Some people learn a lot at language schools, personally, I don’t. Spanish-speaking travel destinations vary from the extreme to the exquisite, the famous to the infamous. Perhaps you want to scale a mountain, enjoy star treatment at a luxury resort, spot celebrities on the Riviera, or just enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The Basque people in Northern Spain have maintained their unique culture and traditions for thousands of years. While Quito in Ecuador has a reputation as being fairly dangerous, Cuenca is in my opinion, a very safe place. The capital city, Lima, offers exotic beaches, as well as an authentic Latin American city experience with dancing and fountains. I think Panajachel is a great option because with 17 000 people it is the biggest town in the area. Panama is the gateway to South America. For example, Indo-European is a huge family tree which includes almost every single European language as well as such diverse languages such as Bengali, Hindu-Urdu, Persian, and Punjabi. The largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, referring to population size, is Mexico with over 118 million people (2013). I got a visa extension in Sucre, it was free and took about 5 minutes at immigration. Cartegena is a beautiful Colonial city on the shores of the Carribean. But, if you have already been to La Paz you will have no problems with the thin air in Sucre. Plus, Spanish class doesn’t have access to the amazing beaches, delicious authentic food, and access to the best cultural celebrations in the world. You can easily get western quality amenities at a very affordable price. Granada is a very livable, cheap, medium-sized city. There was a unique hybrid culture that developed through the intermingling of European, Native Indian, and African customs. In the past, this bleak perception of Latin America may have been accurate, but a lot has progressed since then. The church is the center of the family, which is typically large and paternalistic. It is widely claimed that Seville is the hottest major city in Europe, with July/August averages around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). The country has a high Global peace index of 33, with a low crime rate, clean water supply, and quality medical care with its world-class doctors and hospitals. If you are planning a trip I suggest checking out my Recommend Products. If you want a specific recommendation I will suggest Jabil Tinamit Spanish School in Panajachel, you can contact them at +502 7762 6056. When it comes to South America, Uruguay is about as safe as it gets. One-quarter of the people (750 000) in the Basque region speak the mysterious Basque language. Today, it is known as Hispanic in the Spanish-speaking territories. No city in the world is totally secure, but I will make sure to only recommend the safest places I know of. Total Points. Wine also features heavily on the Argentinian landscape. One thing to keep an eye on is the possibility for natural disasters. While most of Colombia is safe if you know what you are doing, it could be a dangerous country for inexperienced travelers. Iceland, New Zealand, Austria, Portugal, Denmark, and Canada make up the top five safest countries in the world. Add to Playlist 78 playlists. Bilbao is a medium-sized city, but also the largest city in the northern region of Spain. The biggest culture shock in Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America is by far the act of greeting other people. I have been to 10 Latin American countries in Central and South America and I plan on visiting more. Given the considerable influence of Spain on the Spanish-speaking territories, are Latin and Spanish the same? Sure, Spanish immersion software is good, but being in a Spanish-speaking country wins—you can easily spend way more time speaking, reading and thinking in Spanish than any course can offer. So I suggest going between October-March when the weather is more civilized. Compared to Seville, which I recommended earlier, Bilbao has much cooler temperatures. Catholicism dominates, brought by the Conquistadors in the 15th Century. Some people actually prefer to learn Spanish in León, but Granada would be my preference because it isn’t nearly as hot. Even if you aren't a fluent Spanish … These picturesque Latin America countries are some of the, Unfortunately, popular opinion has long held, So, which Spanish speaking countries can you feel safe visiting, on the continent. Safety problems can happen anywhere, including american countries like the United States, which interestingly is one of the world’s largest Spanish-speaking countries with a sizeable Latino community. There are a number of great Spanish schools in Cartagena, Centro Catalina Spanish School is one good option. These Latin countries are some of the safest Spanish speaking countries to visit! Pros: With the locals speaking Spanish with barely a waft of an accent, it’s a great place for beginners to get their ears in. The church is the center of the family, which is typically large and paternalistic. Travel to South America, and you’ll understand the instant appeal of this vast continent. It’s an artist’s dream: the mountains of the Andes, the atacama desert of Chile, the ranches and vineyards of Argentina, the rainforests of Colombia, and the beach resorts of Costa Rica. Panama City is also an ideal city to live and work in, with