Spanish Immersion Retreats
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
General Information
Spanish Immersion Retreats are your opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, traditions, and language of Spanish speaking countries. They’re specifically designed to give a wholistic and practical approach to not only learning Spanish, but to understanding the culture of the places you visit.
Currently, our retreats are based in Mexico exclusively. We’ve hand picked our favorite cities in Mexico based on their distinct cultural significance, culinary excellence, and beauty to share with you the best the country has to offer.
Each retreat is one week long and has a limit of twelve participants.
Retreats are announced two weeks at a time: Week one is for beginner to intermediate students, and week two is for intermediate to advanced students.
Week 1 (Beginner/Intermediate) is for students who have trouble speaking, understanding, and expressing simple ideas in Spanish. This week is for students who are near true beginners or early intermediates who need some explanations in English to help them fully understand concepts explained during tours or in classes.
Week 2 (Intermediate/Advanced) is for students who are comfortable expressing ideas in Spanish and who would like to improve their abilities by learning more complex structures and colloquialisms in Spanish. This week is for students who are seeking an experience that is almost entirely in Spanish.
Still unsure about which week is for you?
Our team is available to help you evaluate your Spanish and choose the right experience for you. Click here to schedule a quick 15-minute placement call where we will assess your level to ensure you get the most out of your experience in Mexico with us.
What’s Included?
This is what is included with your registration:
- All coaching and materials throughout the week
- Private driver pick-up and drop-off at the airport. The driver will be right outside customs
- Seven nights accommodation
- All breakfasts and lunches (vegan, vegetarian, lactose-free, and pescatarian options available)
- Dinner (2 nights).
- A series of informal immersion events to practice Spanish throughout the week
- All scheduled activities, tours, and entrance fees
- local guides
What’s Not Included
Here’s what’s not included:
- Flights to/from Mexico
- Meals and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Passport/visa fees
- Optional activities
- Gratuities/tips
Our Spanish Immersion Retreats involve a significant amount of walking as part of our immersive cultural and linguistic activities. Therefore, it’s important that attendees are physically prepared for this. We recommend being able to comfortably walk between 10,000 and 15,000 steps per day. This is roughly equivalent to 5 to 7.5 miles, depending on your stride length.
Please note that the level of difficulty can vary based on the specific city we’re visiting due to the unique topography and elevation. Some cities might be more demanding than others. For instance, Guanajuato City is considered the most physically demanding city on our itinerary. Known for its elevated location, hilly terrain, and thousands of alleyways, attendees should be prepared for a more strenuous experience in Guanajuato City.
We strongly advise attendees to wear comfortable and supportive footwear, suitable for long periods of walking and potentially uneven surfaces. It’s also advisable to start a regular walking or fitness routine before the retreat if you aren’t accustomed to this level of physical activity. However, your health and safety are our top priority. If you have any concerns about your physical condition or if you have any specific health issues, please consult with your doctor before booking your retreat.
Additionally, we ensure there are adequate rest periods and we can always provide options for those who might find a day too challenging. We aim for a balance between immersive cultural exploration and your personal comfort and enjoyment. After all, the retreat is not just about physical fitness, but also about experiencing the rich Spanish culture and improving your language skills in a supportive, enjoyable environment.
Booking & Payments
If you made a one-time payment then your spot on the retreat is paid in full. If you selected the payment plan option you will be charged automatically on the same day each month until you have paid in full.
Deposit and Payment Plan Options
A $475 USD deposit reserves your spot on the Immersion Retreat you registered for. The deposit for our Spanish Immersion Program is non-refundable after 30 days of signing up for the program. We offer a payment plan option that allows participants to pay their balance over 6 months once the deposit has been made.
Cancelation Policy
In the event that you need to cancel your participation in the program, the following policy applies:
- (a) If cancelation is received 60 days or more before the scheduled start date of the program, the deposit is subject to a 100% loss and the remainder of the payments will be refunded. If you have chosen the payment plan option, any payments made towards the balance after the deposit are also subject to a refund.
- (b) If cancelation is received 30-59 days before the scheduled start date of the program, the deposit is subject to a 100% loss and 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Retreat Organizer will be refunded. If you have chosen the payment plan option, any payments made towards the balance after the deposit are also subject to a 50% loss.
- (c) If cancelation is received less than 30 days before the scheduled start date of the program, the deposit and all further payments are subject to a 100% loss. If you have chosen the payment plan option, any payments made towards the balance after the deposit are also subject to a 100% loss.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise and will do our best to accommodate any changes to your participation in the program. However, we ask that you please understand that the deposit is non-refundable after 30 days and the above policy applies to cancelations received after that time.
