Are you thinking about doing an exchange in Buenos Aires? If you want to improve your Spanish, this could be the perfect destination for you. The capital of Argentina offers quality education and a unique, vibrant, and lively cultural experience.

For Brazilian students, an exchange in Buenos Aires has everything going for it: it's close and feels familiar... but at the same time, it's a whole new world to discover.

At the don Quijote Spanish school, we'll tell you why an exchange program in Buenos Aires an excellent option is for perfecting your language skills. We'll also tell you what you can see and do while taking a Spanish course in Buenos Aires and what culinary delights you can't miss.

Why do an exchange program in Buenos Aires?

Here are some reasons why we recommend choosing an exchange program in Buenos Aires:

• Proximity and ease of adaptation. Traveling from Brazil to Argentina is easy and affordable. You don't need a visa for short stays, and the flight is short compared to other Spanish-speaking destinations. In addition, many Argentines are used to welcoming Brazilian students, so cultural adaptation is quick and friendly.
• Good value for money. The cost of living in Buenos Aires is lower than in other world capitals. That means you can live, study, eat well, and get around the city without spending a fortune. Spanish classes are also usually cheaper than in other countries such as Spain or Mexico.
• Clear and educational Spanish. Rioplatense Spanish (the variety spoken in Buenos Aires) is very distinctive due to its intonation and use of “vos” instead of “tú.” However, this accent and musicality will be very useful for developing your ear and learning to understand different variants of the language. In addition, many teachers are trained to teach Brazilians, which makes learning even more effective.
• Passionate and dynamic culture. Buenos Aires is a city that never sleeps. There are theaters, cinemas, concerts, cultural events, and fairs almost every day. It is impossible to get bored in the capital, giving you constant opportunities to practice the language in real-life contexts.
• European style with a Latin soul. The city has architecture reminiscent of Paris or Madrid, but with the warm heart of Latin America. Walking through its streets, you will come across bookstores, old cafes, squares full of students, and street musicians. Here you can learn and experience Spanish in every way.

What to see during your exchange in Buenos Aires?

One of the advantages of doing an exchange in Buenos Aires is that you can combine studying with exploring the city. Full of surprising corners, neighborhoods with their own identity, and activities for all tastes, the Argentine capital will not disappoint you.

• Recoleta is one of the most elegant neighborhoods, with its famous cemetery where historical figures such as Evita Perón are buried and museums such as the MALBA (modern Latin American art).
• San Telmo transports you to another era with its cobbled streets, antique fairs, and tango milongas on every corner. Ideal for weekends.
• La Boca is famous for its colorful Caminito, but also for its passion for soccer. If you can, don't miss a Boca Juniors game at La Bombonera. Even if you're not a soccer fan, the energy there is unforgettable.
• Palermo is the most modern and youthful neighborhood, full of cafes, bars, urban art, and parks such as the Bosques de Palermo, ideal for relaxing or studying outdoors.
• Puerto Madero combines modernity with river views and is the perfect place for a sunset stroll.

And if you have a few days off, we recommend escaping to Tigre, a delta on the outskirts of the city where you can go boating and enjoy nature. Or to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay, crossing the Río de la Plata by ferry. History, tranquility, and a great way to practice Spanish in another country close to Argentina.

Gastronomy during your exchange in Buenos Aires

An experience you must have wherever you go: the food. In Buenos Aires, eating is not only delicious, but also part of the learning experience. Every dish has a story, a new word, or a tradition.

For example, asado is the star of Argentine cuisine. More than just a meal, it is a social event.

Sharing an asado with locals is an ideal opportunity to integrate and practice the language amid laughter and good meat.

Don't miss out on empanadas, especially salteñas, which are juicy and full of flavor. Each province has its own style, so it's fun to try and compare. Milanesas, stone-baked pizzas, choripanes, and medialunas for breakfast are part of everyday life in Argentina.

And of course, mate: more than just a drink, it's a symbol in Buenos Aires and throughout the country. Although the taste can be strong at first, sharing a mate is a social act that connects you with the local culture.

They also have sweets. Alfajores (especially those with dulce de leche) and artisanal ice cream are another must-try. Buenos Aires has ice cream shops that rival the best in Italy.

