Spanish Language Schools in Playa del Carmen

We enjoyed Playa de Carmen we spend a week visiting adventure parks in the area via the Xcaret group. Xcaret, Xel-Ha, etc. The restaurants in Playa de Carmen were a mixed bag and we ate all over the spectrum from fine dining to street tacos. We visited Myan ruins in the local area and went to the beach. We really didn’t buy anything outside food and experiences we wouldn’t get anywhere else. The local people were welcoming and helpful and we never felt that safety was a problem.

Unfortunately, the beach is not very pretty, due to the presence of algae on the beach and in the water. This makes swimming unpleasant. It was hot, of course, but the humidity was rather difficult. Otherwise, the atmosphere was festive, with lots of tourists, stores and restaurants. The main street is very crowded. Several tours are available to visit the surrounding area at reasonable prices. As we couldn't swim in the sea, we found hotels with swimming pools for a fee.

Playa del Carmen is very touristy. Therefore not the cheapest city by Mexican standards. By Swiss standards, however, life is much cheaper here. As a tourist you are often asked whether you want to buy something or go on a tour. For the language course, however, it was a good place to get acclimatized to the new country. There are many activities in the area.

Eating out is very good and cheap in the small restaurants away from the tourist mile. The prices for accommodation vary enormously. We had a flat a bit closer to the outskirts of the city and rented bicycles. This made us very mobile. Mexican drivers show great consideration for cyclists, quite different from Europe!

I love the school, but the city scene was not for me. If you like a club scene, then you will like. It was noisy and expensive. It was difficult to practice Spanish outside of the school because so many people want to and can speak English. I would use the school again but do it at one of the other locations.

I liked Playa del Carmen very much as there are many possibilities. From the beach to cultural programmes or nightlife, everything is there. It is very big. You can get from A to B quickly by taxi (approx. 5€ in the city) or by collectivo (approx. 1€). The people were very open and friendly.

I enjoyed the time we spent in downtown Playa del Carmen! The restaurants were excellent, especially Zitla, Sushi Club and Yum Yum by George! My husband and I have a trip to the area planned for November and I plan to show him around the downtown area!

We really enjoyed our stay. Playa del Carmen is a beach town where life is good. The locals are extremely friendly, but the town is not clean and the pavements are extremely dangerous for anyone daring to venture off the Quinta Avenida.

Playa del Carmen is a large town with all the benefits, but is also great for walking around and has a wonderful pedestrianised road parallel to the beach - great for running. Everyone very friendly and shop-keepers not too pushy.

Nice but not for very long. Very touristy. There are nicer beaches nearby and you don't have to be in Playa del Carmen to visit cultural activities. I also think it's expensive, especially a drink in a café, restaurant, etc.

Outdoor classrooms. Friendliness of teachers. Small groups. Morning classes.

4 February 2026
Course: Intensive 20 - 2 weeks
Student age: 60 years

The atmosphere at International House River Maya is not that college pressure at all, its relaxed authentic Mexican hospitality was a safe space for fun interactive learning. Would I go back? Yes I enjoyed the experience and the people at International House River Maya. While It felt like I was just there for a moment I genuinely felt like part of the International House River Maya family. The location was easily accessible, the teachers were warm and friendly, the coordinator worked hard to get people in classes that would help them progress in their individual Spanish learning journeys. The lessons started late enough we could grab a coffee and walk to class, they offered coffee sweet breads, eggs and other assorted breakfast items at the school's main kitchen for a very small fee. Frankie, offered to prepare food such as eggs and coffee at a cost far below anything you'd find in town. When class broke for lunch, Frankie was there ready with lunch supplies mostly toasted sandwiches, coffee, juices etc. Again at such a low cost there is no point to look for anything else.

29 January 2026
Course: Intensive Course - 1 week
Student age: 56 years

The school is very well located and all the teachers are dynamic and welcoming.
Positive: Frankie, who is in charge of the cafe, among other things, is extremely friendly. Always smiling and available, he is a definite asset to the school. Negative: One of the teachers was not at all friendly. She didn't even introduce herself during the first lesson and always gave very concise answers to my questions, as if I should have known the answer... even though I was there to learn! It's a pity, because she's a very good teacher in other respects, but I'm not sure I would have repeated my classes if I'd had her from the start.

28 March 2025
Course: Intensive Course - 3 weeks
Student age: 62 years

Lovely people and some excellent teachers. Central location. Great little cafe.
More and better organization would be better.

17 February 2025
Course: Intensive Course - 2 weeks
Student age: 58 years

The teaching staff and administration, being a family-run business, had a very close relationship and were wonderful people.

4 February 2025
Course: Intensive Spanish - 2 weeks
Student age: 38 years