In addition to the above policy, refunds for registrations for our Spanish Immersion Retreats 60 days or less before the Retreat start date are not eligible for refunds. This means that if cancelation is received less than 60 days before the scheduled start date of the program, the deposit and all further payments are subject to a 100% loss and will not be refunded. We strongly recommend that participants consider purchasing trip cancelation insurance to protect their investment in the Retreat.
Company-Initiated Cancelations and Unforeseen Circumstances
In the event that Spanish and Go must cancel the Retreat due to reasons within our control or unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, political instability, or other events that make it impossible or unsafe to proceed with the Retreat, the following policy will apply:
- If Spanish and Go cancels the Retreat before the scheduled start date, we will make every effort to reschedule the Retreat or offer an alternative Retreat. Participants will have the option to transfer their deposit and any additional payments made to the rescheduled or alternative Retreat.
- If a participant is unable or unwilling to attend the rescheduled or alternative Retreat, Spanish and Go will issue a refund for the deposit and any additional payments made, minus any non-recoverable costs incurred by Spanish and Go, such as payments made to third-party vendors or other expenses directly related to the Retreat.
- In the case of cancelations due to unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend participants to communicate with their travel insurance provider, as their policy may cover additional costs or losses associated with the cancelation.
Spanish and Go is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by participants in preparation for the Retreat, such as non-refundable flights, accommodations, or other travel-related expenses. We encourage participants to consult with their travel insurance provider to ensure they have adequate coverage for such expenses.
Please note that if a discount code was applied to the deposit, the amount of the discount will not be refunded. The deposit amount is $475 USD, regardless of any discounts applied, and is subject to the terms of our refund policy outlined above.
You can book your plane ticket as soon as the trip has met the minimum number of participants. You’ll receive an email when the group minimum has been met.
If you need to update your payment information, please reach out to us at your earliest convenience.
If the payment method you have on file expires or is rejected during your payment plan you will automatically receive an email notification about the failed payment. This email will include a link to update your billing information. The charge will be attempted two more times over a period of ten days automatically. It’s important that your payment information be updated within this time frame.
Travel Information
- For the Guanajuato retreat, you’ll want to book your ticket to the Del Bajío International (BJX) Airport.
- For the Guadalajara retreat, please book your ticket to the Guadalajara (GDL) International Airport.
- For the Mexico City retreat, you should fly into the Mexico City (MEX) International Airport.
- For the Oaxaca retreat, please book your ticket to the Oaxaca (OAX) International Airport.
When planning your trip to Mexico, it can be difficult to decide which airline to book with. With so many options available, it’s important to know the pros and cons of each before making your decision. Aeromexico, Volaris, VivaAerobus and American Airlines are some of the most popular airlines for travelers heading south of the border.
American Airlines is a good option for flying to Mexico. With countless routes and over 6,000 daily flights, customers can enjoy reliable service and excellent amenities when they choose American Airlines. As the largest airline in the U.S., American Airlines offers travelers a variety of options when it comes to getting to their destination. Customers can book direct flights from major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago directly into Mexico City or other popular destinations like Oaxaca or Guanajuato.
Aeromexico is Mexico’s largest airline and offers flights from various US cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth and Chicago. It also has great deals on connecting flights within Mexico. Your reservation typically includes one carry-on, and you can check-in online. The downside? Few check-in kiosks at airports in America can make boarding complicated. Their service is comparable to that of American Airlines or Delta.
Volaris is a low-cost carrier offering budget fares from several US hubs like Las Vegas and San Francisco. The downside? Volaris is very strict with its luggage rules, are its most basic fares do not include anything other than a personal item to board with. If you’re on a budget and are prepared to purchase exactly what you need online ahead of time, this might be a good option for you.
Another popular budget airline in Mexico is VivaAerobus. Much like Volaris, VivaAerobus offers the bare minimum at a great price. Make sure you purchase your luggage when you book your reservation to avoid overpaying at the airport.
In our experience, all of the above airlines are good options for arriving to your destination. If you’re more concerned about comfort, go with American Airlines or Aeromexico. If you’re more budget-minded and plan to travel light, go with Volaris or VivaAerobus.
The advertised retreat dates indicate the arrival and departure dates. For example, a retreat scheduled for February 1st to the 7th would have you arriving on the 1st and departing on the 7th.
If you can arrive to your final destination between 10am-2pm that would be ideal, but we understand that’s not always possible and travel delays can happen. We’ll be sure you get picked up at the airport even if you’re scheduled to arrive after the suggested time or if you experience a travel delay.
Departure time is even more flexible than your arrival time, but most people opt to leave in the morning or early afternoon. Try to have your return flight be before 4pm on your departure day.
In some cases, participants prefer to arrive to the destination early. In these cases, we’re not able to provide transportation from the airport, but we can help suggest a hotel or Airbnb in the area where you can get acclimated before the whole group arrives.
Our online system makes the whole process of sending us your travel info a breeze, and it helps us ensure you have a great time for the duration of your stay.
