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Boquete, panama

Boquete, with its alluring Caldera river flowing through its center, is an idyllic small town nestled in the Chiriqui highlands with a tropical but cooler climate.

Boquete is famous for high quality coffee production. In the surrounding area you find immense tropical forests, waterfalls,  running rivers, hotsprings and natural rock formations. The Baru volcano, with an elevation of almost 3.500 meters, is the highest point in the country. A true paradise for active eco-tourists that also want to learn Spanish!

 

  • Caldera Hot Springs
  • Learn Spanish with Spanish at Locations
  • Welcome to Spanish by the River - Boquete
  • Rock climb Boquete!
  • Fresh and local veggies - Boquete
  • Rock climbing in Boquete
  • Spanish Classes in Boquete
  • Tree Trek Boquete
  • Climb Volcan Baru!
  • Boquete town
  • Tree Trek Tours - Boquete
  • Learn to cook like a local - Boquete
  • Cangilones - Boquete
  • Waterfall rappelling adventures in Boquete

Relaxing in lush green surroundings

Spanish by the River – Boquete, one of our three schools in Panama, is located in the Chiriquí Highlands. In 2005, the school was founded in “Alto Boquete,” 5 minutes before downtown. You can relax in the garden or in the hammocks while studying or catching a sunset over Volcán Baru.  In town you can find all the amenities necessary: hotels, apartments, supermarkets, organic foods, coffee shops, gyms, yoga classes, spas and massages, discos and dive bars. Boquete is recently becoming famous for its live music and funky venues.

The School & Hostel has accommodations for 10 guests. There are 3 teaching stations and and an office with two computers for student use. Wifi can be found in the office, the hostel as well as all the surroundings.

Who likes to study at Spanish by the River – Boquete?

Nature lovers, ecotourists, mountain folk, wanderers, extreme sports enthusiasts and the serious student will love Boquete for the relaxing learning environment and the rich outdoor culture of the town.

So why Boquete?

  • Breathtaking mountains, stunning rainforests and amazing cloud forests.
  • Small, safe, beautiful and inexpensive town with very friendly people.
  • Tons of options for ecotourism to combine relax, adventure and learning.
  • Best place to learn, tour, and sample world renowned coffee.
  • World class hotels and restaurants.
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All options for this location

Students in classes with Teache

Intensive Spanish Course

If you want to learn faster:

  • 6 hours of group lessons* per day/ 5 days per week
  • max 6 students per class
  • morning (8 till 12) or afternoon (1 till 5) + evening sessions (5 till 7) 

*When only one student with this level: 3 hrs private (same price).

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Three students on a table with study materials

Standard Spanish Course

What most students choose:

  • 4 hours of group lessons* per day/ 5 days per week
  • max 6 students per class
  • morning (8 till 12) or afternoon (1 till 5) sessions

*When only one student with this level: 2 hrs private (same price).

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Hang-out area in Boquete Rock Cabin

Boquete: Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals often provide more room and amenities for your travel dollars than a typical hotel. It is also a great option for families or larger groups since you will have more privacy.

We selected the best options for you in Boquete and its surroundings.

 

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Hotel room with garden in front Boquete

Boquete: Other hostels & hotels

It can easily happen that our own hostel is full or that you prefer to stay in Bajo Boquete instead of Alto Boquete where we are located. It can also be that you prefer something different, more private or with more luxury.

For this reason we have selected the best options in the area for you in the three categories: budget, middle-class or luxury.

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Lady and her son in her local kitchen

Boquete: Home stays

A homestay is an essential part of an immersion Spanish course; only by mixing with the local people and having to speak the Spanish language you are going to do it and learn it naturally!

Maybe you are a bit hesitant but you need to know that our families are used to receving foreigners like you in their homes and making them feel comfortable even if you don’t speak Spanish. They will be able to communicate with you!