high salaries, low taxes, and a reasonable cost of living. It has exquisite beaches and majestic mountains, where the ancient city Machu Picchu sits. The country has a high Global peace index of 33, with a low crime rate, clean water supply, and quality medical care with its world-class doctors and hospitals. @2020 - All Right Reserved. Lago Atitlan is a crater lake at 1600 meters (5250 feet) above sea level. You have 3 options, Chile, Uruguay and Spain. Many hikers, thrill seekers, and adventure enthusiasts travel across the world to visit The Amazon and to experience raw nature in its pure beauty but while you make your way here, you should know that the Amazon is a very safe place to travel when it comes to the crime rate. The country that was home to the Velvet Revolution got 1.375 points for low per-capita military spending and relatively few acts of violent crime. You won’t have to worry about crime when you’re out and about at night, either. Passion Roamer. It is the second-largest country in South America and the eighth largest in the world. Note: Cusco is at 3400 meters (11200 feet) elevation, so you need to be careful in Cusco especially if you don’t tolerate high altitude well. Lots of seasoned world travelers love Spain so much that they eventually settle down and live there. Continue Reading. Many people believe that Cuenca is the best retirement destination in the world and I can see where they are coming from. Many consider Costa Rica not only an excellent tourism destination but an ideal place to live, work, and retire as its one of the safest countries. One of us! Advertisement. In my article on Bolivia, I say that Sucre is the most livable city in the country. There are actually Spanish schools in towns all around Atitlan. Whether you have a trip planned soon or just think you might want to go to a Spanish-speaking country somewhere down the road, travel can be a huge motivator that can propel your Spanish to the next level. You will find that Iceland ranks as the safest country in the world on the global peace index. Note: it’s not safe to hike in between the towns on Lago Atitlan, you are better off taking a boat. Check out the top 11: 11. I spent 2 weeks there and I wanted to stay a lot longer, but I had already booked a flight back to Canada. This is because of the quiet streets, beautiful buildings, and open friendly people. If you visit a Spanish-speaking country, you can learn the language better in a few weeks than you would in a class for a whole semester. Uruguay in South America is one of the safest travel countries in 2021. Sure some of this depends on talent, but in it often comes down to how hard they are trying. With a global peace index of 75 and only seven homicides per 1000 people annually, this country is high on the safety ladder as the safest countries in Latin America. Today's Rank--0. If you are a human, do not fill in this field. Spanish is one of the most popular languages on earth. Cons: Spanish tuition in Colombia can be more expensive than comparative classes in other parts of Latin America. Travel to South America, and you’ll understand the instant appeal of this vast continent. Honestly, you could stay anywhere on the lake and be happy. There are tons of beautiful cities and towns in Spain, the country is a goldmine. Lots of people appreciate the beauty of Sucre and decide to take Spanish classes here, as a result, there are plenty of different Spanish schools to choose from. The 100 Safest Countries In The World For COVID-19. Panamanian Spanish was also easy to understand, and takes on a melodic cadence similar to Spain or Italian. Spanish is one of the four foreign languages that can be useful and spoken in over 25 countries throughout the world. Out of the 25 countries topping the list of the globe’s safest, the majority are European nations. This decline is a result of the vigilance and competence of the police and border patrol officials from the country’s official border agency, SENAFRONT. I love Spanish, it’s actually my favorite language to speak. What makes this language so unique is that unlike almost every other language in the world, Basque is unrelated to any other language. They are ranked as the “most livable and greenest country” in not only South America, but also North America. That can have a … I'd guess Chile and Uruguay are generally the safest. Spanish is widely spoken along the border states of the southern U.S. and in big cities such as Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, & New York. If you are planning on coming to Bolivia on a tourist visa and staying for longer than a month you will need to extend your visa. That’s why I am going to recommend the safest city in Colombia, Cartegena. There was a unique hybrid culture that developed through the intermingling of European, Native Indian, and African customs. I always keep track of where people got robbed and have a running tally, this gives me a pretty good sense of which cities are safe and which cities are dangerous. Actions. There’s not a single tutor, blog, textbook or study course that will disagree: The single best way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. With daily averages around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) in the summer and around 10 degrees Celsius (50 Degree Fahrenheit) in the winter. It is gorgeous with a perfect climate year round. It’s an