my progress, and everybody else on the course said that as well. Harry, Harry (the two Harrys!) and the entire Iguana Abroad team (especially Fabi!) genuinely care about every student so much. From the airport pickup to the accommodation, activities and day-to-day support, everything was incredibly well organized, and I always felt looked after. That was really important to me. If you're serious about improving your Spanish, not just memorising grammar but actually becoming confident speaking with native speakers, I honestly can't recommend Iguana Abroad highly enough. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had, and I'd return in a heartbeat!

Me and my wife are planning to buy a place in Mexico next fall, so we joined the Iguana Abroad Spanish immersion program to brush up on our Spanish before making the big move. Iguana Abroad was everything we could have hoped for in a Spanish immersion program. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout the whole process. We had several video calls with Harry, the program director, before we flew out, and he answered all our questions about arriving in Mexico, what to pack, and what to expect once we got there. I'd already been to Mexico several times—mostly to Baja, but also a couple of trips to Mérida—so I had a rough idea of what to expect. It was my wife's first visit, though, and both of our Spanish levels were pretty basic, so improving our confidence was one of our main goals. From the moment Harry and Hugo met us at the airport, they made us feel welcome. Even on the drive into Cuernavaca we found ourselves chatting with the driver in Spanish. We made plenty of mistakes, but nobody minded, and that really helped us relax. By the end of the first few days we were already speaking much more Spanish than we expected. If you're looking for a true immersion experience, this really is one. We thought the accommodation was basic but perfectly comfortable for what we needed. We had hot water, a swimming pool in the garden, and a simple rustic room. Nothing luxurious, but it was a great place to come back to and relax after a full day of classes and activities. We'd like to extend our warmest thanks to the entire Iguana Abroad team for giving us such a memorable experience. We made great friends, improved our Spanish far more than we expected, and came away feeling much more confident about our plans to move to Mexico. Hopefully we'll see you guys again once we're settled in Mexico this November. Hasta pronto!

Iguana Abroad really went beyond my expectations it isn’t just about Spanish—it’s about experiencing Mexico like a real local, but to a really impressive amount. You don’t just sit in a classroom you’re out in the streets, discovering hidden cafes (and super nice ones as well in Cuernavaca!), figuring out menus, chatting with locals, laughing at yourself when you mess up Spanish. Sometimes it is a little crazy learning a language, but that part of the experience is always so much fun on a course like Iguana Abroad. One of the craziest things is how you can learn without even noticing most the time. Great experience and I would like to come back. It was a real chance to meet people you’d never meet anywhere else, do things you’d never do on your own, and somehow leave feeling like Cuernavaca is a little bit your city now.

Now that 2025 has almost finished I can say without a doubt that Iguana Abroad has been the NUMBER ONE highlight of the entire year! So much about this course made and makes it really special - the school, its beautiful campus and the amazing breakfasts there, the other fantastic participants who I now call fantastic friends, the immersion events (especially going to the insane local market and doing the cookery class!!), the surrounding nature, the travelling, I could go on and on. Cuernavaca (or “The City of Eternal Spring” as it is very rightly named!) is also the most perfect place for a course like Iguana Abroad’s - with a focus on learning through immersion. It’s a beautiful, walkable, friendly city, and I will definitely be returning!

Iguana Abroad was for me the first time in Latin America and the first time in a Spanish speaking country (apart from several family visits to Spain and Catalonia in my childhood). Coming from Europe the culture shock in Mexico was quite extreme, but after a short period of adaptation I was soon loving Mexico and Mexican culture. The Spanish language tuition on the course was really excellent. I arrived on the program with no Spanish (level A1) but after four weeks I was able to talk to my Mexican friends and teachers in Spanish, and understand almost everything people were saying to me. It was an intense course (but in a good way) because you are always encouraged to speak in Spanish, and English is discouraged. This “total immersion” approach was really helpful for me and it was one of the main reasons I chose Iguana Abroad to begin with. Immersion can sometimes be challenging because you are sometimes in situations with Spanish speakers that you don’t fully understand, but eventually you start to absorb the language and become more attuned to the nuances of people’s speech. Reaching that point with Spanish was such a satisfying experience for me. I am very grateful to Iguana Abroad for the experience.

I was little bit nervous about joining the program before I came, mainly because Mexico sometimes gets bad press back home, but I am so happy that I chose to join Iguana Abroad! Everyone on the course (literally everyone!) really helped our group of girls to feel comfortable right from day one and everything was so well organized (Spanish classes, accommodation, weekend trips, the cookery class, etcetera) - basically everyone on the program took so much care to make sure that we were enjoying ourselves and having a good time at every moment during our stay. If I could choose one word to describe how the program was it would be that it FLOWED! From the start to the end it felt like the course was perfect to make sure that we were having an awesome time and learning Spanish as well. The two Harrys who run the program made us feel 100% comfortable at all times and we appreciated their knowledge and recommendations for things to do in the city and places to go. I am so grateful for all the effort that everyone on the program put in to making our time in Mexico so special. I would absolutely 100% recommend this course to anyone looking for a good all-inclusive Spanish experience in Mexico.

Iguana Abroad was a lifechanging experience for me. I always wanted to learn another language and live abroad but I never took the step forward to actually do it. When I found Iguana Abroad online I knew right away that it was the perfect opportunity to achieve the dreams that I had always had. And I am SO SO glad that I took the leap and applied because it was absolutely one of the best decisions of my life (if not the best decision of my life so far!). I can now actually speak Spanish, which I never thought I would be able to do! But more than that Iguana Abroad gave me the confidence to travel abroad and not be scared about what life can throw your way. It taught me that living abroad is not a stressful or dangerous thing to do and it showed me what an amazing country Mexico is, and that living there is absolutely life changing! I am so grateful to all the people that I met on the program that made the program what it was, and I am so humbled by all the Mexicans that I met who have changed my life for the better in so many ways. Thank you Iguana Abroad! Muchas gracias!

I would recommend the Iguana Abroad program for many reasons. Firstly because the tuition you receive on the course is really precise and efficient and really gives you the skills needed to learn Spanish very quickly. I felt that I learnt more in 4 weeks on Iguana Abroad than I did in 4 years of college and 1 year of Duolingo – literally. Secondly, the accommodation was really amazing. My accommodation had a huge outdoor heated swimming pool that we could use as well as an incredible garden with hammocks, banana trees, gym, and spacious outdoor seating area – it really was incredible, and so much better than I would expect for a course of this price. The accommodation was actually quite a surprising aspect of the course because they didn’t really advertise how good it was going to be before we arrived so I was really nicely surprised when I arrived, as I was thinking it would probably just be normal language school accommodation (which would have been ok as well, but this was so much better). [By the way, if anyone from Iguana Abroad is reading this – you should definitely advertise the accommodation more before students arrive because it’s a real selling point that would really make people like me more likely to sign up!] The last thing that I will say about the course is that the excursions and events were really well planned and so useful for learning Spanish. We often visited places where many people didn’t speak any English at all, which was so useful for helping us improve our Spanish conversation skills. It really felt like complete “immersion” in the language which is exactly what I was hoping to find when I signed up. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone looking to learn Spanish quickly and comfortably, in a beautiful and interesting location.

Iguana Abroad was such an awesome experience and absolutely gives you so much confidence in yourself and belief in what you are capable of! The program helps you use Spanish around the city and shows you how to interact with people in different places. We did a market tour which was so fun, and also a cookery class and salsa event. We also did excursions every weekend with the group. Everyone on the program was so lovely and amazing and I will never forget the friends I made on the course! If you are in two minds about joining the program, I would say – go for it! You won’t regret it.