9 Days in Medellín & Cartagena, Colombia: Spanish Immersion + Adventure Travel for Spanish Learners

• Register by March 31, 2026 and receive $100 discount. Final registration deadline: May 1, 2026.

• Program price may be paid in installments; full program price not due at enrollment.

• Same-household discounts available: contact us directly for details.
  

Spend 9 days in Colombia with fellow Spanish language learners. We will visit Medellín (during the Festival of Flores!), Guatapé, & Cartagena. The program price includes hotel nights, airport transfers, domestic flight (from Medellín-Cartagena), guided tours in Spanish, language classes with local teachers, select group meals, transportation for excursions, tips for guides/drivers, cultural activities, and program leader support before and during travel. See below for complete list of inclusions and detailed itinerary. 

This trip is both an adventure + language immersion itinerary. It is designed for adult Spanish language learners who also want to visit the local sites while traveling. We stay in Spanish as much as possible, with both the local community and also fellow travelers.

Immerse yourself in the language, culture, and history of Medellín, Guatapé, & Cartagena, Colombia. Receive language support from your program leader throughout the week and Spanish classes from local teachers. The itinerary includes several group activities such as city tours, excursions, visits to popular sites, in addition to free time for travelers to customize the experience as they wish. 

• Practice your Spanish skills through travel and language immersion

• Learn about the local culture & history

• Visit well-known sites as a group, with free time to customize your experience

• Build connections with local people and fellow travelers

• Foster cultural appreciation and cultural humility

This program is designed for Spanish learners who are ready for a language and cultural immersion experience:

• Adult Spanish learners: ready to practice their Spanish skills on an immersive travel experience.

• Active travelers: This is an active travel experience. Participants can expect regular walking (sometimes on uneven terrain), stairs, periods of standing, travel days, and occasional hiking. We also aim to use Spanish as much as possible throughout the program, which can be both mentally challenging and also rewarding. Participants are encouraged to thoughtfully evaluate their personal readiness for these activities prior to registering. If you have any questions regarding accessibility or possible accommodations, please contact us. We’re happy to talk through the details so you can make an informed decision.

• Culturally curious travelers: ready to learn about another culture and respect cultural differences.

• Mindful travelers: as visitors to Colombia, travelers are expected to respect fellow group members and the local people, community, and culture, while contributing to a supportive and positive environment.

• Teachers & educators: earn CEU hours and a program certificate (available upon request).

Group members are expected to make their best effort to communicate in Spanish at all times with fellow group members, the local community, hotel staff, tour guides, etc, from the moment of arrival. The tours included in the program are given primarily in Spanish (although some guides may use English). Practicing your Spanish is a main focus of the program. This is your opportunity to immerse yourself and give your language skills a boost to the next level! 

• Willingness and readiness to speak Spanish: from arrival, participants are expected to communicate in Spanish with both group members and the local community as much as possible. 

• Language Level: travelers MUST have a foundational understanding of the language. We will be speaking in Spanish together throughout the program.

• Commitment to learning: participants must dedicate time to studying and practicing their  Spanish language skills prior to departure.

• Pre-departure Spanish class: a private conversation class with the group leader is highly encouraged.

• Pre-departure group meeting: travelers must attend the required pre-departure group meeting to receive final information about the program and meet other group members. 

• Preparedness: participants are encouraged to thoughtfully evaluate their personal readiness for the activities prior to enrolling (see itinerary details below).

Three Spanish classes in Colombia: The program includes three Spanish classes from local teachers while in Colombia. Classes are an opportunity for cultural exchange and direct connection to the local people, language, and culture. 

A pre-departure Spanish conversation class with the group leader is highly encouraged to meet the travel leader and asses your Spanish level before travel.

Elizabeth, the program leader, accompanies the group to provide language support and coordinate activities throughout the week. She organizes the tours, classes, activities, and transfers throughout the program so that travelers can focus on the experience and practicing their Spanish. For more information, visit www.thelanguagetraveler.com or the Instagram account @thelanguagetraveler.

Your participation helps support a local organization. We work with our partners in Colombia to identify organizations that ensure each traveler’s participation contributes directly to meaningful educational or community-based initiatives.

Participants must read the following information before booking this program. By enrolling in the program and submitting your deposit, you acknowledge that you have read these Terms and Conditions and agree to be bound by them.

In these Terms and Conditions, “you,” “your,” “participant,” and “participants” refer to the person making the booking and all persons on whose behalf a booking is made. “We,” “us,” and “our” refer to The Language Traveler.

IMPORTANT PROGRAM INFORMATION: 

Spanish language requirement: A basic level and knowledge of Spanish is required to participate in this program. Tours are given in Spanish with little to no English. The overall goal of the program is practicing Spanish and being immersed in the language. Participants are expected to stay in Spanish as much as possible, even with other group participants. 