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Students on front patio of school

Boquete: Our hostel

The hostel that forms part of Spanish by the River – Boquete in Alto Boquete is the perfect little retreat to live, study and space to return to after exploring the multitude of outdoor activities of the area.

Our backyard garden, fully equipped communal kitchen, open and welcoming environment and a maximum of ten guests at a time, all help to create a comfortable, relaxed and peaceful place to call home while in Boquete.

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large group of smiling students

Dinners & Nightlife

Dinners, parties and going to the local bars and discos are a great way to get to know your fellow students, relax and have some fun. So don’t miss the get-togethers during the week and especially on the weekends! Panama City, Bocas del Toro and Puerto Viejo offer vibrant nightlife every day of the week. In Boquete and Turrialba it is generally more centered around the weekend.

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Student at peak of volcano

Volcano Visiting

A lot of us live in places where no volcanoes are found. Even though they can, at times, become active and erupt lava, we still would like to see one or even be walking on one! A volcano is active if it is erupting lava, releasing gas or generates seismic activity. A volcano is dormant if it has not erupted for a long time but could erupt again in the future. Once a volcano has been dormant for more than 10 000 years, it is termed extinct.

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Group of zumba people in local gym

Gyms for Workout

Working out has many benefits, not only physical ones but also some related to improvement of your studies. It boosts brainpower (it increases levels of brain-derived protein in the body, believed to help with decision making, higher thinking and learning). It also sharpens memory. With the availabilty of gyms nearby you can continue your workout routine while learning Spanish at our schools!

 

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Volunteer holding baby monkey

Wild Animal Rescue Center

A wild animal rescue center is dedicated to rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals. Some wild animals are taken out of their natural habitat by humans in order to use them as pets or with the intention to save them. Once they are abandoned, wild animal rescue centers want to teach them and help them retain natural wild behaviors so they can be returned to their natural habitat. These centers are also great places for people to appreciate wild animals and become willing to participate in nature conservation and education.

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Three girls soaking in natural hot springs

Hot Springs

Hot springs are formed by nature when ground water is heated by geothermal forces and brought to the surface, typically becoming diluted with cool surface water.  However, the greatest pleasure comes not from the visual aspect at the spring, but from getting into the water for its therapeutic powers, not to mention that it feels really good and rejuvenates!

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Group of girls dancing salsa

Latin American Dance Class

Once you get into dancing you realize what you have been missing .. you´ll remember you have a body, you have fun, it is cheap and you can meet interesting people. The hormone dopamine will be released and activate the learning centers of you brain .. so much needed to learn Spanish! You can learn salsa, merengue, bachata, cha-cha-cha and reggaeton. ¡A bailar!

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Two persons doing barbecue in party

Friday Night Barbecue

At all schools, every Friday, we organize a potluck barbecue in which the school provides some drinks for all guests and all participants bring some food to share. Various international dishes are often sampled at these barbecues. It is a nice way to finish a week of studying Spanish, connect and celebrate!

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Students cutting fruits and vegetables for cooking workshop

Local Cooking Class

What is a better way to study Spanish than learning all about the food, flavors and how to prepare tasty local dishes? Let’s combine the classroom with the kitchen and not only learn Spanish words for the ingredients and commands like ¡mezcla! but also prepare gallo pinto, arroz con pollo or bananas flambé and make sure you immerse yourself in the culinary culture of Costa Rica or Panama and enjoy some delicious food!

 

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Group listening to tour guide in jungle setting

Bird Watching Tour

Bird watching creates a great opportunity to do some exercise, be outdoors and breathe fresh air. It is not only a very relaxing activity, it also provides you with a private animal reality show and because you will be doing this with a local guide, you will be learning lots about the tropical forest and its inhabitants, not only about birds!

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Two girls in a kayak paddling through mangroves

River & Sea Kayaking

Kayaking in rivers and oceans is for anyone looking for an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors! In addition to being fun, easy and enjoyable, kayaking is also a great low-impact workout. You can combine it with going to the beach, fishing, camping, snorkeling or having a picnic next to the river or on the beach.