A transformative experience

Doing an exchange in Buenos Aires means immersing yourself in a city that breathes art, history, and passion; it means making friends from all over the world, discovering new ways of seeing life, and stepping out of your comfort zone every day.

Buenos Aires has a special charm for Brazilian students because it is close and familiar, but different enough to offer you a truly transformative experience. So, if you are looking for a city where you can study Spanish, have adventures, eat well, and grow personally and academically, an exchange in Buenos Aires awaits you with open arms.

Knowing the capitals of Spanish-speaking countries is not only useful for your Spanish studies, but also gives you a deeper understanding of the cultural and geographic diversity of these places. Expand your knowledge of Spanish and locate each country on the map to discover a very diverse culture.

If you prefer to read this article in Spanish, you can click here to switch languages.

Capital cities of Spain

As you may know, Spain is the birthplace of the Spanish language, as it is where the language originated. The capital of Spain is Madrid, known for its rich history, art, and lively nightlife.

Although Spain is characterized by its well-known cities spread throughout the country and its unique culture. The country is made up of 17 Autonomous Communities, and each has its own capital. Here is the list of the 17 Autonomous Communities and their respective Spanish capitals:

• Andalusia. Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Jaen, Huelva, Malaga, and Seville. Seville is the capital.
• Aragon. Huesca, Zaragoza, and Teruel. Zaragoza is the capital.
• Asturias. Its capital is Oviedo.
• Balearic Islands. It is an archipelago formed by 5 islands: Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and Cabrera. The capital is Palma de Mallorca.
• Canary Islands. It is made up of 7 islands and divided into two provinces. The province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife with: Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro. And the province of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with: Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote. The capital is Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
• Cantabria. Its capital is Santander.
• Castilla La Mancha. Toledo, Ciudad Real, Guadalajara, Cuenca and Albacete. Its capital is Toledo.
• Castilla y León. León, Palencia, Salamanca, Burgos, Zamora, Valladolid, Soria, Segovia, and Avila. This Autonomous Community does not have a capital city, but the seat of government is in Valladolid.
• Catalonia. Barcelona, Tarragona, Lerida, and Gerona. The capital is Barcelona.
• Valencian Community. Castellon, Valencia, and Alicante. The capital is Valencia.
• Extremadura. Caceres and Badajoz; the capital is Mérida.
• Galicia. La Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra. Its capital is Santiago de Compostela.
• La Rioja. Its capital is Logroño.
• Madrid is the capital of Spain.
• Region of Murcia. Its capital is Murcia.
• Navarra. The name of its capital is Pamplona.
• Basque Country. Alava, Guipuzcoa and Vizcaya. It has no official capital, such as Castilla y León.

Spain also has two autonomous cities, Ceuta and Melilla, located on the African continent.

Countries on the American continent

In addition to Spain, other countries in the world also have Spanish as their official language. These places are mainly located in South and Central America, although there is also one in Africa. Here is the complete list of the 20 Spanish-speaking countries and their respective capitals:

North America:

• Mexico – Ciudad de Mexico

Caribbean:

• Cuba – La Habana
• Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo
• Puerto Rico – San Juan

Central America:

• Costa Rica – San Jose
• El Salvador – San Salvador
• Guatemala – Ciudad de Guatemala
• Honduras – Tegucigalpa
• Nicaragua – Managua
• Panamá – Ciudad de Panamá

South America:

• Argentina – Buenos Aires
• Bolivia – La Paz, Sucre
• Chile – Santiago
• Colombia – Bogotá
• Ecuador – Quito
• Paraguay – Asunción
• Peru – Lima
• Uruguay – Montevideo
• Venezuela – Caracas

Africa

• Equatorial Guinea - Malabo

In this complete list of Spanish-speaking countries and their capitals, how many Spanish capitals did you already know; did you locate all the countries on the map? Tell us about it.

Each country has its own history, culture and beauty. By getting to know the Spanish capitals, you not only expand your Spanish vocabulary, but you also connect with the cultural richness of these places. Don't you feel like visiting one of them?

