Instituto Superior de Español Otavalo, Ecuador
- Small class sizes
- Every afternoon free organized leisure activities for adults
Location: Instituto Superior de Español is located in the centre of Otavalo, Ecuador. There are shops, restaurants, bars, grocery stores and historical landmarks on the streets close to the school.
Getting around: Otavalo is a small city, and is easily accessible by foot. For those who prefer to take public transportation, the central bus terminal is a 10-minute walk from Instituto Superior de Español. From here, there are bus routes in Otavalo as well as to nearby cities such as Quito.
Things to see in Otavalo: The Mercado Artesania Otavalo is the famous market in the city. It is known throughout the region as a must-see attraction. The school is 1 minute from the market and all the hustle and bustle around it. The Peguche Waterfall and Laguna de San Pablo are natural attractions outside the city. The waterfall is a 50-minute walk from the school, whilst the lake is just under 60 minutes away by foot.
Course structure: Instituto Superior de Español teaches Spanish group courses as an intensive programme, or as a combination course along with private lessons.
Spanish Courses
Standard Course
20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from189US$180US$ / week More

Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 189 180 | 378 360 | 567 539 | 756 719 | 945 898 | 1134 1078 | 1323 1257 | 1512 1437 | 1701 1616 | 1890 1796 | 2268 2155 |
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Combined Course (20 group + 10 private)30 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from319US$304US$ / week More
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 319 304 | 638 607 | 957 910 | 1276 1213 | 1595 1516 | 1914 1819 | 2233 2122 | 2552 2425 | 2871 2728 | 3190 3031 | 3828 3637 |
Small group course with up to 6 students in the morning combined with private lessons in the afternoon. Private tuition allows you to focus on subjects you feel need further attention and to revise topics covered in the group course.
Super Combo Course (20 group + 15 private)35 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from399US$380US$ / week More
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 399 380 | 798 759 | 1197 1138 | 1596 1517 | 1995 1896 | 2394 2275 | 2793 2654 | 3192 3033 | 3591 3412 | 3990 3791 | 4788 4549 |
Small group course with up to 6 students in the morning combined with private lessons in the afternoon. Private tuition allows you to focus on subjects you feel need further attention and to revise topics covered in the group course.
Private Course20 lessons per week | 1 student (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from299US$285US$ / week More
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 299 285 | 598 569 | 897 853 | 1196 1137 | 1495 1421 | 1794 1705 | 2093 1989 | 2392 2273 | 2691 2557 | 2990 2841 | 3588 3409 |
Ideal if you want to learn fast or if you have a specific learning goal. You can tell your teacher about your particular needs and a tailored programme will be prepared for you.
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Semi-private Course20 lessons per week | 2 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from249US$237US$ / week More
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 249 237 | 498 474 | 747 710 | 996 947 | 1245 1183 | 1494 1420 | 1743 1656 | 1992 1893 | 2241 2129 | 2490 2366 | 2988 2839 |
Learn Spanish with a friend, your partner or a traveller companion. A great option if you want to progress fast but prefer to have a study partner.
Price per student.
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Spanish for Business20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from439US$418US$ / week More
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 439 418 | 878 835 | 1317 1252 | 1756 1669 | 2195 2086 | 2634 2503 | 3073 2920 | 3512 3337 | 3951 3754 | 4390 4171 | 5268 5005 |
Learn Business Spanish while getting a new perspective of the world from a small town dedicated to commerce and to keeping their traditions alive.
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Spanish for Medicine20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from439US$418US$ / week More
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 439 418 | 878 835 | 1317 1252 | 1756 1669 | 2195 2086 | 2634 2503 | 3073 2920 | 3512 3337 | 3951 3754 | 4390 4171 | 5268 5005 |
Improve your Spanish skills and learn specific medical vocabulary.
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
DELE Preparation Course
20 lessons per week | 6 students (max)Starts weekly (every Monday)Offer!from439US$418US$ / week More

Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 12 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price at school (US$) Our price (US$) | 439 418 | 878 835 | 1317 1252 | 1756 1669 | 2195 2086 | 2634 2503 | 3073 2920 | 3512 3337 | 3951 3754 | 4390 4171 | 5268 5005 |
This programme will get you ready to take the DELE exam.
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Our prices for Instituto Superior de Español include
- INCLUDED Organized activities
- INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
- INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
- INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
- INCLUDED Language level placement test before arrival
- INCLUDED For adult courses: every afternoon free organized leisure program
- INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
Student opinions about Instituto Superior de Español, Otavalo
Instituto Superior de Español, Otavalo
Ratings of Instituto Superior de Español compared to ratings of all schools in Ecuador
Instituto Superior de Español Otavalo | Average of all other schools in Ecuador | |
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Homestay | ||
Shared flat |
Instituto Superior de Español (ISE)
General school facilities
Microwave for student use
Cafeteria
Library
Lounge
Rooftop terrace
Balcony / terrace
Student support desk
Copy machine
Printer for student use
Soccer field / football pitch
Self-study areas
Free coffee
Free WIFI
Free water dispenser
Non-smoking (all indoor areas, but not all outdoor areas of school)
Smoking zones (outdoors)
Tourist information
Assistance with entrance ticket purchases
Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs
Assistance with organizing transportation
Paid parking (<500m)
Classroom equipment
Ample natural light in all classrooms
- Number of classrooms: 5
- Number of public PC workstations: 2
Student Age / Nationality
Student Nationality | Percentage of students |
---|---|
USA | 20% |
Germany | 20% |
Switzerland | 20% |
England | 15% |
France | 10% |
Netherlands | 5% |
Japan | 5% |
Brazil | 1% |
China | 1% |
Korea | 1% |
Italy | 1% |
Information for all courses offered by Instituto Superior de Español
The Instituto Superior de Español program to learn Spanish in Otavalo takes place in this Andean town located in the north of Ecuador in the province of Imbabura. This is one of the most important destinations in the country because its inhabitants still maintain their roots, which are strengthened by their myths, legends, customs and ancient traditions. It is a perfect place to buy gifts. Close to the city, you can find the Peguche waterfall, a natural area full of energy.
01 Jan 2025, 25 Dec 2025.
Airport transfer
Leisure activities
Examples of leisure activities organized by the school
Adults - Free activities
Hiking
The Indigenous Market
* Many museums free of charge
Adults - Paid activities
Accommodation
Homestay 1 rating Single room, Breakfast & 1 meal
Shared bathroom
from
245 US$/ week Show more
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 245 | 490 | 735 | 980 | 1225 | 1470 | 1715 | 1960 | 2450 | 2940 | 245 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Homestay 1 rating Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), Breakfast & 1 meal
Private bathroom
from
210 US$/ week Show more
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 210 | 420 | 630 | 840 | 1050 | 1260 | 1470 | 1680 | 2100 | 2520 | 210 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
Student Residence Single room, Breakfast
Shared bathroom
from
210 US$/ week Show more
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 210 | 420 | 630 | 840 | 1050 | 1260 | 1470 | 1680 | 2100 | 2520 | 210 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
The student residence is located around 25 minutes walking distance from the school, or 5 minutes via bus.
The manager of the student residence is a bilingual professional. She has plenty of experience accommodating students at her home. Accommodations at the student residence are offered as a private room. Breakfast is included.
Student Residence Double room (only for 2 people travelling together), Breakfast
Shared bathroom
from
175 US$/ week Show more
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 175 | 350 | 525 | 700 | 875 | 1050 | 1225 | 1400 | 1750 | 2100 | 175 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
The student residence is located around 25 minutes walking distance from the school, or 5 minutes via bus.
The manager of the student residence is a bilingual professional. She has plenty of experience accommodating students at her home. Accommodations at the student residence are offered as a private room. Breakfast is included.
Student Residence Shared room (multiple beds), Breakfast
Shared bathroom
from
140 US$/ week Show more
Weeks | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 12 | Additional Week |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price in US$ | 140 | 280 | 420 | 560 | 700 | 840 | 980 | 1120 | 1400 | 1680 | 140 |
Prices based on accommodation from Sunday to Sunday
Price per person
The student residence is located around 25 minutes walking distance from the school, or 5 minutes via bus.
The manager of the student residence is a bilingual professional. She has plenty of experience accommodating students at her home. Accommodations at the student residence are offered as a private room. Breakfast is included.
Questions and answers about Instituto Superior de Español
- I am 59 years old. At Intituto Superior de Español, Otavalo, are there often other students who are also 50+ years old?“When it is winter in North America and Europe (around January/February), between 30-60% of our students are over 58 years old.”Eugenio Córdova, Academic Director from Instituto Superior de Español - Feb 14, 2024
FAQ about Instituto Superior de Español, Otavalo
- What is the best price for a course at Instituto Superior de Español, Otavalo?Spanish courses at Instituto Superior de Español start at 180 US$ for Standard Course course with 20 lessons per week. When booking here you benefit from an exclusive discount.
- What is the number of students per class at Instituto Superior de Español?Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Instituto Superior de Español varies from 1 students (Private Course) to 6 students (Standard Course)
- Which countries are students of Instituto Superior de Español from?The highest Nationality percentage at Instituto Superior de Español comes from Germany with a 20% representation, followed by students from Switzerland (20%) and USA (20%).
- Instituto Superior de Español offers courses for which ages?Instituto Superior de Español offers courses from 12 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 25 for the rest of the year.
Terms of Instituto Superior de Español




Visa Documents

These Spanish lessons take place in small groups, often of between just 2 to 6 participants. This is ideal for those who prefer an easy-going classroom environment in which it’s easy to speak with your fellow classmates and work together as a team.
If you feel that after starting the course your group’s Spanish level is significantly higher or lower than your own, then you can request a change of group - so you can be sure that the teaching staff will pay attention to your needs as the course progresses.
Please keep in mind that although the school promotes a relaxed environment in these classes, most students participating in this programme are trying to improve their Spanish intensively and in the least time possible.