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Group on bikes in front of forested park setting

Mountain Bike Tour

Mountain biking will keep you fit, make you breathe fresh air, get you to visit new places and make you become one with nature. Although a lot of roads maybe a bit steeper than you are accustomed to, you will be surprised how many trails we take you that you can easily do!

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Group hiking through costa rican forest

Hiking Tour

A healthy body is a happy body and one of the best ways to achieve this is to get plenty of exercise. Hiking is an economical way to increase your activity level, while offering plenty of health benefits. Hiking through a beautiful area in our unique locations can als calm your nerves and lift your spirits. Hiking with a group provides an excellent opportunity to learn about tropical ecosystems, socialize and exchange ideas with others!

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Group standing at the top of a large waterfall

Waterfall Tour

Few things in nature are as mesmerizing as a waterfall. The thunderous roar as water spills over cliffs and the light glistening off the spray is an example of sheer force. Costa Rica and Panama are countries where hundreds of cascading waterfalls can be found throughout the rainforest and mountainous areas. All great destinations for a day hike and a refreshing afternoon swim.

 

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People riding horses on the beach

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding in the past was the only way people travelled through the countryside. It´s a very special activity because not only is it enjoyable, fun and relaxing, but you also get an up-close view of the beautiful natural surroundings.  While riding you can enjoy an abundance of flora and fauna. During a trip of a few hours you will establish a relationship with your horse and make you feel connected with nature!

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Person ziplining through moutain forest

Ziplining in the Canopy

Ziplining is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing and most thrilling adventure activities! Safely clipped in a harness, you glide from platform to platform by way of free-moving pulleys suspended on cables high above the ground. This is a unique and exhilarating experience!

 

 

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River rafting along the bank of the Pejivalle River

Rafting

White Water Rafting or simply rafting, is a popular outdoor activity which makes use of an inflatable raft to navigate down a river. This sport is adventurous but not dangerous if you are under the supervision of an experienced guide. You will learn the use of safety equipment and the different skills and techniques that you will need to steer the raft properly and enjoy the ride. Rafting is a fun and exhilarating activity that you can only do in places with gradations, therefore Costa Rica & Panama are ideal places to experience the thrill of the river!

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Red fresh coffee beans

Coffee Tour

The story of the grano de oro (golden bean) in Central America began in the 18th century and continues to this day. Coffee has played a pivotal role in the development of Costa Rica. It has shaped social, cultural and political institutions and is still one of country’s major agricultural exports.  In Panama there are fewer areas that are favorable for coffee cultivation. However, in the area of Boquete (Panama), Geisha beans, one of the worlds best coffee beans, are cultivated and would be worth exploring!

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Students in climbing course in Boquete.

Wall Climbing

Sports that involve a bit of fear or excitement cause your body to release endorphins, dopamine and other neurotransmitters that are more powerful than lot’s of drugs! Climbing is a both a physical and mental challenge. The rock is like a puzzle that you solve through body movements and different techniques in order to reach the top. Try it and be ready to get hooked on climbing for life!

 

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Volunteers posing with dogs

Dog rescue camp

Make the most of your time in Boquete by helping the dogs and the two persons that run this rescue center

Besides working on your (related) Spanish skills, you will also be helping a local initiative to rescue dogs that have been mistreated or abandoned. Taking them to the monthly clinic is also part of the work. This project is perfect for people that maybe don’t have too much time since 1 day dedication is already highly appreciated.

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Volunteers taking care of animals

Rescue Center for Wild Animals

Volunteering in a rescue center for wild animals provides an opportunity to learn about wildlife!

Some wild animals are taken out of their natural habitat by humans in order to use them as pets or with the intention to save them. The rescue center takes care of the rehabilitation and reintroduction of these wild animals into natureMost animals stay for a limited amount of time, until they are ready to return to the wild. Others will not be able to go back to the wild due to their poor physical condition. The center makes sure they have a comfortable and happy life!