So, if you want to continue expanding your knowledge of the Spanish-speaking world, don't hesitate to continue learning Spanish. At don Quijote you can choose the Spanish course that best suits your needs, your level and your age. We have schools in 11 different destinations in Spain and in 9 different countries in Latin America.

Ask us about your doubts and we will help you choose the destination that best suits your needs so that learning Spanish will be a fascinating journey for you.

Thinking about traveling to find the best places to learn Spanish but don't know where to start? Look no further and let us help you find the best Spanish places to visit!

Spanish is spoken in many different countries and each one has a different appeal for visitors: whether it's history, nature, or culture you're interested in, you will find your perfect match. Let's explore together different destinations where learning and practicing your Spanish won't be a problem. Here are the seven best places to learn Spanish and donQuijote has a school in each one.

Spain: best place to learn Spanish

You know, the Spanish language comes from Spain, so wouldn't it be a great place to start? While there are differences between the varieties of Spanish used in Spain, everyone can still communicate with each other.

The Spanish language you learn in Spain is different to South American because of the different ways it is spoken. But when you learn Spanish in Spain, you will be able to communicate in any country that speaks the same language. You may practice your knowledge before studying abroad in Spain by listening to the radio, watching your favorite show in Spanish, or download a Spanish app on your smartphone.

Madrid is the capital of Spain and is known for its energetic culture, tapas and great ambiance. Most locals are very friendly and like tourists who want to learn to speak their language. You can start your journey with donQuijote and learn Spanish in Madrid. This city is the 6th most populated place in Europe and its clearly spoken accent is just great for learners.

Spanish classes in Madrid are very interactive, and everything you study in the classroom you will put into practice with a friendly local. What better way to learn Spanish in Madrid than over a glass of wine and free tapas?

On the other side, you can choose to study and learn Spanish in Barcelona. Barcelona is surrounded by sunny beaches and its great food makes it a long-standing favorite destination for tourists.

Barcelona could be the best place to learn Spanish because of its melting pot of individuals and their cultural blend. So you can take a Spanish course in Barcelona to live a cultural experience as you practice the language with native locals. This course will also help you experience a new lifestyle by making new friends and having fun in a new language.

Just imagine after your Spanish classes in Barcelona, you and your new friends head out to eat with an incredible view of the Mediterranean Sea. Sounds incredible!

Mexico: best Spanish place to visit

Truly immerse yourself in the Mexican culture and traditions through the language in Latin America by trying out one of our Spanish immersion programs in Mexico. Learn Spanish in Mexico throughout your daily routines and take advantage of the opportunity to practice your Spanish in your everyday life.

DonQuijote offers you three destinations to learn Spanish in Mexico: Playa del Carmen, Oaxaca or Guanajuato.

Our favorite place is Playa del Carmen: a perfect destination for a Caribbean getaway with beautiful beaches, lush forests and incredible weather all year round. A cosmopolitan city where you can practice your Spanish and while taste cochinita pibil or panuchos.

Another of the best Spanish places to visit in Mexico is the state of Oaxaca, in the southwest of the country, which has a coast bathed by the Pacific Ocean. It is one of Mexico's top destinations, thanks to its rich culture and amazing gastronomy. You will make long-lasting friends and open new doors for your future while you study the language in Mexico with donQuijote.

Costa Rica

Surround yourself with gorgeous nature! Come and learn Spanish in Costa Rica and have fun while doing it. This country has amazing sights and here you will be able to study new vocabulary while you're ziplining through the jungle. Study Spanish in Costa Rica while enjoying some natural hot springs or visiting an adventure park. It's the most biodiverse country on Earth, so keep an eye on its amazing wildlife! Discover another of the best Spasnih places to visit in Latin America with don Quijote.

Argentina

Love red wine and advanced cuisine of all types of food? You can venture off after your classes and indulge in the culture. Argentinians are famous for their distinctive and captivating accent, and they love exchanging and learning new vocabulary words with tourists. So, feel at home and make the most of your stay while you learn Spanish in Argentina and share mate with your friends.

Buenos Aires is known for its high population, and its cultural scene makes it one of the world’s top destinations. Many of the Spanish schools in Buenos Aires offer immersion to help students experience the real Argentina. Since language and culture go side by side, what better way to learn Spanish in Buenos Aires than a highly customized program that tailors your interests and helps you learn faster? 