Travel insurance is not included in the program price. Participants are responsible for selecting and purchasing any travel insurance they wish to obtain. We strongly encourage participants to consider a policy that provides coverage for medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellations or interruptions, flight delays, and lost or damaged baggage. The Language Traveler shall not be responsible or financially liable for any medical expenses, emergency services, evacuation costs, trip cancellations or interruptions, delays, lost or damaged baggage, or any other losses that may occur during travel. Purchasing travel insurance can help protect your financial investment in the program.

Minimum number of participants: This program to Colombia requires a minimum of 6 participants (not including the program leader) to be confirmed for travel. Until that minimum is reached, the program is not guaranteed to operate.

International Airfare & When to Purchase: 

• International airfare is not included; it is the participant’s responsibility to purchase their international flights. 

• Participants must ensure that their arrival and departure dates and times align with the program’s scheduled start and end times.

• We strongly advise that you do not purchase any non-refundable airfare until the group is confirmed, even if you have already reserved your spot on the trip. A minimum number of participants is required for the program to operate. Until that minimum is reached, the program is not guaranteed to run.

• Travelers will be notified by email once the group is confirmed. If the program is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, your deposit will be fully refunded.

Necessary travel documents: Participants are responsible for ensuring they have all necessary valid travel documents, including but not limited to passports, visas, and vaccination or medical certificates. Participants acknowledge that failure to obtain the required documents may prevent participation in the program. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the last date of the travel itinerary. If a participant is unable to attend the program due to missing or invalid travel documents, the standard cancellation policy, including any applicable fees, will still apply.

Payment schedule:  you may choose to pay the full program fee at the time of registration or to pay in installments. Click “Book Now” to view the available payment options and installment plans before finalizing your registration.

Health requirements: Participants are asked to consider their own physical and mental readiness for the planned activities and to disclose any health conditions or accessibility needs that may affect their safe participation. This information helps us provide appropriate support and accommodations when reasonably possible. Some activities may offer alternate options — participants are encouraged to ask about these in advance if needed.

Participants are responsible for managing their own medications, dietary restrictions, or health conditions while traveling. In case of an emergency, participants consent to allow The Language Traveler, international partners, and other group participants to seek medical treatment on their behalf. Participants are responsible for all costs associated with medical care while abroad.

We strongly encourage participants to consider purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, injuries, or illness during travel.

Travel flexibility: Participants understand that travel requires flexibility and that unforeseen circumstances may necessitate changes to the trip. The itinerary provided for each program represents the anticipated activities; however, participants acknowledge that local conditions or events may result in modifications to schedules, routes, activities, amenities, inclusions, or modes of transport without prior notice. While we make every reasonable effort to provide the itinerary as outlined, The Language Traveler reserves the right to adjust the program as necessary. Participants will be notified promptly of any changes. Such modifications may result in additional program charges; we will make every reasonable attempt to minimize any extra costs.

Participant Responsibility for Dietary Restrictions: Participants are responsible for managing their own dietary restrictions or food allergies during the trip. Participants should be able to communicate their dietary needs effectively in the destination country. Efforts will be made to convey participants’ dietary requirements to pre-reserved restaurants based on the information provided. However, The Language Traveler does not guarantee the availability or suitability of food options in the destination country. Participants acknowledge and agree to remain flexible, understanding that food choices may differ from those typically available in their home country. We cannot guarantee the absence of allergens.

Media Release & Consent: By joining the trip, participants consent to The Language Traveler taking photos, videos, and audio recordings during the program. Participants grant permission for their image, voice, and likeness to be used in any media, including print, digital, social media, and websites, for marketing, promotional, and advertising purposes, both now and in the future.

If a participant does not wish to have their image or recordings used, they may opt out at any time before the trip by notifying The Language Traveler via email at elizabeth@thelanguagetraveler.com or clasesconelizabeth@gmail.com.

OTHER TERMS & CONDITIONS

Compliance with Laws and Regulations: Participants agree to adhere to all local laws, customs, and regulations. Any legal or disciplinary consequences resulting from non-compliance are the participant’s responsibility.

Release of Liability and Acceptance of Risk: Participants understand and accept that travel involves inherent risks, including adventure activities and physical challenges that may exceed those encountered in everyday life. Participants agree not to hold The Language Traveler responsible for accidents, injuries, or other unforeseen events.

Participants are responsible for familiarizing themselves with all pertinent travel details, including health risks and itinerary specifics. By choosing to participate, you acknowledge these risks and agree that your travel decisions are made with full awareness of potential hazards.