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Foreign volunteer with local indigenous girl

Center for Indigenous people

Doing volunteer work with indigenous people opens your eyes to a different world!

In Costa Rica, indigenous people make up 1.7 % of the total population. In Panama, they make up between 5 and 8 % of the total population. Official discrimination does not exist in these countries, however education, health care and land property are sectors where they are still less favored. These are areas where volunteers can provide needed benefits.

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European girl with Panamanian doctor in clinic

Medical Clinic

Working as a volunteer in a medical clinic is beneficial for both you and the community!

It will not only help you  build your medical Spanish skills,  but also give you valuable insight into the unique healthcare challenges facing Costa Rica and Panama. You will build connections with healthcare professionals in these countries. Observing doctors working, taking vital signs and joining doctor meetings are just some of the activities that you might get involved in.

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People doing manual work sitting at a table

Center for adults with a challenge

Helping adults with a challenge can be an educational and rewarding activity!

Besides working on your (related) Spanish skills, you will also gain valuable insight into the unique healthcare and educational challenges facing Costa Rica and Panama. Furthermore you will also build connections with local professionals and work on improving your résumé.

Speech therapy, special education, social work, physical/exercise therapy and physical education are valuable skills for the local providers.

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Foreign girl writing on a blackboard in Costa Rican Classroom

English classes for children & adults

Spanish speaking people often have a basic grasp of English grammar, but you can help them improve their pronunciation skills!

By providing conversational English classes you can greatly enhance the learning experience and the future prospects of thousands of children and adults. As you assist with the local curriculum, your students will enjoy learning about you and your culture. You will have the option to volunteer in a school setting or in some other community initiative.

 

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Two girls with snorkel gear getting into the sea

Spanish & Adventure – PANAMA

Wow! Learn Spanish & enjoy nature in Panama which this package.

Best places and activities of  Boquete (mountains) and Bocas del Toro (island) are included. At both locations you can add other activities for an extra cost or volunteer work. You can also arrive before or stay afterwards, paying $12 per night for a shared room at our hostel.

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Tucan sitting on a branch

Spanish & Birdwatching

Combine Learning Spanish with your passion for birdwatching!

Wether you like to walk and chat or to search for that one special bird, we´ll make birdwatching a personal experience for you. Your specific interests are important to us. Two afternoon hikes with a specialized guide is included.  

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Students crossing old suspension bridge in mountainous forest area

Spanish & Hiking

Combine Learning Spanish with your passion for hiking!

Learning Spanish and going on relaxing hikes make the perfect combination for a stress-free, educational experience.  You can dedicate part of the day to learn Spanish and the other part to participate in two half day hikes in the surroundings of our fascinating locations. 

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One person climbing and lots of people looking at the wall

Spanish & Rock Climbing

Combine Learning Spanish with your passion for rock climbing!

Climbing is very much a physical and mental challenge. The rock is like a puzzle that you solve through body movements and different techniques in order to reach the top. Rock climbing is an extreme sport that involves gymnastic maneuvers using the body’s energy in the most efficient way. Two afternoons of climbing are included in this attractive package.

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Students having fun rafting in Turrialba

Spanish & Rafting

Combine Learning Spanish with your passion for whitewater rafting! 

You’ll enjoy one full and one half day of whitewater rafting on two different rivers in the surroundings of our location. Of course we take your rafting experience into account to make sure you have a safe, enjoyable and memorable river journey!

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Yoga on the balcony of Spanish by the River - Turrialba.

Spanish & Yoga

Combine Learning Spanish with your passion for yoga!

What a perfect combination, exercising the mind through studying Spanish and relaxing the mind through yoga!

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Especially for students that want to travel, learn Spanish ánd visit 4 of our amazing locations!

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