Colombia

Everything you have heard or seen on TV about this country you must delete it from your memory and start off fresh: a lot has changed since the 90s. Spanish schools in Colombia are surrounded by the country's lush landscape and offer many opportunities to practice your new linguistic skills. One of the many reasons to learn Spanish in Colombia is that the locals clearly pronounce their words and speak slowly, which makes it very easy to understand.

Gain the ultimate experience and learn Spanish in Bogota or Cartagena while you get to know the local traditions. The Spanish schools in these cities will teach you how to communicate in supermarkets, restaurants, and other places where you will want to talk to people on an everyday basis.

Cuba

This historical and vibrant country is known for its music, art, and culture. Take a tour around the city and study Spanish in Cuba in a way you never expected. Jump inside a 1950s car and see vintage art pieces on your way, and don't miss the breathtaking architecture that awaits you just around any corner in Havana, Trinidad or Santiago de Cuba. Travel to Cuba while you learn to dance through old Havana and, of course, fall in love with the locals' Caribbean accent.

Ecuador

Explore the beauty of the rainforest and wildlife while you learn Spanish in Ecuador. Most locals are very open to helping international travelers around the area. A good Spanish school in Ecuador prepares you for basic conversations and how to travel around cities like colonial Quito with no problem. People from Ecuador speak slowly and clearly so it doesn't matter if you're an absolute beginner, you won't struggle to communicate. So, come and study Spanish in Ecuador, it will be the experience of a lifetime!

These are just the seven best places to learn Spanish, but you will find countries and cities all over the world where mastering this language will be fun and unforgettable. If you want to start your adventure in the language, don't hesitate any longer and come with don Quijote to study Spanish in Spain or Latin America.

In spring, nature is reborn and everything about it invites us to renew our ties with the planet. It’s a time that charges us with energy and prepares us for the splendor of summer.

We want to take you to ten landscapes that we think are inspiring, uplifting and full of positive energy: from the glaciers in southern Argentina to the Peaks of Europe, and the Arabic gardens in Granada to the rich history of the Alberca cave… This week we have a special route for you designed to highlight the beauty of Mother Nature and the marvels made by mankind as you renew your interest in living life in Spanish. Let us guide you through our list of TopTen inspiring places in Spanish speaking countries where you will find harmony, balance and beauty that you will never forget.

10 Amazing places where people speak Spanish

1. Los Picos de Europa (Peaks of Europe)

This majestic mountain range is located in the center of the Cantabrian Mountains in the northern part of the Iberian Peninsula between the Autonomous Communities of Asturias, Cantabria and Leon.

A favorite destination for Spanish climbers, El Naranjo de Bulnes is one of the most popular peaks and is often considered as the birthplace of the sport of rock climbing in Spain.

With over 64,000 hectares of unforgettable landscapes, we recommend the Picos de Europa to anyone who wants to get just a little closer to heaven, in all aspects.

2. The Generalife Palace

Located in Granada, the Spanish city where the splendor of the Muslim culture reached its highest levels.

The Generalife, a royal summer getaway hidden away behind the massive Alhambra Palace, is a haven of tranquility and balance with its sprawling gardens, beautiful buildings and paths that run throughout the complex.

Stroll through the fresh and serene scenery while losing yourself in the sound of the moving water and the sweet aroma of the ubiquitous plants and flowers…

3. Iguazu Falls

In the junction between Argentina and Brazil and very close to the Paraguay border are some of the most impressive natural falls imaginable.

With 275 different waterfalls, the roar of falling water can be heard from miles away. It is no surprise that this magical place has been recognized as one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Iguazú National Park, located in both Argentina and Brazil, offers protection to this unique ecosystem that exemplifies the strength and power that Mother Nature hides within.

4. Perito Moreno Glacier

Located in Los Glaciares National Park on the southern tip of Patagonia, Argentina, near the town of El Calafate, is one of the world's most impressive glaciers.

This huge river of ice is five kilometers wide and reaches a height of over 60 meters above sea level, where massive icebergs break off of the huge glacier and produce intense sounds.

The location is in a privileged area of the world where one can observe whales and other cetaceans in one of the largest fresh water reserves on the planet.