Unforeseen events, including but not limited to accidents, political or environmental circumstances, or other situations that may render a trip dangerous or unviable, may require itinerary changes. The Language Traveler is not liable for changes, delays, or impacts resulting from such events.

The Language Traveler collects participants’ personal information to provide travel services and facilitate the program. Information may be shared with third parties (hotels, airlines, travel service providers, guides, etc.) solely as necessary to deliver the itinerary and related services.

Participants must be at least 18 years old at the time of travel. There is no maximum age. Participants should consider the physical and mental demands of the trip and assess their own ability to participate safely in all activities. The Language Traveler can provide general information about destinations but is not a medical professional. Participants are responsible for obtaining appropriate medical advice prior to travel regarding health requirements or recommendations.

A deposit is required upon booking, and subsequent payments must be made by the due dates. Failure to make scheduled payments may result in program cancellation. The cancellation policy outlined below will apply in all cases.

Same-household discounts: same-household rates apply to two travelers sharing a room who reside at the same address and complete a single booking and payment.

CANCELATION INFORMATION

Trips require a minimum number of participants (see your program’s specific requirements), not including the program leader, in order to be confirmed. If a trip is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, participants may choose to receive a full refund of their deposit or apply it toward another The Language Traveler trip, subject to availability.

Participants may cancel at any time by notifying The Language Traveler via email. A $300 cancellation fee plus any unrecoverable costs will apply. The closer the cancellation is to the program start date, the more unrecoverable costs may accrue, as deposits for services are often nonrefundable. Participants acknowledge that full refunds are not always possible due to these nonrefundable deposits and the portion of the program price allocated to planning, coordination, and administrative services. We will make every reasonable effort to provide the maximum refund possible.

The Language Traveler reserves the right to cancel or modify any trip at its discretion. Trip cancellations may occur for reasons including, but not limited to, insufficient enrollment, new laws or regulations, war, civil or political unrest, natural disasters, health emergencies, or any other circumstances that make the trip unsafe or unfeasible. Participants acknowledge and agree that all decisions regarding trip cancellations or modifications are at the discretion of The Language Traveler.

If The Language Traveler cancels a trip for reasons other than insufficient enrollment, participants will receive a full refund of payments made, minus any unrecoverable costs. Participants acknowledge that some costs may be nonrefundable and that a portion of the program price covers planning, coordination, and administrative services. We will make every reasonable effort to provide the maximum refund possible.

The Language Traveler cannot be held responsible for incidental expenses incurred by participants, including but not limited to visa fees, vaccinations, travel insurance, flights, extra hotel nights, or passport costs. Participants will be notified via email as soon as reasonably possible in the event of a trip cancellation.

Arrive in Medellín, Colombia and transfer to the hotel. No other group activities included on the first night. Remember, from the moment of arrival, we'll communicate in Spanish as much as possible to set the tone for our language immersion program.

Note: international flights not included. It's advisable to wait until the group program is confirmed for travel before purchasing any non-refundable flights. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Guided city walking tour included on our first full day in the city. Sample some of Medellín's street food while we explore the city center and learn about its history. Free evening and lunch & dinner on your own.

After breakfast, we'll walk to Centro Catalina for our Spanish classes. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish! You can use this time to either relax or explore the city on your own. Travelers are also welcome to join in one of Centro Catalina's many cultural activities. These activities are organized by Centro Catalina and exact days, activities, and offers will be confirmed closer to departure. Some possibilities (not guaranteed, depends on the school's schedule) could include: cooking class, dance class, excursion to use the metro in Medellín, etc. Lunch and dinner on your own. 

Head to Guatapé for a full day of adventure—climb Piedra del Peñol’s 740 steps for panoramic views, and explore the colorful streets of Guatapé town afterwards. Lunch included, dinner on your own.

After breakfast at the hotel, receive a morning Spanish class. Free time and lunch on your own after class. Later this afternoon, visit one of Medellín’s most vibrant neighborhoods, Comuna 13. Experience the art, music, and lively streets, and learn about its past and its transformation through community resilience. Dinner on your own.

After breakfast, say goodbye to Medellín and transfer to the airport for our flight to Cartagena. Lunch in Cartagena included. We'll have a city tour this afternoon to explore the historic center before a group dinner at Celele restaurant.

After breakfast, we'll head to Centro Catalina for our Spanish classes. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you wish! You can use this time to either relax or explore the city on your own. August 7 is a holiday in Colombia: Batalla de Boyacá. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Enjoy a beach day on the Caribbean islands near Cartagena, with transportation and tips included. Lunch and farewell dinner included.

Breakfast and checkout at the hotel. Say goodbye to Colombia and transfer to the airport. Return home with many memories and your new Spanish skills!