It only takes a few minutes to submit your information if you haven’t already. You can do so here.
Please send us an email at your earliest convenience to let us know. You can also manually update your information here.
Traditionally, Mexico has had visitors fill out an FMM Card upon entering this country. This is currently being phased out in favor of a passport stamp where the number of days you’re permitted to stay in the country will be written by a Mexican immigration officer. On your immigration form and when asked, please indicate that you are visiting Mexico for tourism. This will make your customs process easier without them asking for any additional paperwork.
You’ll also need to indicate the address where you’ll be staying. Here are the current addresses for each of our retreats:
Guanajuato
Transversal del Carrizo, Cjon. del Carrizo 2, 36030 Guanajuato, Gto.
Oaxaca
C. de Manuel García Vigil 204 Ruta Independencia, Centro, 68000 Oaxaca de Juárez, Oax.
Mexico City
Merida 81, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX
Guadalajara
TBA
Policies & Requirements
Proof of travel insurance is required for your trip. You are welcome to choose any coverage you prefer, but we recommend SafetyWing as an economical option. For those seeking more comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellation, we suggest Allianz. Most basic plans range from $10-$40 per week. Get an instant quote using our widget below. Insuring your trip only takes a few minutes.
We request that all retreat participants send us the policy that covers them specifically during the trip. Sometimes the insurance credit cards offer only covers certain travel-related inconveniences such as flight delays and lost luggage, and not health emergencies.
Just to be on the safe side, we keep a record on our end of all health coverage participants purchase for the trip to make sure everyone is safe in the event of an emergency. Sending us a copy of your policy is vital to helping us ensure the safety of all participants.
While we understand that everyone’s needs and preferences are different, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate itinerary change requests. However, you are not required to attend all activities during the week.
If you’d like to arrive early or stay late, we can provide you with suggestions for optional activities or excursions that you can participate in on your own. Please note that any additional arrangements such as accommodation, transport and meals are the responsibility of the participant.
Additionally, if you have any specific needs or concerns, please let us know before the retreat and we will do our best to accommodate them within the parameters of the retreat.
Yes. While we would never invite you to somewhere dangerous, no adventure is without certain risks. Please take a moment to sign our waiver here.
Deposit and Payment Plan Options
A $475 USD deposit reserves your spot on the Immersion Retreat you registered for. The deposit for our Spanish Immersion Program is non-refundable after 30 days of signing up for the program. We offer a payment plan option that allows participants to pay their balance over 6 months once the deposit has been made. Please be aware that opting for the payment plan option incurs a 5% convenience fee on the remaining balance, which is applied to cover the administrative costs of managing these plans.
Payment Plan Commitment
For participants who choose our payment plan option, you are required to complete all scheduled payments in full, regardless of changes in your participation status in the Immersion Retreat. The cancelation policy outlined above still applies.
Please note that the availability of the payment plan is subject to the timing of the retreat. The six-month payment plan option is available to participants who register more than six months before the start date of the retreat. For registrations occurring fewer than six months prior to the retreat, the payment plan may be adjusted or unavailable, depending on the remaining time until the retreat begins. This ensures that all payments are completed before the retreat start date.
If a participant attends the Immersion Retreat but still has remaining payments, they must complete the payment plan in full. Attending the retreat constitutes an agreement to fulfill the financial commitment associated with the plan.
If a participant cancels their registration and has already started their payment plan, they must continue making payments according to the schedule. Refunds due to cancelations, as outlined in the cancelation policy above, will be issued based on the applicable percentage of payments made towards the balance after the deposit.
By opting for the payment plan, you agree to fulfill the financial commitment associated with the plan. Failure to do so may result in additional fees or penalties.
Cancelation Policy
In the event that you need to cancel your participation in the program, the following policy applies:
(a) If cancelation is received 60 days or more before the scheduled start date of the program, the deposit is subject to a 100% loss and the remainder of the payments will be refunded. If you have chosen the payment plan option, any payments made towards the balance after the deposit are also subject to a refund.
(b) If cancelation is received 30-59 days before the scheduled start date of the program, the deposit is subject to a 100% loss and 50% of the remainder of the payments made to the Retreat Organizer will be refunded. If you have chosen the payment plan option, any payments made towards the balance after the deposit are also subject to a 50% loss.
(c) If cancelation is received less than 30 days before the scheduled start date of the program, the deposit and all further payments are subject to a 100% loss. If you have chosen the payment plan option, any payments made towards the balance after the deposit are also subject to a 100% loss.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise and will do our best to accommodate any changes to your participation in the program. However, we ask that you please understand that the deposit is non-refundable after 30 days and the above policy applies to cancelations received after that time.