5. Montserrat

About 50 kilometers to the south of Barcelona we find a surprising place: the mountains of Montserrat (In Castilian, "Monte Serrado" due to the aspect that years of erosion have caused). It is the most representative mountain in Catalonia and home to a sacred monastery dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, a pilgrimage center of the Catalan people.

The Black Madonna (Moreneta), patron saint of Catalonia, is a Romanesque carving that, according to legend, miraculously appeared there in 880. When an attempt was made to move it from its place, it became so heavy that it was impossible to move. This seemed to prove to those who found it that it was the Virgen's will to stay there, where a chapel was built that would eventually evolve into the monastery that we see today.

6. Altamira Cave

This cave was inhabited for 35,000 years, and much later it was discovered by a hunter in 1868.

It showcases the most impressive cave art of the Upper Paleolithic period. Many have called Altamira "the Sistine Chapel of Prehistoric Art" due to its beauty, complexity and shear amount of pictures located inside. These prehistoric paintings inspire us to pay homage to our ancestors, an experience well worth the trip through the lovely landscapes of the Cantabrian town Santillana del Mar, where the cave is located.

Visit Altamira Cave and enjoy the harmony of these cave paintings, where you'll experience the memory of a primitive age through the artwork of its people.

7. The Wind Cave

The On the volcanic island of Tenerife, near the city of Icod de los Vinos, we can find an impressive example of the telluric force of the volcanoes that formed the Canary archipelago.

The Wind Cave, over 17 kilometers long, is the longest lava tube in the European Union and the fourth in the world. Upon entering the interior of the volcano you observe Mother Nature's majestic engineering work, which makes you shudder as you imagine the roar of liquid lava that once passed through the very spot where you stand now in perfect silence, in the heart of the Teide, where the only melody heard is that of your breathing and your excitedly beating heart...

8. Enchanted City

Near Valdecabras, in the province of Cuenca (Spain), at an elevation of about 1,500 meters is the location of our next site, the Enchanted City.

Carved out of the rocky ground from years of rain and wind erosion, these natural formationswere declared a Natural Site of National Interest in 1929.

The rock formations transport you to a magical landscape where anything is possible and your imagination finds hidden animals and monsters within the rocky shapes.

It is here, next to the Tormo Alto formation that is the symbol of the city, that Viriatus, the Spanish leader of the resistance against Roman rule, was cremated.

9. Doñana National Park

This natural park extends nearly 105,000 hectares, occupying parts of the provinces of Huelva, Seville and Cadiz. The name originated from the name "Doña" (Mrs.) Ana de Silva, wife of the seventh Duke of Medina Sidonia, original owner of the land which he used as private hunting grounds. The natural enclave is home to marshes and dunes, an important stopping point in European bird migration to and from Africa in the winter and spring.

This wildlife sanctuary hosts annually more than 300 species of birds, as well as some of the most important Spanish animals, including the highly endangered Iberian lynx. Also located in the park is the site of one of the most important religious celebrations in Spain: El Rocío.


In the village of Almonte, the event attracts more than a million pilgrims each year as they converge upon the village from various different controlled routes to pay homage to the Virgin of El Rocío.

The Peña el Cabrelillo, just behind town hall, is one of Andalusia's longest standing flamenco institutions, a place full of love, faithfulness and a passionate interest to safe guard el cante in its purest form. In the city of Ubeda, the Tablao casa-museo andalusí, next to the Parador, offers the unique opportunity to enjoy flamenco in a gorgeous building on calle Narváez.

10. La Alberca

In a busy world of Internet and globalization in which being in a hurry has become a normal part of life for most of us, La Alberca, located in the northern part of the province of Salamanca, is a peaceful haven of history where traditions have been carefully preserved.

The village feels like a living museum with its unique architecture.

Surrounded by thick impressive forests, the village is like an island of peace that makes visiting it a must for anyone who finds themselves in the proximity of Salamanca.

Photo thanks to: Max Westby, Granadadian Weirdo, Cadampol, Adry, Yishac, Turismo de Tenerife, Machbel, Rlasaosa, Fernando Cuenca, Turistas x Naturaleza