artist’s dream: the mountains of the Andes, the atacama desert of Chile, the ranches and vineyards of Argentina, the rainforests of Colombia, and the beach resorts of Costa Rica. Cuenca is definitely one of my all-time favorite places in South America. After transitioning back to Democracy, the America Uruguay relations are very strong. Uruguay is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America, making it a fantastic choice for There are actually Spanish schools in towns all around Atitlan. Chile’s diverse landscapes comprise of deserts, beaches, mountains, and lush forests, and a stunning national park which makes this country stand out. Another factor to consider is whether or not you have the discipline to force yourself to learn independently. Costa Rica is known as “the rich coast,” and it is a tropical paradise over in central america. It also happens to be the only First World country that speaks spanish. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Argentina has a cosmopolitan city that is accessible, modern, fashionable, and full of high-quality eateries. Overall, the safest Spanish-speaking country is unquestionably Chile, which is basically a European country. It is a diverse country that traverses the continent with the mountains of the Andes to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Some people spend years in Latin America and never even learn basic Spanish, while others reach a conversational level in a few months. While I consider Bolivia to be a beautiful and fascinating country, many of the touristic destinations are at absurdly high altitudes. There is a travel advisory for people going to Uruguay. You’ll experience some crime, but should you take the recommended precautions and heed travel warnings, these incidents will be minimal. Popular with both expats and tourists, there is a lot to see and do here. What makes it so different from the social, political, and economic paradises of Mexico, Cuba, Colombia, Peru, Honduras, and all the rest? Is it Safe to Travel to Africa Right now. Seville is the capital and biggest city in Spain’s southern Andalusian region. It is MUY, muy caro! Other notable countries in Latin America include Cuba, Guyana, American Uruguay, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Definitely a safe country to visit. It has a. to see how cattle ranching is done authentically. This usually means that they speak more slowly and more clearly. Panajachel, Guatemala . Rolos (residents of the capital city of Bogotá) are quick to inform foreigners that they speak the best Spanish in all of Latin America. This land is the home of beef and a carnivore’s heaven. Argentina is hands-down the beef capital of the world. Global Peace Index Rank: 27/163. The country has now started to receive a plethora of tourists, and the crime rate has decreased. Other notable countries in Latin America include Cuba, Guyana, American Uruguay, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Safety problems can happen anywhere, including american countries like the United States, which interestingly is one of the world’s largest Spanish-speaking countries with a sizeable Latino community. The crime rate in Peru is almost zero, and, with a Global peace index of 80, Peru is can be a the top of the safer places to visit in Latin America. Is it Safe to Drink Tap Water in Colombia, The Best Places in the World to Visit for a Week. Add to favorites 397 favs. Despite this there are many safety reports that make traveling to this country a low-risk venture. It was also pivotal in understanding Spanish culture on the continent. Why? You can take a tour of the beautiful estate vineyards dotted all over the countryside, as well as the ranches that still maintain traditional country living. The United States is one of the safest countries in the world compared to Latin America countries. One option for learning Spanish in Cusco is Mundo Antiguo Spanish School (+51 946 683 111). This coastal country is the most peaceful in Latin American, according to Index rankings. There are plenty of cafes and bars in Granada, a market, beautiful lakes nearby, and anything else you might need. It is a warm and welcoming country with a convenient and modern capital city, San Jose. Granada, Nicaragua is a beautiful colonial city on the shores of Lake Cocibolca (Lake Nicaragua). I recommend the Spanish School of Cuenca, you can call them at +593 99 890 3149. Given the considerable influence of Spain on the Spanish-speaking territories, are, Latino Spanish differs from European Spanish in both language and culture. The 8 Safest Places in the World to Learn Spanish. Spain is probably the safest, and most stable, of the Spanish speaking countries. The safest countries for expats, according to the survey, span across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. While I have never personally had any issues with safety, I have met dozens of travelers who have either been robbed, mugged, or kidnapped. Casa Nica Spanish School is a group of all female teachers who can help organize homestays, volunteering opportunities, and other activities. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The good news is that almost everyone speaks Spanish and obviously they won’t expect you to learn Basque. Those are the 3 safest countries in terms of homicides among Spanish speaking countries. Sure there are some criminals in Cuenca, after all, there are more than 700 000 people in the greater metropolitan area, but you shouldn’t have any issues. There are dozens of Spanish schools in Seville, check out Sevilla Speaks (+34 954 21 53 44). If you love hiking and history, Peru and machu picchu is the right place to visit. Now, won't you please start calling it Czechia? There are over 20 Spanish speaking countries and more than 70 nations with measurable Spanish speaking populations worldwide. Should I Travel to South America or Africa? Ecuador, according to the site hanaviolet provided, has a fair degree of security risk, which surprises me. Mexico has it all. Latino Spanish differs from European Spanish in both language and culture. My plan is to spend the next year or two in Latin America improving my skills. It has a Global Peace Index (GPI) of 28. sits. The US and UK did not make the top of the list. What Are The Safest Spanish Speaking Countries? Spanish as a Former Official Language. Of course, I can’t skip Spain in this article, I actually include another Spanish city later on as well. The country scores with a very low COVID -19 cases report rate, excellent medical capacity – at 84 percent, the capacity score of international health regulations ( IHR ) is even above the European score of … It’s always advisable to read the State Department’s. Spanish has no official recognition in the Central American nation of Belize, a Commonwealth realm where English is the official national language. Though the Amazon may not be a country in itself the thick rainforest covers about nine countries in total which earn it its very own place on the list. All you need is your passport, a photocopy of the front page of your passport, a photocopy of the visa page on your passport, your Tam Card (they give this to you at the border), and a photocopy of your Tam Card. For instance, the word potato in Spanish is, Safest Countries to Visit for Spanish Speaking, hile is stunning—almost ethereal. All 3 of them also have a fairly high standard of life compared to other countries that speak Spanish…. on the South American continent. With more than 300 million native Spanish speakers worldwide, there are many Spanish-speaking countries you can visit. You will find that Iceland ranks as the safest country in the world on the global peace index. Roque has given a great description for what to expect in Honduras and the upper CA countries. (That said, my dad’s best friend just got robbed of $2000 of camera gear by armed robbers on the Paris subway, so it’s not like Europe has huge bragging rights when it comes to safety.) We haven’t even covered all the other safest countries that qualify on the global peach index to be listed among the. 0. One good option is Me Gusta Spanish School, you can call them at +591 4 6436243. You need to get 100% to score the 18 points available. This European influence contributed immensely to the religion and national language of the people. The United States is one of the safest countries in the world compared to Latin America countries. 18. Argentina, the rainforests of Colombia, and the resorts of Costa Rica. Be sure to be aware of your surroundings when it comes to possible pickpocketing, mugging, handling money and other similar situations. The capital city, Lima, offers exotic beaches, as well as an authentic Latin American city experience with dancing and fountains. Visit the land of the gauchos to see how cattle ranching is done authentically. You’ll have a wonderful time in this Latin america country. So, which Spanish speaking countries can you feel safe visiting? The Czech Republic dropped three spots this year, but still made it into the top 10. Rest assured, if you follow some basic safety precautions, you should be fine in every city I recommend. Chile is stunning—almost ethereal. In fact, in my experience, it is sometimes better to learn Spanish in places where locals speak a different first language. It has exquisite beaches and majestic mountains, where the ancient city. For more than 200 years Cusco was the capital of the Incan Empire, the notorious conquistador Francisco Pizarro was dumbfounded by the beauty of Cusco and called it a “Very noble and great city”. Male culture is full of machismo and honor, and people believe in hard work. BUT, I would not go if your husband is paid in dollars given the current high value of the Euro. I learn a lot more through private study and conversations with people, I think it depends on your personality. Online quiz to learn Spanish Speaking Countries; Your Skills & Rank. You’ll also be impressed with the sophisticated cities, filled with fantastic architecture, beautiful surroundings, fashionable people, mouth-watering food, and reasonable standards of living. The Ciudad Amurallada (Old Town) is refined and touristic, the rest of Cartegena is more gritty and authentic. That said, it does not mean there is no crime that happens in Uruguay. The problem is that Latin American countries can be dangerous, especially for people who aren’t used to traveling. In Peru, there are some rural areas, according to the site hanaviolet provided, that are dangerous because of remnants of the Shining Path. Bogota is one … Also a very safe place to visit in the Latin America world. It is a warm and welcoming country with a convenient and modern capital city, San Jose. 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