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All Spanish schools in Otavalo
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Instituto Superior de Español
Otavalo, Ecuador

Luis Alberto de la Torre - 100201 Otavalo - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • 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

General Language
FREE changes
Starting dates
Every Monday

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.

Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Minimum required student age
12 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
55 min
Special note for 2025 holiday season: If you plan to take a course during the high season months of April, June, July or August 2025 we urgently advise you to book as early as possible. In 2024 many schools were fully booked during the holidays, and the situation is unlikely to be different for 2025 due to a current shortage of teachers, which affects most schools.
FREE changes
Starting dates
Every Monday

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.

Course specific data
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
55 min
FREE changes
Starting dates
Every Monday

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.

Course specific data
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels: Beginner (A1) - Proficiency (C2)
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
55 min
Private
FREE changes
Starting dates
Every Monday

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.

Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Minimum required student age
12 years
Students per class
Maximum: 1 / Average: 1
Lesson duration
55 min
Student comments about "Private Course" at Instituto Superior de Español
robert 3.0
"it was well enough presented that i might return for another month or two"
FREE changes
Starting dates
Every Monday

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.

Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Absolute Beginner (A0)
Minimum required student age
12 years
Students per class
Maximum: 2 / Average: 2
Lesson duration
55 min
Business
FREE changes
Starting dates
Every Monday

Learn Business Spanish while getting a new perspective of the world from a small town dedicated to commerce and to keeping their traditions alive.

Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels with the exception of Beginner (A1)
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
55 min
FREE changes
Starting dates
Every Monday

Improve your Spanish skills and learn specific medical vocabulary.

Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Language levels of course
Suitable for all levels with the exception of Beginner (A1)
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
55 min
Exam PreparationWhy exam preparation courses are excellent for optimum progress
FREE changes
Starting dates
Every Monday

This programme will get you ready to take the DELE exam.

Course specific data
General course schedule
4 daily lessons of 55 minutes will take place within the following possible time slots. The exact schedule will be assigned on the first day of class according to your level:
Morning: 8:30 - 12:30
Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00
Possible course durations
1-99 weeks
Required minimum language level
Elementary (A2) or higher
Minimum required student age
18 years
Students per class
Maximum: 6 / Average: 5
Lesson duration
55 min

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

Videos & Photos

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Student opinions about Instituto Superior de Español, Otavalo

3.6
Overall school rating of
Instituto Superior de Español, Otavalo
5 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
4.0 
Facilities
2.4 
Social activities
3.2 
Organisation
3.2 
Course
Quality of teaching
4.0 
Value for money
3.4 
Accommodation
Homestay
4.0 
Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (0 ratings)
0.0 
Students 18-30 years (1 rating)
4.0 
Students 31-49 years (0 ratings)
0.0 
Students 50+ years (3 ratings)
3.3 
Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
3.0
Liked
The manner in which grammar was taught
Disliked
The amount of time the first instructor spent of his cell phone. He may be addicted to it,
Details of the review
Quality of teaching / language progress: it was well enough presented that i might return for another month or two
Course: Private Course [Spanish] 20 lessons per week - 4 weeks
Review date: 20. Jun. 2022 by robert shiersr
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0
Liked
Right in the center
Details of the review
Course: Classico, Standard Course - 3 weeks
Review date: 4. Jan. 2008 by Guillaume Donnat
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of Instituto Superior de Español compared to ratings of all schools in Ecuador

 Instituto Superior de Español OtavaloAverage of all other schools in Ecuador
Overall school rating3.54.6
Location of the school4.04.7
Facilities2.03.9
Social activities2.74.3
Organisation3.04.5
Quality of teaching4.04.5
Value for money3.34.4
Homestay4.04.4
Shared flat3.04.4

Instituto Superior de Español (ISE)

Accreditations and Quality seals
Preferential Terms in Case of Visa RefusalMinistry of Education in Ecuador
Spanish teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
Student gender mix
50% male / 50% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at Instituto Superior de Español and you book here.
Year of school foundation
1994

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
Additional comment about facilities of school
Our School in Otavalo is centrally located. The school is near Plaza de Ponchos. Our Otavalo branch allows our Students to participate in our professional program while immersing in a different culture in a quiet charming small town.

Student Age / Nationality

Top student nationalities
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%
Average number of students
In summer: 25
Throughout the year: 25
Minimum age of students
18 years
12 years for specific Junior courses
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 5
Adult courses Throughout the year: 5
Junior courses In summer: 5
Junior courses Throughout the year: 5
Average age of students
In summer: 25 years
Throughout the year: 25 years

Information for all courses offered by Instituto Superior de Español

Lesson duration
55 minutes
School's administrative fee
40.00 US$
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Comments about courses

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.

Individual classes
Individual tuition can only be reserved in a whole individual course package.
Days without class
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025, 25 Dec 2025.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Full number of lost classes are made up
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per Spanish language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Best arrival airport is Quito Mariscal Sucre.
More details about airports near Otavalo and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Otavalo page. For flight comparisons to Otavalo, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Leisure activities

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Otavalo is a town surrounded by mountains and natural lakes. Activities available in the area include:
Hiking
The Indigenous Market
* Many museums free of charge

Adults - Paid activities

* Cooking Party
activity possibledistance from school
Basketball1 km
Cooking-
Dancing1 km
Football (soccer)1 km
Golf9 km
Horse riding1 km
Mountainbiking4 km
Music1 km
Sailing9 km
Swimming1 km
Table Tennis1 km
Volleyball1 km
Yoga1 km

Accommodation

This accommodation option includes airport pickup.
Check-in
Sunday
Check-out
Sunday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
35 US$ (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Single room
Private bathroom
Optional at 35US$
Distance from school
25 minutes walking.
Includes
Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
Meals
Breakfast & 1 meal.
Minimum age of students
18
This accommodation option includes airport pickup.
Check-in
Sunday
Check-out
Sunday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
30 US$ (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
Private bathroom
Included
Distance from school
25 minutes walking.
Includes
Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Private bathroom.
Meals
Breakfast & 1 meal.
Minimum age of students
19

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.

Check-in
Sunday
Check-out
Sunday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
30 US$ (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Single room
Includes
Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
Meals
Breakfast.
Minimum age of students
18

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.

Check-in
Sunday
Check-out
Sunday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
25 US$ (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Double room (only for 2 people travelling together)
Includes
Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
Meals
Breakfast.
Minimum age of students
18

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.

Check-in
Sunday
Check-out
Sunday
Note: It is important to inform the school if you plan to arrive or leave outside the standard check in/check out times.
Price extra night
20 US$ (Individual extra nights bookable at indicated extra night price)
Room Occupancy
Shared room (multiple beds)
Includes
Towels, Bedding/linen, Weekly cleaning, Access to laundry service, Access to Wifi in building (Free WIFI), Shared bathroom.
Meals
Breakfast.
Minimum age of students
18

Map  

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Other language schools in Otavalo offering Spanish courses: 

Questions and answers about Instituto Superior de Español

  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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)
  • 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 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

First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 8:00
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoWestern Union - logoBank Transfer - logo
Legal name/parent company
Tax registration ID: RUC1708852163001

Visa Documents

Nationals from USA do not require a visa for travelling to Ecuador and attending a language course.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
Yes
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.
years
Starting date
Course available
Check-in date
Check-out date
incl.
Course material included.
FREE cancellation
FREE changes
Course available on selected date
See availability
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4.0 
More information about Otavalo including climate data and events on our Otavalo page with a list of all 2 Spanish schools in Otavalo.
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