In addition to the above policy, refunds for registrations for our Spanish Immersion Retreats 60 days or less before the Retreat start date are not eligible for refunds. This means that if cancelation is received less than 60 days before the scheduled start date of the program, the deposit and all further payments are subject to a 100% loss and will not be refunded. We strongly recommend that participants consider purchasing trip cancelation insurance to protect their investment in the Retreat.
Company-Initiated Cancelations and Unforeseen Circumstances
In the event that Spanish and Go must cancel the Retreat due to reasons within our control or unforeseen circumstances, such as natural disasters, political instability, or other events that make it impossible or unsafe to proceed with the Retreat, the following policy will apply:
- If Spanish and Go cancels the Retreat before the scheduled start date, we will make every effort to reschedule the Retreat or offer an alternative Retreat. Participants will have the option to transfer their deposit and any additional payments made to the rescheduled or alternative Retreat.
- If a participant is unable or unwilling to attend the rescheduled or alternative Retreat, Spanish and Go will issue a refund for the deposit and any additional payments made, minus any non-recoverable costs incurred by Spanish and Go, such as payments made to third-party vendors or other expenses directly related to the Retreat.
- In the case of cancelations due to unforeseen circumstances, we strongly recommend participants to communicate with their travel insurance provider, as their policy may cover additional costs or losses associated with the cancelation.
Spanish and Go is not responsible for any additional expenses incurred by participants in preparation for the Retreat, such as non-refundable flights, accommodations, or other travel-related expenses. We encourage participants to consult with their travel insurance provider to ensure they have adequate coverage for such expenses.
Please note that if a discount code was applied to the deposit, the amount of the discount will not be refunded. The deposit amount is $475 USD, regardless of any discounts applied, and is subject to the terms of our refund policy outlined above.
Pre-Trip Information
- Post a travel notice with your bank
- Verify your phone carrier’s international plan
- Keep the address where we’ll be staying handy for immigration
Here’s a short list of the essentials:
- Valid Passport
- Debit card
- Sunscreen
- Good walking shoes
- Hiking pole (for people who need more assistance)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack or tote bag
- Personal toiletries
- Travel documents
- Any medications you may need
- A light jacket or sweater for the evenings
For clothing, be sure to check out our article on what to wear in Mexico. This can help you plan what kinds of cloths you should plan on packing to be comfortable during the trip.
While it is not necessary to bring a large amount of cash with you to our Spanish Immersion Retreat, it is helpful to have some cash on hand for tipping and small purchases. The amount of cash you bring or have available to withdraw depends on your personal preferences and whether you plan on buying souvenirs during your trip. Here are some guidelines to help you estimate how much cash you may need:
Tipping:
Consider setting aside some cash for tips. It is recommended to plan for a minimum of $80 MXN/day for tour guides and cleaning services. We recommend a minimum of $50 MXN per tour and $30 MXN per cleaning. Keep in mind that tips are never required, but are always appreciated. For more information about tipping in Mexico, we recommend reading our Ultimate Guide to Tipping in Mexico.
ATMs:
While you don’t need to bring a large amount of cash, there are numerous ATMs available throughout the retreat location for you to withdraw cash as needed. Keep in mind that your bank may charge fees for international withdrawals, so check with your bank before your trip to understand the fees and withdrawal limits. For more information about travel banking, we recommend reading our Ultimate Guide to Travel Banking.
Cash for Souvenirs and Personal Expenses:
The amount you bring or have available to withdraw for souvenirs and other personal expenses depends on your individual preferences. Consider setting a budget for souvenirs and any additional expenses that may arise during your trip, such as snacks or entrance fees for attractions not included in the retreat package.
Mexican Pesos:
To better understand Mexican currency, we suggest reading our article All About Mexican Pesos. The article covers the cheapest way to get pesos, how to convert U.S. dollars (USD) to Mexican pesos (MXN) in your head, and much more.
In summary, you should have enough cash on hand for tipping and small purchases, but there is no need to bring a large amount of cash, as ATMs are readily available. Be sure to check with your bank about any international withdrawal fees and limits, create a budget for souvenirs and personal expenses, and familiarize yourself with Mexican pesos to help determine how much cash you should bring or have available to withdraw during your Spanish Immersion Retreat.
Communication
You can expect to start receiving more detailed information and updates about the retreat via email approximately two months before the retreat begins. This information will include details on travel, accommodations, and will provide a way for you to submit your travel and insurance information. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to assist you.
If you signed up for the retreat yourself, we have the email address you provided at checkout and will use that email to keep you notified. If you signed up on behalf of your partner or spouse, we will also need their information. You can either sign them up or they can add themselves to the list by signing up here.
Before your trip you will receive a phone number (via email) where you can reach us directly. You will also be connected with us and other participants in your cohort via a group chat.
Still have questions? Contact our support team at [email protected].
¡Nos vemos pronto!
Un saludo,
-Jim & May
El camino es el destino. The journey is the destination.